The Engine - Founders Stories

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Explore the journeys of today’s most inspiring tech founders on The Engine – Founders Stories, hosted by Donna Owen, founder and fractional GTM leader at The Engine. Discover how visionary entrepreneurs overcame the “founder-led sales” trap to build predictable, scalable revenue engines - and learn how you can do the same for your business. Join Donna as she sits down with C-suite executives, startup pioneers and growth architects behind groundbreaking SaaS and fintech ventures. Each episode unpacks real-world challenges - from recruiting your first sales team to implementing cost-effective tech stacks - and shares the proven tactics that turned early-stage startups into market leaders. Whether you’re a founder ready to scale, a sales leader seeking fresh playbooks, or a startup advisor looking for actionable case studies, The Engine – Founders Stories delivers the insightful conversations and tangible outcomes you need. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform to join the revenue revolution of the future, today.

  1. AI in SME Lending for Bank Leaders to Solve the $5 Trillion Financing Gap with Rodrigo Malachias

    JAN 13

    AI in SME Lending for Bank Leaders to Solve the $5 Trillion Financing Gap with Rodrigo Malachias

    Welcome to The Engine – Founders' Stories Podcast. In this episode, host Donna Owen is joined by Rodrigo Malachias, Co-Founder of MedibleGo and CEO at Medible. Rodrigo shares how he built two global companies by combining technology, strategic consulting, and a deep commitment to understanding SMEs. He takes us through his journey from early technical training in Brazil to leading multinational teams, teaching innovation, and now scaling an AI-powered platform designed to help small businesses grow. Rodrigo explains how MedibleGo uses AI to bridge the information gap between SMEs and banks, unlocking better access to financing while giving founders the insights they need to succeed. He also shares candid reflections on burnout, resilience, and how running became an anchor for his mental and physical wellbeing. From global expansion to the importance of customer listening, Rodrigo offers grounded, practical wisdom for founders building with purpose. In this episode, Rodrigo breaks down how he transformed years of consulting experience into an AI-driven product trusted by both SMEs and financial institutions. He talks about bootstrapping two companies, securing Innovate UK grants, and why customer insight - not investment - is at the heart of sustainable growth. Rodrigo also opens up about his background, the turning points that shaped his career, and why balance, authenticity, and curiosity are essential to long-term success as a founder. Key Takeaways How MedibleGo uses AI to close the global SME financing gap.Why customer conversations matter more than investor conversations.Burnout, recovery, and how running became part of Rodrigo’s life philosophy.The power of iteration, listening, and humility in building a tech company.Global expansion and how the UK’s Global Entrepreneur Programme accelerated growth. Additional Insights Rodrigo began as a trained electrician and worked in manufacturing at 14.His non-technical PR degree sharpened his communication, teaching, and leadership skills.Years of consulting for global brands shaped Medible’s methodology and product evolution.He teaches innovation in Chile and is writing a book about resistance to new technology.Rodrigo believes scarcity environments (LatAm, Africa) create more resilient founders than wealthy ecosystems. Quotes from the Episode span class="ql-ui"...

    37 min
  2. What Really Happens When a Founder Shuts Down Their Startup After 8 Years? with Riaz Kanani

    JAN 7

    What Really Happens When a Founder Shuts Down Their Startup After 8 Years? with Riaz Kanani

    Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Riaz Kanani, a Serial Entrepreneur. Riaz shares his journey from starting businesses at a young age to leading successful ventures. He talks about his experience in building companies, exiting major players like IBM, and his approach to scaling businesses. Riaz also discusses the importance of adapting to changing markets, learning from customers, and finding the balance between highs and lows in the entrepreneurial journey. He emphasizes staying true to yourself and focusing on long-term goals. In this episode, Riaz shares how he helps businesses grow by building and scaling successful ventures. He talks about how he has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship. Riaz explains why adapting to changing markets and understanding customer needs is key to success. He shares lessons from his experience exiting companies to major players like IBM and how he approaches leadership. Riaz also discusses the importance of balancing highs and lows in the startup journey and why staying true to yourself is vital in business. Key Takeaways:Riaz’s journey from starting businesses at a young age to leading successful ventures.Adapting to market changes and understanding customer needs is key to success.Scaling a business requires a focus on long-term goals and smart strategies.Learning from both successes and setbacks is crucial for growth.Staying true to yourself and maintaining balance is essential in leadership. Additional Insights:Riaz started his entrepreneurial journey at a young age, founding businesses before finishing school.His experience with exiting companies like IBM shaped his approach to scaling ventures.He believes understanding technology and adapting to change is crucial for business success.Riaz values staying true to oneself and maintaining balance throughout the entrepreneurial journey.He encourages founders to focus on long-term goals and listen to customers to drive growth. Here are a few quotes from the episode: "Understanding technology and adapting to change is key to business success." - Riaz Kanani"Success isn’t just about exits; it’s about the long-term journey and learning from setbacks." - Riaz Kanani"Staying true to yourself and maintaining balance is the key to effective leadership." - Riaz Kanani Join Riaz as he shares how his experience in building and scaling businesses helps founders navigate challenges,

