The Founder Files

Metavolve
  • ٠٫٠ (٠)
  • الأعمال
  • يتم التحديث أسبوعيًا

Rated #1 Podcast for Entrepreneurs in South Africa in 2023 by Feedspot. The Founder Files is where founders come to explore proven growth strategies and real entrepreneurial challenges. Hosted by Cameron Coutts, each episode unpacks the complex journeys of scaling businesses, delivered by entrepreneurs who've walked the path. No script, no filter – just a fireside chat between growth-driven founders. If you’re seeking practical advice and relatable stories to fuel your growth journey, this is your go-to resource. Subscribe now!

  1. The Engineer Who Turned Beer into a Water Company – Stephen Walker, Ground 2 Tap

    ٤ نوفمبر

    The Engineer Who Turned Beer into a Water Company – Stephen Walker, Ground 2 Tap

    In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with Stephen Walker, founder and CEO of Ground 2 Tap, the South African engineering company transforming how homes and industries access clean water.From brewing beer in his parents’ garage to building one of the country’s most trusted water-engineering brands, Stephen shares how he bootstrapped Ground 2 Tap from scratch, with no investors, no shortcuts, and a relentless focus on systems, people, and purpose.He opens up about early failures (and leaking pipes), designing his business to scale from day one, and why he believes real success isn’t measured by funding rounds but by freedom, faith, and impact.This conversation is a blueprint for founders who want to build something that lasts; intentionally, sustainably, and on their own terms.We dive into:• How a home-brewing experiment sparked Ground2Tap• Early failures and the lessons that built resilience• Designing scalable systems before scaling revenue• Using AI to personalize sales and build customer trust• Building a purpose-driven business that blesses others• Why freedom is worth more than fundingIt’s practical, honest, and proof that purpose-driven engineering can change lives, one drop at a time.---------- Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-callThis episode is brought to you by Metavolve.Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/---------- To support The Founder Files:🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts🔗 Connect with Stephen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-walker-g2t/🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/---------- Chapters00:00 Introduction01:00 Growing up with entrepreneurial parents03:30 From UCT engineer to Bain consultant06:00 The beer experiment that sparked Ground2Tap09:15 Simplifying complex engineering for everyday people14:30 The first leaking prototype & break-even beginnings18:50 Early clients, Day Zero, and the first wave of growth26:30 Building systems that scale from day one33:40 Why his second hire was a salesperson41:20 Cloning his voice with AI to personalize every proposal47:00 Qualifying clients through empathy and education59:40 Managing two markets, residential vs commercial1:08:45 Bootstrapping, control, and saying no to investors1:17:10 Defining success: freedom, faith, and purpose1:23:50 Building a business that’s a blessing to others1:42:30 Creating culture, trust, and people-first leadership

    ١ س ٥١ د
  2. The Founder Who Sold Her House for 34 Tons of Salt - Samantha Skyring, Oryx Desert Salt

    ٢٧ أكتوبر

    The Founder Who Sold Her House for 34 Tons of Salt - Samantha Skyring, Oryx Desert Salt

    How do you scale a global brand without losing your purpose? In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with Samantha Skyring, founder and CEO of Oryx Desert Salt, the South African brand turning a natural Kalahari resource into an international success story. From selling her home and starting in a Wendy house to landing on shelves in Whole Foods USA, Samantha shares the deeply human story behind building a purpose-driven brand that refuses to compromise on integrity or sustainability. She opens up about surviving cash-flow crises, manifesting opportunities through intention, and why she believes gratitude and clarity are her ultimate business tools. This conversation is a blueprint for founders who want to grow globally while staying grounded in their values. We dive into: • Turning 34 tons of salt into a global business • Surviving early crises and finding the right investors • The power of intention and long-term vision in entrepreneurship • How Oryx got into Whole Foods and scaled to 23 countries • Building a sustainable brand: “Refill, not landfill” • Why meditation, gratitude, and mindset are the real growth strategy This episode is packed with lessons on building with belief, leading with heart, and proving that purpose and profit can grow together. ---------- Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-callThis episode is brought to you by Metavolve.Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/---------- To support The Founder Files:🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts🔗 Connect with Samantha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaskyring/🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/----------Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 10:20 The real story behind salt 17:00 From NGO to selling her house for 34 tons of salt 23:00 Finding partners, crises & networking to survive 27:00 Scaling to 23 countries & Whole Foods 30:00 Building a sustainable brand: “Refill not Landfill” 38:00 The COVID shock & the power of intentional focus 46:00 Running a low-margin, high-volume business 59:30 Vision, focus & meditation as a founder tool 1:17:00 The power of long-term intention 1:23:00 Gratitude as a founder superpower

