In this episode, we introduce Nathan Evans, WHU-alumn, co-founder of eCommerce startup fulfil, director at the founder's institute in Munich and has 25 years of experience in banking and fintech. Nathan and I had a great conversation about his fascinating career trajectory: From studying physics to the trading floors of London, from banking to product management to founding fulfin. We even managed to talk about poker as a metaphor for entrepreneurship. So I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I did the conversation. Part 1: Nathan Preview (00:04) Part 2: Introducing Nathan Evans (02:15) Part 3: Nathan’s founder journey (04:41) Part 4: “The love of the game” - Making the right decisions as Nathan’s drive  (10:09) Part 5: Parallels between life and entrepreneurship as a “long game” (12:44) Part 6: How Nathan’s trajectory led him to founder-market (15:52) Part 7: Growth financing for young eCommerce companies - the problem fulfin solves (18:07) Part 8: “Don’t use equity capital to finance working capital” - Nathan’s financing advice (20:58) Part 9: Bootstrappers are the main customer group of fulfin (23:48) Part 10: “Nail it and scale it!” - Nathan’s focus in the early times of fulfin (25:03)  Part 11: “More will try and more will fail!” - Nathan’s prediction on the future of retail and eCommerce (28:55) Part 12: The effect of rollup companies like Rayzor Group and others on eCommerce entrepreneurs and fulfin (31:50) Part 13: Nathan’s work as a startup mentor (36:14) Part 14: The changes in the startup ecosystem in Nathan’s view (39:10) Part 15: “Founder-fit” as the addition to founder-market fit (42:15) Part 16: “The love of the game” - For Nathan the only reason to go into entrepreneurship (45:00) Part 17: What would Nathan tell his younger self? (47:33) Part 18: What book is Nathan currently reading? (49:39) Part 19: What is cycling on Nathan’s playlist? (52:38) Outro Gerrit (54:22)

The Most Awesome Founder Podcast

EP 32 - The Love Of The Game with Nathan Evans

In this episode, we introduce Nathan Evans, WHU-alumn, co-founder of eCommerce startup fulfil, director at the founder's institute in Munich and has 25 years of experience in banking and fintech. Nathan and I had a great conversation about his fascinating career trajectory: From studying physics to the trading floors of London, from banking to product management to founding fulfin. We even managed to talk about poker as a metaphor for entrepreneurship. So I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I did the conversation. Part 1: Nathan Preview (00:04) Part 2: Introducing Nathan Evans (02:15) Part 3: Nathan’s founder journey (04:41) Part 4: “The love of the game” - Making the right decisions as Nathan’s drive  (10:09) Part 5: Parallels between life and entrepreneurship as a “long game” (12:44) Part 6: How Nathan’s trajectory led him to founder-market (15:52) Part 7: Growth financing for young eCommerce companies - the problem fulfin solves (18:07) Part 8: “Don’t use equity capital to finance working capital” - Nathan’s financing advice (20:58) Part 9: Bootstrappers are the main customer group of fulfin (23:48) Part 10: “Nail it and scale it!” - Nathan’s focus in the early times of fulfin (25:03)  Part 11: “More will try and more will fail!” - Nathan’s prediction on the future of retail and eCommerce (28:55) Part 12: The effect of rollup companies like Rayzor Group and others on eCommerce entrepreneurs and fulfin (31:50) Part 13: Nathan’s work as a startup mentor (36:14) Part 14: The changes in the startup ecosystem in Nathan’s view (39:10) Part 15: “Founder-fit” as the addition to founder-market fit (42:15) Part 16: “The love of the game” - For Nathan the only reason to go into entrepreneurship (45:00) Part 17: What would Nathan tell his younger self? (47:33) Part 18: What book is Nathan currently reading? (49:39) Part 19: What is cycling on Nathan’s playlist? (52:38) Outro Gerrit (54:22)