    28 min
  3. The Brand ROI for Startup Founders to Replace Sales Silos and Lead with Confidence - Bianca Bass

    12/12/2025

    The Brand ROI for Startup Founders to Replace Sales Silos and Lead with Confidence - Bianca Bass

    Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Bianca Bass, Chief Marketing Officer at Privalgo and brand consultant. Bianca shares how she helps companies grow by aligning brands with business goals. She talks about her journey from working in large companies like TripAdvisor and Selfridges to advising startups on marketing and storytelling. Bianca explains why understanding customers deeply is key and how creativity can cut through noise. She also opens up about burnout, her background, and why staying true to yourself matters in leadership. In this episode, Bianca shares how she helps businesses grow by connecting brands with revenue. She talks about her work as CMO at Privalgo and as a consultant for startups that need clear and creative marketing. Bianca explains why brand is not just design but a key part of sales and business success. She shares lessons from working at big companies like TripAdvisor and how she moved into startups to make a bigger impact. Bianca also talks about burnout, staying well, and why being yourself is the best way to lead and connect with others. Key Takeaways:Bianca’s move from big brands to startups to drive real impact.Brand is a business tool that supports sales and growth.Great marketing starts with truly knowing your customer.Creative, low-cost ideas can cut through noise and build trust.Success means staying well, being yourself, and leading with purpose. Additional Insights:Bianca started in copywriting before moving into senior marketing roles.Her time at TripAdvisor showed the limits of staying siloed in big companies.She believes brands should sit at the heart of business strategy.Bianca supports women and underrepresented groups in finding their voice.She encourages founders to use creativity over big budgets to stand out. Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Brand is the golden thread in everything we do.” - Bianca Bass“I don't like everyone, so why do I need everyone to like me?” - Bianca Bass“My biggest motivation in my career is extending the table.” - Bianca Bass Join Bianca as she shares how her passion for brand, storytelling, and customer insight helps founders grow their business with purpose, creativity, and a clear strategy that drives real results. Episode Highlights [00:00] - Teaser [01:00] - Introduction [01:28] - Bianca’s Role as CMO [03:09] - Brand & Sales Alignment [05:30] - Consulting & Customer Insight [08:00] - Health & Wellbeing [10:23] - Bianca’s Background [13:50] - Career Shift to Startups [17:58] - Impact & Authenticity [21:59] - Future of Marketing & AI [25:00] - Advice for Founders FOLLOW THE GUEST & HER COMPANY: Bianca Bass: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancabass/ Privalgo: https://www.linkedin.com/company/privalgo/  FOLLOW THE HOST: LinkedIn: a...

    26 min
  4. The Intro Economy is Changing Sales Forever for Founders and Connectors with Mike Adams

    12/04/2025

    The Intro Economy is Changing Sales Forever for Founders and Connectors with Mike Adams

    Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Mike Adams, Founder & CEO of introstars, and Founder & Startup Mentor at Skyler Gotham. This platform rewards people for making warm business introductions and is quickly growing across London and New York. Mike shares how he went from being a shy, introverted teen to a top networker attending over a thousand events. He talks about his experience at Zoom during its rapid growth and how it shaped his startup. Mike also explains the value of building real relationships and offers tips for overcoming the fear of networking. In this episode, Mike shares his journey from being a shy, tech-loving teen to becoming a super connector and founder of Introstars, a platform that rewards people for making warm business introductions. He explains how attending over a thousand networking events led him to see the true power of trusted connections. Mike also talks about his time at Zoom, where he built partner programs across Europe and learned how to scale fast. He offers tips for founders on how to network with purpose, avoid burnout, and build strong relationships that support both business and personal growth. Key Takeaways:Mike's journey from shy gamer to top networker and founder of Introstars.The platform rewards users for making warm business introductions.Networking is seen as a way to build trust, not just gain clients.Success comes from real connections, not cold outreach or hard sales.Founders should balance hard work with self-care to avoid burnout. Additional Insights:Growing up in a family business gave Mike early exposure to entrepreneurship.His experience at Zoom taught him how to build and scale partnerships fast.Making introductions is both a way to help others and build a strong reputation.Founders should join events for energy and support, not just leads.Mike believes in a future where connecting people becomes a valued side gig. Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Everyone loves to connect people because you are solving a puzzle.” - Mike Adams“You are not trying to sell, you are trying to build a relationship.” - Mike Adams“In the age of AI, human trust becomes even more important.” - Mike Adams Join Mike as he shares how his passion for connecting people led to introstars, a platform that rewards warm business introductions and helps founders grow through real relationships built on trust. Episode Highlights [00:00] - Teaser [00:58] - Donna’s Introduction and Excitement for the Episode [03:04] - The Human Nature of Connecting and Solving Puzzles [05:03] - Shifting Focus to Mike’s Personal Founder Story [09:42] - The Power of Relationships vs. Cold Outreach [13:09] - Why Sales Leaders Should Rethink Networking Metrics [19:28] - Career Highlights: Apple, HP, and Hypergrowth at Zoom [23:40] - Burnout, Purpose, and Maintaining Balance [26:24] - Networking as Self-Care and a Non-Negotiable Priority [32:51] - Tools for Finding Events: Luma and Meetup.com [35:27] - The Evolution of Networking: From Transactional to...

    45 min
  5. WhatsApp Business for Freelancers to Separate Work Life Fast Using eSIM with George Lineker

    11/26/2025

    WhatsApp Business for Freelancers to Separate Work Life Fast Using eSIM with George Lineker

    Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by George Lineker, Co-Founder of YourBusinessNumber. This company provides a second phone number and eSIM to help freelancers and small businesses separate their work and personal lives. George shares his journey from a previous failed app to building a lean, bootstrapped business over four years. He discusses the challenges of relying on platforms like WhatsApp and his vision for a more complete product. George also opens up about his privileged background, his learnings from past ventures, and the importance of routine and a strong team. In this episode, George shares his journey from a previous venture in second-number apps to co-founding YourBusinessNumber, a company helping freelancers and small business owners separate their work and personal communications. He talks about how identifying the persistent problem of managing two phones led him to build a simple and affordable solution. George also explains the challenge of relying on another platform like WhatsApp Business and his strategic move into eSIM technology to create a more complete product. He shares insights on building a lean team, learning from past failures, and his pragmatic approach to growing the business. Key Takeaways:George's journey from a failed app to a successful two-in-one phone solution.His company offers virtual numbers for WhatsApp and a full eSIM plan.Growth is driven by a lean team and targeted Google Ads.Success relies on a strong team and learning from past ventures.The future is focused on the independent eSIM product. Additional Insights:How a privileged background provided the safety net to take entrepreneurial risks.Maintaining a daily routine is crucial for focus when working from home.The importance of having a skilled team where each member handles a specific area.Believing in the core idea is vital for persevering through challenges.How past business failures provided essential lessons for the current venture. Here are a few quotes from the episode: "I know there are 20,000 people out there who have a use for two numbers on one phone for work." - George Lineker"If you have a good team around you, that's key." - George Lineker"I think it's normal to have things go wrong." - George Lineker Join George as he shares how his belief in solving the two-phone problem led to YourBusinessNumber, a company helping freelancers and small businesses get a separate work number to improve organization and enable them to switch off. Episode Highlights [00:00] - Teaser [00:59] - Intro to George Lineker [01:57] - What The Company Does [03:10] - Solving The Two-Phone Problem [05:44] - Origin of The Business Idea [07:31] - Funding and Team Structure [09:07] - Go-To-Market Strategy [10:24] - The Challenge of Selling WhatsApp [11:19] - Introducing The New eSIM Product [12:44] - George's Background and Schooling [14:24] - Privilege and Risk-Taking [19:14] - The "Last Go" Before a Job [24:09] - Key Learnings as a Founder [28:19] - The Fully Automated Customer Journey [30:40] - Total Addressable Market [33:00] - Future Focus: The eSIM [35:20] - What's Next for the Business, Personal Aspirations FOLLOW THE

    37 min
  6. Why SaaS Copy Fails for B2B Founders to Unlock Growth using Strategic Messaging with Chris Silvestri

    11/17/2025

    Why SaaS Copy Fails for B2B Founders to Unlock Growth using Strategic Messaging with Chris Silvestri