    ١ س ٣٢ د
  3. The Butcher Who Wants You to Eat Less Meat - Andrew Nel, Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants

    ٢٠ أكتوبر

    The Butcher Who Wants You to Eat Less Meat - Andrew Nel, Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants

    How do you scale a business without selling out its soul? In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with Andrew Nel, co-owner of Frankie Fenner Meat Merchant, the Cape Town butchery redefining what ethical meat means in South Africa. From leaving a stable career in finance to leading one of the country’s most respected food brands, Andrew shares the raw realities of building a purpose-driven business in an industry known for its shortcuts. He opens up about how Frankie Fenner survived the chaos of COVID, what it takes to grow without losing quality, and the personal cost of entrepreneurship; from ownership transitions and burnout to rediscovering purpose. This is a masterclass in building with integrity, resilience, and heart. We dive into: • How Frankie Fenner redefined South Africa’s meat industry • The leap from finance to food and finding meaning in work • Surviving COVID through innovation and community support • The realities of co-founder transitions and leadership trust • Balancing growth, guilt, and the grind of entrepreneurship This episode is packed with lessons for founders on scaling sustainably, protecting your values, and leading with purpose. ---------- This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files: 🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on ⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts 💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with Andrew:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-nel-57434813a/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron: Instagram:   / thefounderfilespodcast  LinkedIn:   / cameron-metavolve  ---------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:00 The mission behind Frankie Fenner Meat Merchant 09:01 Scaling ethically and staying Cape Town-focused 14:13 From finance to food: Andrew’s personal journey 25:18 How they survived COVID through community 28:17 Becoming a co-owner and leading with trust 51:32 The chaos of growth and saying “yes” to everything 59:09 Working on vs in the business 01:14:13 Founder guilt and burnout 01:27:46 Finding happiness and doing business the right way

    ١ س ٣٠ د
  4. From South Africa to the World: How AURA Is Revolutionizing Emergency Response - Ryan Green, AURA

    ١٣ أكتوبر

    From South Africa to the World: How AURA Is Revolutionizing Emergency Response - Ryan Green, AURA

    What does it take to build a tech company that literally saves lives, and scale it from South Africa to the world? In this episode of The Founder Files, Cameron Coutts sits down with Ryan Green, Co-Founder and CPO of AURA, the emergency-response platform transforming how people access help anywhere, anytime. Ryan shares the story behind AURA’s rise from an idea inside a security company to a global safety platform trusted by insurers, banks, and e-hailing giants: • How AURA started by solving South Africa’s broken emergency-response system • The decision to go B2B instead of B2C, and why it changed everything • Building a marketplace that connects users to the nearest vetted responders in seconds • Expanding from South Africa to Kenya, the UK, and the US • Working with government to use data to predict and prevent crime • The culture, systems, and leadership mindset behind scaling a mission-driven company If you’re a founder, operator, or visionary building in tough markets, this episode will challenge your idea of scale, focus, and purpose, and remind you what it really means to build something that matters. ---------- Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-call This episode is brought to you by Metavolve.Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files: 🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on ⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts 💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with Ryan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-green-48b47952/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron: Instagram:   / thefounderfilespodcast   LinkedIn:   / cameron-metavolve   ---------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:19 The Problem That Sparked AURA 08:47 Security Meets Medical: Expanding the Vision 11:20 Inside AURA’s Business Model & Scale  15:06  The “Powered by AURA” Ecosystem 26:10 Scaling to 1.5 Million Users in SA 31:08 Building Radical Convenience for Users and Responders 46:35 Turning Data into Real-World Impact 01:00:54 The Truth About Crime in South Africa 01:09:16 Going Global: From SA to the UK & USA 01:20:11 Culture, Leadership & Scaling a Mission-Driven Team 01:35:19 Founder Reflections: Motivation, Mindset & Smart Hustle