In episode 31 of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast, we introduce Eric Partaker, entrepreneur, peak performance coach, early employee at Skype, founder of UK restaurant group, Chilango, and author of The 3 Alarms: A Simple System to Transform Your Health, Wealth, and Relationships Forever. We’re discussing Eric’s founder journey from selling chocolates as a child to his early career as a McKinsey Consultant; from joining Skype as a small company to founding a large restaurant chain; to his work today helping entrepreneurs and CEOs update their internal software for optimizing performance and well-being Eric is an incredible storyteller with experiences rooted in a rich and varied career. His insights into how we can learn to perform our best while feeling satisfied along the way are not to be missed. So I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did our conversation. Part 1: Eric Preview (00:04) Part 2: Welcome Eric Partaker (01:54) Part 3: Erics’s early lessons in entrepreneurship (02:42) Part 4: From McKinsey to Skype to founding an award-winning Mexican restaurant chain to helping founders develop and scale - Eric’s career journey (10:57) Part 5: The magical Skype experience (14:04) Part 6: Structure and the power of the brand: The benefits of consulting before entrepreneurship (17:35) Part 7: Combination and sequency as the cornerstones for founding a startup in an area outside your expertise (20:21) Part 8: How Chilango was hit by COVID-19 (25:18) Part 9: Identity, Productivity, Anti-Fragility: What are the most foundational things for entrepreneurs to do on their journeys (28:46) Part 10: “Life is a three-lagged stool - Work, Health, Relationships”: How life outside of work defines your success at work (35:28) Part 11: “Prioritize one thing in each dimension per day”: How Eric organizes his life based on the principles he teaches (38:00) Part 12: “Take action!” Eric’s number 1 advice for entrepreneurs (42:12) Part 13: What book is Eric currently reading? (43:16) Part 14: What’s on Eric’s playlist? (43:48) Outro Gerrit (44:48)

EP 31 - Peak Performance for Entrepreneurs with Eric Partaker

In episode 31 of the <a href= "https://mostawesomepodcast.com/">Most Awesome Founder Podcast</a>, we introduce <a href="https://www.ericpartaker.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Partaker</a>, entrepreneur, peak performance coach, early employee at Skype, founder of UK restaurant group, <a href="https://www.ericpartaker.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Chilango</a>, and author of <a href= "https://www.ericpartaker.com/the3alarms" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">The 3 Alarms: A Simple System to Transform Your Health, Wealth, and Relationships Forever</a>. We’re discussing Eric’s founder journey from selling chocolates as a child to his early career as a McKinsey Consultant; from joining Skype as a small company to founding a large restaurant chain; to his work today helping entrepreneurs and CEOs update their internal software for optimizing performance and well-being Eric is an incredible storyteller with experiences rooted in a rich and varied career. His insights into how we can learn to perform our best while feeling satisfied along the way are not to be missed. So I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did our conversation. Part 1: Eric Preview (00:04) Part 2: Welcome Eric Partaker (01:54) Part 3: Erics’s early lessons in entrepreneurship (02:42) Part 4: From McKinsey to Skype to founding an award-winning Mexican restaurant chain to helping founders develop and scale - Eric’s career journey (10:57) Part 5: The magical Skype experience (14:04) Part 6: Structure and the power of the brand: The benefits of consulting before entrepreneurship (17:35) Part 7: Combination and sequency as the cornerstones for founding a startup in an area outside your expertise (20:21) Part 8: How Chilango was hit by COVID-19 (25:18) Part 9: Identity, Productivity, Anti-Fragility: What are the most foundational things for entrepreneurs to do on their journeys (28:46) Part 10: “Life is a three-lagged stool - Work, Health, Relationships”: How life outside of work defines your success at work (35:28) Part 11: “Prioritize one thing in each dimension per day”: How Eric organizes his life based on the principles he teaches (38:00) Part 12: “Take action!” Eric’s number 1 advice for entrepreneurs (42:12) Part 13: What book is Eric currently reading? (43:16) Part 14: What’s on Eric’s playlist? (43:48) Outro Gerrit (44:48)

