Perception Paradox with Zivile (Zivi) Ein

Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte

Welcome to Perception Paradox - the podcast spotlighting Europe's Underdog Founders and focused on life, business & health. We dive into the complex relationships between perceptions, worldviews, and behaviors. Invite guests who've defied the ordinary, taken bold risks, and designed their own paths. Real people, real stories, real challenges - a weekly podcast that breaks the status quo and where authenticity meets inspiration. Every Monday, 4 PM CET. Hosted by Zivile (Zivi) Ein

  1. Jul 13

    E144: Europe Is Being Colonised. Most People Don't Know It Yet | Rodrigo Sepulveda Schulz

    Rodrigo Sepulveda Schulz has lived five careers in one lifetime. Born in Chile, raised in Thailand, 36 years in Paris, now Madrid. He's been a management consultant, a serial entrepreneur, a venture capitalist who screened 15,000 startups and backed 50, a broadcaster with hundreds of episodes, and today the CEO of a European AI company he believes is genuinely worth fighting for. In this episode we get into what it actually takes to build across decades without losing yourself, why Europe is being digitally colonised and what needs to happen before it's too late, the three things he looks for in every founder, and why a wine exam made him happier than any multimillion dollar deal ever did. And what does he love more than tech or wine? You'll find out at the end. Connect with Rodrigo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rsepulveda/ rodrigosepulveda.com Hosted by Zivile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction - Who Is Rodrigo Sepulveda Schulz?02:42 Reunion & The Lisbon Breakfast Memory03:32 Leaving Paris After 36 Years - What It Really Felt Like05:21 Wanderlust & Living in 87 Countries07:05 The Career Nobody Plans - How It All Started08:24 From Consulting to Entrepreneur: The Netflix Copycat11:00 Inventing Himself as an Angel Investor12:09 The Broadcaster Nobody Talks About - 800 Episodes14:11 Why He Became a CEO Again at This Stage of Life14:42 The Wine Exam That Made Him Happier Than Any Deal16:53 Nature vs. Zeros and Ones - Why Wine Changed Everything17:25 How to Turn Around a Company That's Stagnating20:11 What He Actually Looks For in a Founder22:01 Solo Founders vs. Co-Founders - Has the Game Changed?25:31 The Question He's Been Trying to Answer for Years27:00 Europe Is Being Digitally Colonised - And Most Don't See It29:28 If You Were Starting a Company in Europe Today31:00 The 5 Stages of AI - Where the Real Opportunity Is32:25 Final Thought - The One Language That Connects Us All

    E144: Europe Is Being Colonised. Most People Don't Know It Yet | Rodrigo Sepulveda Schulz
  2. Jul 8

    E143: Your Mind Is the Only Prison | Bas Wouterse on AI, Magic & Building a Life That Actually Matters

    What if success isn't about becoming a unicorn - but simply making the world a little better? In this episode of Perception Paradox, Zivile sit down with Bas Wouterse - technology leader, innovation strategist, magician, and one of the most thoughtful people she met through the startup ecosystem. Over the past two decades, Bas has built technologies that save lives - from augmented reality systems for spinal surgeons to healthcare innovations that received FDA approval and a TIME Magazine Innovation Award. Yet this conversation quickly becomes about something much bigger than technology. They explore: • Why your own mind can become your biggest prison• Why not every startup needs to become a unicorn• What AI will never replace about being human• The surprising lesson he learned after flying 48 hours to the Amazon - only to discover someone had unplugged his cables• How augmented reality is making operating rooms safer• Raising children, redefining success, and what money actually buys you• Why you should stop looking at the next mountain - and appreciate the one you're already standing on This episode is about innovation, curiosity, purpose, and the stories we tell ourselves. Because sometimes the biggest breakthroughs aren't technological. They're personal. Connect with Bas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baswouterse/Hosted by Zivile (Zivi): https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Connection 02:59 The Role of Magic in Life 05:49 Technology and Engineering Journey 10:46 Impact-Oriented Technology Development 17:17 Augmented Reality in Surgery 20:48 The Importance of Human Interaction 24:30 Navigating Development Challenges 28:12 Startup Patterns and Insights 33:44 The Pursuit of Happiness vs. Wealth 35:46 Reinventing Yourself: The Five-Year Cycle 37:59 Embracing Uncertainty in Life 39:13 Demystifying Technology for the Masses 41:46 Proud Innovations and Their Impact 42:48 Unlearning Authority and Finding Your Path 44:26 Teaching Values to the Next Generation 45:59 Breaking Free from Mental Constraints 46:34 Defining Identity Beyond Work 47:43 Accidental Journeys: Lessons from Brazil 57:16 Starting Over: Insights for New Beginnings 01:00:33 Living in the Present: Enjoying the Journey 01:03:39 Relationships and Shared Goals