    ١ س ٤٥ د
  5. How Humanity SA Built a 7-Figure Business with Zero Experience - Shaun Raaff, Humanity SA

    ٦ أكتوبر

    How Humanity SA Built a 7-Figure Business with Zero Experience - Shaun Raaff, Humanity SA

    What does it really take to build a business from nothing: no experience, no funding, and no plan, and still make it work? In this episode of The Founder Files, Cameron Coutts sits down with Shaun Raaff, the co-founder and CEO of Humanity SA, a people-first talent and consulting group that’s reshaping the way recruitment and employer branding is done in South Africa. Shaun shares the real story behind Humanity SA’s journey: How he went from PE teacher to entrepreneur with no business background. The eight years of no profit before their hockey-stick growth. The power of ADHD, sport, and resilience in business. Why Humanity wins by playing the long game, putting people and relationships before quick wins. The founder breakup lessons that shaped the company’s future If you’re a founder, business owner, or builder who’s stuck in the trenches, this episode will give you perspective, patience, and practical lessons to keep going. ---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://playbook.metavolve.co/ Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-call This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files: 🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on ⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts 💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with Shaun: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-raaff-98257230/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/ ---------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:28 How Humanity SA Started 07:21 Hockey Stick Growth: 8 Years, No Profit 14:18 How Sports and ADHD Shaped My Mindset as a Founder 26:14 The Real Reason Humanity SA Finally Scaled 49:54 From Four Founders to One: The Shareholding Journey 1:10:47 Crucial Conversations: Lessons in Conflict, Clarity, and Leadership 1:27:32 The Future of Humanity SA: Betting Big on People

    ١ س ٣٦ د
  6. Life After the Exit: Rebuilding, Reflecting, and Investing Smarter - Ariel Navarro, OneCart

    ٢٩ سبتمبر

    Life After the Exit: Rebuilding, Reflecting, and Investing Smarter - Ariel Navarro, OneCart

    What really happens after you sell your company? In this episode of The Founder Files, Ariel Navarro (Past co-founder of OneCart, acquired by Massmart/Walmart) opens up about life after exiting his business: the highs, the lows, and the lessons he wishes every founder knew. We dive into the emotional rollercoaster of stepping away, the reality of burnout, the money mistakes no one talks about, and how Ariel is rebuilding his life and career with new clarity and purpose. If you’re an entrepreneur chasing an exit (or recovering from one), this conversation is packed with hard truths and practical wisdom about wealth, identity, and what comes next. ---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://playbook.metavolve.co/ Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-callThis episode is brought to you by Metavolve.Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/---------- To support The Founder Files:🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts🔗 Connect with Ariel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielnavarro/?originalSubdomain=za🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/----------

    ١ س ٢٢ د
  7. Powering Africa: How Open Access Is Scaling Clean Energy, James Irons - Open Access Energy

    ٢٢ سبتمبر

    Powering Africa: How Open Access Is Scaling Clean Energy, James Irons - Open Access Energy