As in our last episode, we’re doing things a little bit different in this week’s Most Awesome Founder Podcast. Today’ we introducing not one founder, but many. If you tuned in for episode 29, you know that on May 17 we launched the first cohort of the inaugural WHU Startup Accelerator. This intensive 7-week, mentor-driven, and equity-free program provides the best and brightest startups from the WHU community with rocket fuel for their new ventures, all culminating in a July 2 Demo Day event where the teams pitch their ventures to investors.  So today, we introduce the 4 remaining startup teams selected to participate in this year's accelerator, the founders behind them, the problems they are tackling, and the paths they have chosen to get to market as effectively and efficiently as possible.  This week, you will meet the founders of… PreMatch - a data-driven content aggregator for non-professional football CIMK - a deep-tech data platform for investors interested in the Chinese market About My Horse - a social commerce platform and online community for equestrian-focused fashion And Happy Burning - a functional beverage company producing a one-of-a-kind brain boosting focus drink. Each of these teams are led by incredible founders with unique backgrounds - all driven by a profound desire to improve peoples lives. And as you know, there are few things more inspiring than the stories of mission-driven entrepreneurs! Hope you enjoy this unique episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast!   Chapters:   Prematch: Prematch Founder Introduction (02:36) What problem is Prematch solving? (04:19) How did Prematch’s founders meet? (08:02) Why did Prematch choose the WHU Accelerator? (09:35) Where to find Prematch online? (12:01)   CIMK: CIMK Founder Introduction (12:47) What problem is CIMK solving? (16:30) How did CIMK’s founders meet? (18:55) Why did CIMK choose the WHU Accelerator? (22:45)   Where to find CIMK online? (24:45) ABOUT My Horse: ABOUT My Horse Founder Introduction (25:59) What problem is ABOUT My Horse solving? (27:40) How did ABOUT My Horse’s founders meet? (31:15) Why did ABOUT My Horse choose the WHU Accelerator? (33:10) Where to find ABOUT My Horse online? (34:45)   Happy Burning Happy Burning Founder Introduction (35:40) What problem is Happy Burning solving? (38:02) How did the founders of Happy Burning meet? (43:10) Why did Happy Burning choose the WHU Accelerator? (44:27) Where to find Happy Burning online? (46:03)   Outro Gerrit (47:17)

EP 30 - WHU Accelerator Team Introduction (2/2)

As in our last episode, we’re doing things a little bit different in this week’s Most Awesome Founder Podcast. Today’ we introducing not one founder, but many. If you tuned in for episode 29, you know that on May 17 we launched the first cohort of the inaugural WHU Startup Accelerator. This intensive 7-week, mentor-driven, and equity-free program provides the best and brightest startups from the WHU community with rocket fuel for their new ventures, all culminating in a July 2 Demo Day event where the teams pitch their ventures to investors.  So today, we introduce the 4 remaining startup teams selected to participate in this year's accelerator, the founders behind them, the problems they are tackling, and the paths they have chosen to get to market as effectively and efficiently as possible.  This week, you will meet the founders of… PreMatch - a data-driven content aggregator for non-professional football CIMK - a deep-tech data platform for investors interested in the Chinese market About My Horse - a social commerce platform and online community for equestrian-focused fashion And Happy Burning - a functional beverage company producing a one-of-a-kind brain boosting focus drink. Each of these teams are led by incredible founders with unique backgrounds - all driven by a profound desire to improve peoples lives. And as you know, there are few things more inspiring than the stories of mission-driven entrepreneurs! Hope you enjoy this unique episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast!   Chapters:   Prematch: Prematch Founder Introduction (02:36) What problem is Prematch solving? (04:19) How did Prematch’s founders meet? (08:02) Why did Prematch choose the WHU Accelerator? (09:35) Where to find Prematch online? (12:01)   CIMK: CIMK Founder Introduction (12:47) What problem is CIMK solving? (16:30) How did CIMK’s founders meet? (18:55) Why did CIMK choose the WHU Accelerator? (22:45)   Where to find CIMK online? (24:45) ABOUT My Horse: ABOUT My Horse Founder Introduction (25:59) What problem is ABOUT My Horse solving? (27:40) How did ABOUT My Horse’s founders meet? (31:15) Why did ABOUT My Horse choose the WHU Accelerator? (33:10) Where to find ABOUT My Horse online? (34:45)   Happy Burning Happy Burning Founder Introduction (35:40) What problem is Happy Burning solving? (38:02) How did the founders of Happy Burning meet? (43:10) Why did Happy Burning choose the WHU Accelerator? (44:27) Where to find Happy Burning online? (46:03)   Outro Gerrit (47:17)