    Welcome to The Engine Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen sits down with Chris Silvestri, a Conversion Copywriter and Founder of Conversion Alchemy, a company helping B2B SaaS businesses grow through customer-focused messaging. Chris shares how he moved from industrial automation in Italy to building a lean and profitable business in the UK. With a background in software engineering and a passion for psychology, design, and user research, Chris explains how he blends these skills to craft copy that converts. He also talks about life outside work, from music and fitness to staying disciplined without losing creativity. In this episode, Chris shares his journey from working in industrial automation in Italy to founding Conversion Alchemy, a company helping B2B SaaS brands improve their messaging and copy. He talks about how his background in software engineering, user experience, and psychology led him to develop a method that turns customer research into powerful copy. Chris also explains why most companies overlook key messaging problems and how he helps them fix those issues from the ground up. He shares insights on routine, mindset, and building a business that stays lean while creating real value. Key Takeaways:How Chris shifted from industrial automation to building a copywriting business for B2B SaaS.Strong messaging starts with research, positioning, and customer insight.How Conversion Alchemy helps clients connect better with their target audience.The role of habits, mindset, and personal branding in building a sustainable business.Why using AI the right way can support but not replace expert strategy and copy. Additional Insights:How Chris’s engineering background shaped his systems thinking and client approach.Why setting clear boundaries helps balance work, health, and creativity.How personal stories and values attract the right clients and build trust.The impact of being consistent with habits, routines, and content creation.Why mindset and message alignment are key for lasting business success. Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Start with what people are already thinking when they land on your site.” - Chris Silvestri“Good copy starts with strong research, not just clever words.” - Chris Silvestri“Set your routines first, then build your work around them.” - Chris Silvestri Join Chris as he shares how his background in software engineering, psychology, and user experience led to Conversion Alchemy, a business helping B2B SaaS companies turn customer research into clear, effective messaging that drives results. Episode Highlights [00:00] - Teaser [00:59] - Meet the "Conversion Alchemist" [02:04] - What is Conversion Alchemy? [04:45] - The #1 Mistake in Marketing Copy [07:45] - Building a Brand with a Podcast and Newsletter [10:03] - From Industrial Robotics to Marketing [14:28] - Scheduling Life, Not Just Work [17:18] - The Influence of a Creative Family [21:20] - The Built-in Business Partner: A Twin Brother [23:43] - The Moment That Sparked the Entrepreneurial Leap [26:03] - Is Everyone Meant to Be a Founder? [30:28] - The Vision: A Small, Craft-Focused Agency [31:42] - Using AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch [34:32] - Going Teetotal for Clarity and...

    43 min
  7. How to Turn a Domain into a Global Pilates Brand for Studio Owners with Nathan Bethell

    11/07/2025

    How to Turn a Domain into a Global Pilates Brand for Studio Owners with Nathan Bethell

    Welcome to The Engine Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen sits down with Nathan Bethell, Founder of REFORMERPILATES.COM, a platform uniting studios, instructors, and fans of REFORMERPILATES. Nathan is also a B2B Marketing Consultant at B2B CMO, with over 20 years of experience in marketing across publishing, tech, and IT services. In this episode, Nathan shares how he went from running nightclubs as a teenager to building a fast-growing fitness community. Starting in a working-class household, his story is one of hustle, smart risks, and turning passion into impact. In this episode, Nathan shares his journey from a working-class background to launching REFORMERPILATES.COM, a hub for studios, content, and community. He talks about how two decades in marketing shaped his business approach and why he believes there is a business inside everyone. Nathan also explains how REFORMERPILATES is growing fast and how his platform supports new studio owners with tools, guidance, and a strong network. Key Takeaways:How Nathan went from a 20-year marketing career to founding REFORMERPILATES.COM.Why REFORMERPILATES is more than a workout and how it builds lasting community.The power of domain ownership in creating a trusted brand in a growing industry.How Nathan supports studio owners with tools, content, and commercial advice.The value of taking risks, trusting your skills, and finding green space in any market. Additional Insights:How Nathan’s early hustle shaped his mindset as a founder and marketer.The role of community in both fitness and business success.Why is there still untapped space for digital platforms in niche markets?The importance of helping first-time studio owners grow with the right tools and support.How personal connections and real value build long-term business trust. Here are a few quotes from the episode: “There is a business in everyone.” - Nathan Bethell“You won’t run out of things to learn with REFORMERPILATES.” - Nathan Bethell“Don’t be scared about the things you don’t have. Just get started.” - Nathan Bethell Join Nathan as he shares how his background in marketing and love for fitness led to REFORMERPILATES.COM, a platform built to support studio owners and grow a strong Pilates community through content, tools, and real connections. Episode Highlights [00:00] - Teaser [01:20] - Intro to Nathan Bethell and REFORMERPILATES.COM [04:41] - REFORMERPILATES for Everyone [09:02] - From Marketing to Pilates [12:04] - Building the REFORMERPILATES.COM Hub [14:56] - Empowering Studios to Grow [19:58] - From Hustle to Entrepreneurship [24:35] - Lessons from Football and Family [26:53] - Working-Class Roots and Simpler Times [28:37] - From Football to Film to Marketing [32:25] - Marketers, AI, and Entrepreneurship [35:48] - Staying Human in the AI Era [38:46] - Celebrating Studio Success [41:20] - Creating a Marketplace for Studios [45:50] - Growth, Retention, and Risk [49:16] - Why You Should Try Reformer Pilates FOLLOW THE GUEST & HIS COMPANY: Nathan Bethell: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbethell/"...