    How do you take a renewable energy startup and scale it into one of Africa’s leading clean power providers?In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with James Irons, as the past co-founder of SolarAfrica, how he grew it into one of SA’s leading energy players before exiting. From early struggles with cancelled projects to raising capital and powering mines, factories, and communities, James shares the behind-the-scenes journey of scaling a business at the heart of Africa’s energy future.We dive into: • Why Africa’s energy crisis is also its biggest opportunity • The challenges of regulation, funding, and market trust • Lessons in resilience, leadership, and navigating the rollercoaster of entrepreneurshipIf you’ve ever wondered what it takes to solve some of Africa’s toughest infrastructure challenges, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. ---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://roadmap.metavolve.co/ Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-call This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files: 🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on ⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts 💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with James:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-irons-89299b36/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/ ---------- Chapters 00:00 Introduction 08:10 How Solar Africa started in Kenya: The early challenges 21:20 First Major Joint Venture: Managing R300–400 million in CapEx 36:23 The Wheeling Revolution Explained 54:42 Open Access Energy’s role in Simplifying a Complex Industry 01:00:05 An existential founder moment: Why James Stepped Away from Solar Africa 01:01:24 Visionary vs. Integrator Partnerships 01:08:14 Entrepreneurship & Motivation Shifts 01:30:00 The origin story of Open Access Energy  01:36:23 James’s new role as Executive Chairman 01:45:38 Future of Open Access & Energy Markets

    ١ س ٥٢ د
  8. How RIYP Became South Africa’s Fastest-Growing Exporter - Uzair Essack, Riyp

    ١٥ سبتمبر

    How RIYP Became South Africa’s Fastest-Growing Exporter - Uzair Essack, Riyp

    How do you turn debt and risk into global growth? In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with Uzair Essack, founder of Riyp one of South Africa’s fastest-growing exporters in agriculture and logistics. From being a million rand in debt in his early 20s to building a business that ships fresh produce across the globe, Uzair shares the raw realities of scaling under pressure. He opens up about why he risked his last money to fly to Qatar in search of opportunity, how he reinvented the exporter–farmer model, and why he believes outsourcing beats in-house hiring for scale. This is a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and spotting opportunity in tough markets. We dive into: • How Uzair went from R1M in debt to exporting globally • The leap of faith that changed his life in Qatar • Why the old export model was broken and what he built instead • The power of outsourcing vs. hiring internally • Lessons from scaling one of SA’s fastest-growing exporting company This episode is packed with lessons for founders about risk, resilience, and building scalable systems that last. ---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://roadmap.metavolve.co/ Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-call This episode is brought to you by Metavolve.Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files:🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with Uzair:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uzairessack/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram:    / thefounderfilespodcast   LinkedIn:   / cameron-metavolve   ----------Chapters:00:00 Introduction04:14 How Uzair Built a Global Export Business Alone11:19 The Hidden Cost of Scaling Solo: Burnout & Bottlenecks13:27 Why Growing Up With Less Sparked Uzair’s Drive18:17 University Struggles: Choosing Hustle Over Assignments25:18 Pineapples, Persistence, and the First Steps Toward RIYP35:33 Breaking the Old Model: How Uzair Won Farmers’ Trust47:27 At 23 A Million Rand in Debt: From Suicidal Thoughts to Lessons in Resilience55:34 The Sheikh, The Deal, The Funding: Riyp’s First Big Break01:18:06 Outsourcing + Systems: How Ripe Scaled Solo01:37:28 What Does The Future Look Like For Riyp

    ١ س ٤٤ د
مشاهدة الكل (١٤٥)

مقطع ترويجي

حول

Rated #1 Podcast for Entrepreneurs in South Africa in 2023 by Feedspot. The Founder Files is where founders come to explore proven growth strategies and real entrepreneurial challenges. Hosted by Cameron Coutts, each episode unpacks the complex journeys of scaling businesses, delivered by entrepreneurs who've walked the path. No script, no filter – just a fireside chat between growth-driven founders. If you’re seeking practical advice and relatable stories to fuel your growth journey, this is your go-to resource. Subscribe now!

المعلومات

  • صناع العمل
    Metavolve
  • سنوات النشاط
    ٢٠٢٤ - ٢٠٢٥
  • الحلقات
    ١٤٥
  • التقييم
    فاضح
  • حقوق النشر
    © Metavolve
  • موقع البرنامج على الويب
    The Founder Files