    E143: Your Mind Is the Only Prison | Bas Wouterse on AI, Magic & Building a Life That Actually Matters
  3. Jun 29

    E142: Everything Changes When You Learn to Observe | Valerie Won Lee

    Most of us think we're observing reality. In reality, we're observing our own assumptions. In this episode of Perception Paradox, Zivile sit down with Valerie Won Lee to explore why observation may be one of the most valuable skills for founders, leaders, and anyone trying to navigate an increasingly complex world. Growing up across cultures and studying human behavior, Valerie shares how curiosity, cultural intelligence, and deep observation can completely change the way we make decisions, communicate, and build relationships. We discuss:• Why observation beats judgment• How culture shapes our perception• Identity and belonging• Why curiosity is becoming a competitive advantage• The lessons founders can learn from anthropology• How to become a better observer-in business and in life Sometimes the biggest shift isn't changing the world around you. It's changing the way you see it. Connect with Valerie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-won-lee/ Website: valeriewonlee.com Hosted by Zivile Einikyte: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/  Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Cultural Identity 03:58 The Journey of Self-Discovery 06:25 Resilience Through Curiosity 08:36 Experiencing Different Cultures 13:29 Lessons from the Pacific Islands 20:56 Observing Cultural Dynamics 25:49 The Impact of Technology on Collective Wisdom 30:48 Building a Better Future 39:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    E142: Everything Changes When You Learn to Observe | Valerie Won Lee
  4. Jun 22

    E141: The GLP-1 Food Shock: Is Ozempic Rewriting the Future of Food? | Live from TUTTOFOOD 2026 Milan

    What happens to the food industry when millions of people start eating less? In this live episode of Perception Paradox, Zivile Einikyte moderates The GLP-1 Food Shock, a Sesamers session recorded at the TUTTOFOOD 2026 International Startup Area in Milan. GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are changing appetite, cravings, portion sizes, and consumer behaviour. But what does this mean for restaurants, food retailers, food startups, investors, and the future of food? Together with Johan Jorgensen, Partner at Sweden Foodtech, Giancarlo Addario, Operating Partner at Maia Ventures, and Matteo Wagner, Co-Founder of Cusin Food, we explore whether GLP-1 is a temporary hype, a wellness trend accelerator, or a structural shock that could reshape the food industry. We discuss: How GLP-1 drugs are changing food consumptionWhy cravings for ultra-processed food may be decliningWhat happens to snacks, sugary drinks, alcohol, restaurants, and portion sizesWhether “GLP-1 friendly” food is a real category or just marketingHow food startups and investors are respondingWhy the future of food may be smaller, more nutrient-dense, and more intentional This session was recorded live at the TUTTOFOOD 2026 International Startup Area, organized by Sesamers. This conversation is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please note: this was recorded live on a busy trade show floor, so the sound quality reflects the live event setting. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to GLP-1 and Its Impact on Food Industry 05:54 Personal Experiences with GLP-1 Medications 11:45 Market Trends and Consumer Behavior Changes 17:35 The Future of Food and Health Innovations 23:53 Investment Strategies in the Evolving Food Sector 30:04 Final Thoughts and Recommendations for Food Startups

    E141: The GLP-1 Food Shock: Is Ozempic Rewriting the Future of Food? | Live from TUTTOFOOD 2026 Milan

Trailers

About

Welcome to Perception Paradox - the podcast spotlighting Europe's Underdog Founders and focused on life, business & health. We dive into the complex relationships between perceptions, worldviews, and behaviors. Invite guests who've defied the ordinary, taken bold risks, and designed their own paths. Real people, real stories, real challenges - a weekly podcast that breaks the status quo and where authenticity meets inspiration. Every Monday, 4 PM CET. Hosted by Zivile (Zivi) Ein