    51 min
  8. How Startup Founders Can Fix Hiring by Replacing Recruiters with Sales Operators - Luke Barry

    10/23/2025

    How Startup Founders Can Fix Hiring by Replacing Recruiters with Sales Operators - Luke Barry

    Welcome to The Engine - Founders Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen chats with Luke B. (Luke Barry), Co-Founder and Head of Growth & GTM of How Ya Doing, a talent-as-a-service firm that combines deep sales expertise with executive search proficiency. Before launching his own business, Luke spent 15 years in enterprise sales and payments with Lloyds Bank and Citibank. His journey into the corporate world began in an unexpected place: hairdressing. However, after a life-changing accident, Luke made a career pivot to banking, where he discovered the true value of relationships. In this episode, Luke shares his unique path from hairdressing to corporate banking and how his experiences in sales and payments shaped his approach to recruitment. He also discusses how How Ya Doing is tackling the gaps in traditional recruitment by offering a more personalized, relationship-driven model. Key Takeaways:How Luke transitioned from banking to founding How Ya Doing.The unique talent-as-a-service business model that mixes sales expertise with recruitment.Building strong relationships has been the foundation of Luke's career.Lessons learned from the challenges of recruitment, especially in specialized fields like FinTech.The journey from a corporate job to a startup founder, including moments of doubt and self-discovery. Additional Insights:How Luke’s background in sales and payments informs his approach to recruitment.The importance of having the right support systems in life and business.The value of networking and maintaining strong relationships throughout one’s career.Why the future of recruitment might be about more than just finding candidates, but about understanding and fitting into the business culture. Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Just get out there and do it.” - Luke Barry“You have to pay into your emotional bank account to take out later.” - Luke Barry“If you’re standing still, you’re falling behind.” - Luke Barry Join Luke as he shares how his career in sales and recruitment led to the founding of How Ya Doing, a company that focuses on relationships and delivering tailored talent solutions to startups and growing companies. Episode Highlights [00:00] - Teaser [01:15] - Redefining Recruitment with a Two-Partner Model [04:04] - From Failure to Growth-Focused Success [09:02] - How Relationships and Fintech Shaped Luke [13:31] - From Hairdressing to Banking [16:19] - Kindness and Relationships in Career Growth [18:18] - Resilience and Reflection in Founding [22:19] - Turning Frustration into Opportunity [29:32] - Startup Life, Family, and Late Nights [37:19] - Avoiding Startup Hiring Mistakes [43:34] - Keeping the Human Touch in Hiring [45:36] - The Future Vision for “How Ya Doing” [49:11] - Taking the Leap and Building Relationships FOLLOW THE GUEST & HIS COMPANY: Luke B.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-b-83b757aaHow Ya Doing: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/how-ya-doing/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    51 min
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Explore the journeys of today’s most inspiring tech founders on The Engine – Founders Stories, hosted by Donna Owen, founder and fractional GTM leader at The Engine. Discover how visionary entrepreneurs overcame the “founder-led sales” trap to build predictable, scalable revenue engines - and learn how you can do the same for your business. Join Donna as she sits down with C-suite executives, startup pioneers and growth architects behind groundbreaking SaaS and fintech ventures. Each episode unpacks real-world challenges - from recruiting your first sales team to implementing cost-effective tech stacks - and shares the proven tactics that turned early-stage startups into market leaders. Whether you’re a founder ready to scale, a sales leader seeking fresh playbooks, or a startup advisor looking for actionable case studies, The Engine – Founders Stories delivers the insightful conversations and tangible outcomes you need. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform to join the revenue revolution of the future, today.

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