Entrepreneurship.AU with Christo Peter Christo

In this episode, I discuss Erik Zimmerman's remarkable journey. Influenced by his psychologist mother and futurist father, who profoundly impacted my own entrepreneurial philosophy, Erik has developed a keen understanding of human behaviour and business innovation.Erik’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked in 2006 after viewing "A Crude Awakening" at the Melbourne Film Festival. This experience led him to found Rezeko Pty Ltd, a renewable energy company later acquired by AGL in 2011. His commitment to sustainable solutions continued with his investment in Echo Group Corporation Pty Ltd, focusing on energy efficiency and solar technologies, which was acquired by Energy Australia in 2019.As CEO of Sitetech Solutions, Erik oversees operations that support over 2,850 building sites across Victoria with pioneering fencing and safety technologies, including the exclusive E Bracket, Kingfence, and Fence-Lok systems. He is also a major shareholder and Director of the upcoming Edutech startup Alcazar, which will launch in mid-2024, and a foundation investor in Treecoin.During our discussion, we covered the key elements that have contributed to Erik's success and his vision for making a difference in the world. His latest endeavor, the Wonga Forest project, aims to plant 100,000 trees near Daylesford, embodying his commitment to addressing global challenges and transforming consumer trends into successful business ventures. Join us as we delve into how Erik’s rich background and innovative mindset drive his mission to create impactful change.Join me in a most extraordinary conversation with Mr Erik Zimmerman.Contact Erik at Sitetech Solutions.https://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ERIK-ZIMMERMAN-PROD.mp3

This week, I enjoyed reconnecting with an old friend and fellow blockchain enthusiast, David Ritter. Our paths first crossed in 2017 in Shanghai, and David's intellect and passion for innovation in the financial services immediately stood out in our interactions.  After rekindling our connection a year ago, I was eager to have him share his insights on the show.David's journey is inspiring and deeply informative, especially in today's digital age, where privacy is paramount. He is currently making waves in the privacy sector, leveraging his extensive background in blockchain technology.David is CEO and co-founder of Privacy Lock, a pioneering company that offers privacy-compliant solutions to banks and financial institutions. His academic journey began at USC and was enriched by his professional experiences in China and the USA. Before Privacy Lock, David co-founded a blockchain company that played a critical role in enabling Web 3.0 technologies, which I believe was a landmark initiative in the field.David has spent six years specialising in compliance technologies for banks and financial entities. His previous venture involved creating tax compliance solutions for multinational banks—a testament to his innovative approach to complex challenges.Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, David also contributes to the broader privacy community. He chairs the Colorado Privacy Policy Commission and is an active member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals.David Ritter is a true visionary in the intersecting realms of privacy and blockchain. Please enjoy my conversation with Mr David Ritter. https://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/022-David-Ritter-PROD.mp3

Here's my conversation with Gaynor Lawton, an inspiring mentor helping both small businesses and teenagers navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.Gaynor believes that self-doubt can immobilise even the most confident entrepreneurs. This observation led her to focus on Business Development and Mentoring, ensuring that individuals grow along with their ventures.She has harnessed these insights to create TeenBoss, a dynamic training program that has the power to transform the aspirations of 16-18-year-olds, igniting their business ideas into reality.Join me as we explore Gaynor's own journey and discuss how she aims to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to conquer doubt and realise their business aspirations.https://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Gaynor-PROD.mp3

In this show, I interview Norm Jenkins again.  You may remember Norm was one of the first discussions on the podcast (EP#004).  Today, in Ep #020, we discuss the power of culture as a driver for entrepreneurial success in a start-up.  Norm and I discuss the power of establishing a solid culture at the beginning and building from there to minimize unnecessary friction and conflict and accelerate growth.  This includes the basis upon which the first foundational hires take place and the hard and confronting conversations we have to have with life partners.  This is complex and nuanced stuff but critical in the early stages.Enjoy my conversation with Norm Jenkins.Norm's contactable via linked-in (https://www.linkedin.com/in/normjenkins/) or email norm@i4d.com.au. https://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/020-Norm-Jenkins-PROD.mp3

Today, we have the pleasure of delving into the entrepreneurial journey of Mr. Nick Boniciolli, a dynamic entrepreneur hailing from Adelaide, Australia.Nick epitomises the entrepreneurial spirit, transitioning from his roots in a Heavy Metal band during his teenage years to pioneering alternative funding solutions for startups. Currently, he spearheads Optible AI, a cutting-edge technology platform dedicated to revolutionising decision-making processes.In our conversation, Nick offers candid insights into entrepreneurs' challenges, all while maintaining a sense of humour. His journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.With over a decade of experience in the startup technology realm, Nick has carved a niche in alternative funding and artificial intelligence. As the Founder and CEO of Optible AI, he has propelled the company to the forefront of the industry, notably achieving a remarkable 90% reduction in assessment time and vastly enhancing data capture capabilities.Beyond grants, Optible AI aims to transform various industries by leveraging its technology for optimisation and intelligent decision-making. Nick and his team empower organisations to maximise value and drive equitable decision-making processes through ground-breaking insights derived from extensive datasets.Nick's entrepreneurial journey began in a university lecture theatre, where his passion for the stock market fueled his initial ventures. His diverse portfolio spans sectors such as Music & Entertainment, Media Production, and Alternative Funding platforms, culminating in his primary focus on Artificial Intelligence.Academically, Nick boasts degrees in Engineering (Civil and Structural) and Economics, underscoring his multifaceted approach to entrepreneurship. Beyond business endeavours, he is also an accomplished film composer, showcasing his creativity beyond the boardroom.When he's not driving innovation, Nick embraces his musical roots, trading the laptop keyboard for a guitar and the office for the stage.Join us as we delve into the captivating journey of Nick Boniciolli, a visionary entrepreneur shaping the future of technology and decision-making.Nick can be reached on nick@optible.ai, and his business is at www.optible.comhttps://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/019-Nick-2024.02.28-PROD.mp3

Join me as I discuss Entrepreneurship in its rawest form, on he streets of Athens in Greece.Ilias Zervas is a multi-talented individual serving as a business consultant, musician, and entrepreneur. He pursued BioMedical Engineering studies at the University and hails from Koroni and Kalamata, Greece. With a knack for music, he excels in Jazz, American Swing, and Opera. As an entrepreneur, he's involved in diverse digital media and agriculture ventures. Additionally, he boasts significant experience as a business consultant, particularly in wind farming, electricity generation and business development.Zervas is renowned for his strong communication skills and keen observations on the Greek political and economic landscape. He's committed to driving change from the grassroots of the Greek business community.>>>CONTACT ILIA ZERVASinfo@zconsulting.comiliaszervas51@gmail.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@IliasZervasLeftakishttps://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Ilias-Zervas-PROD.mp3