We’re doing things a little bit different in this week’s episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast. Today’ we introducing not one founder, but many. As you may have heard, on May 17 we are launching the first cohort of the inaugural WHU Startup Accelerator. This intensive 7-week, mentor-driven, and equity-free program provides the best and brightest startups from the WHU community with rocket fuel for their new ventures, culminating in a July 2 Demo Day event where they will pitch their ventures to investors. So for the next two episodes of our podcast, we’ll be introducing you to the 8 inspiring teams selected to participate in this year's accelerator, the founders behind the ventures, the problem they are solving, their purpose for being, and the paths they have chosen to get to market as effectively and efficiently as possible. This week, you will meet the founders of… Lidrotec - a laser cutting technology that enables semi-conductor producers to reduce material waste by 90-100% Specter Automation - an artificial intelligence software that helps construction companies integrate digital planning data on the construction site KitchX - a digital kitchen configuration studio that supports customers from design to installation Bringwing… a shipping subscription services that is changing the way consumers order from retailers online Each of these teams are led by incredible founders with unique backgrounds, all driven by profound desires to improve peoples lives. And for those of you that are regular listeners of our podcast, you know that there are few things more inspiring than the stories of mission-driven entrepreneurs. Hope you enjoy this unique episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast!   Chapters Lidrotec: Founder Introduction (02:53) What problem is Lidrotec solving? (04:19) How did Lidrotec’s founders meet? (09:27) Why did Specter Automation choose the WHU Accelerator? (13:42) Where to find Lidrotec online? (15:36)   Specter Automation: Founder Introduction (16:51) What problem is Specter Automation solving? (17:42) How did Specter Automation’s founders meet? (19:50) Why did Specter Automation choose the WHU Accelerator? (22:02) Where to find Specter Automation online? (24:00)   KitchX: Founder Introduction (25:12) What problem is KitchX solving? (26:26) How did KitchX’s founders meet? (28:06) Why did KitchX choose the WHU Accelerator? (30:26) Where to find KitchX online? (32:16)   Bringwing Founder Introduction (33:12) What problem is Bringwing solving? (35:07) How did Bringwing’s founders meet? (36:45) Why did Bringwing choose the WHU Accelerator? (39:13) Where to find Bringwing online? (41:40)

EP 29 - WHU Accelerator Team Introduction (1/2)

We’re doing things a little bit different in this week’s episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast. Today’ we introducing not one founder, but many. As you may have heard, on May 17 we are launching the first cohort of the inaugural WHU Startup Accelerator. This intensive 7-week, mentor-driven, and equity-free program provides the best and brightest startups from the WHU community with rocket fuel for their new ventures, culminating in a July 2 Demo Day event where they will pitch their ventures to investors. So for the next two episodes of our podcast, we’ll be introducing you to the 8 inspiring teams selected to participate in this year's accelerator, the founders behind the ventures, the problem they are solving, their purpose for being, and the paths they have chosen to get to market as effectively and efficiently as possible. This week, you will meet the founders of… Lidrotec - a laser cutting technology that enables semi-conductor producers to reduce material waste by 90-100% Specter Automation - an artificial intelligence software that helps construction companies integrate digital planning data on the construction site KitchX - a digital kitchen configuration studio that supports customers from design to installation Bringwing… a shipping subscription services that is changing the way consumers order from retailers online Each of these teams are led by incredible founders with unique backgrounds, all driven by profound desires to improve peoples lives. And for those of you that are regular listeners of our podcast, you know that there are few things more inspiring than the stories of mission-driven entrepreneurs. Hope you enjoy this unique episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast!   Chapters Lidrotec: Founder Introduction (02:53) What problem is Lidrotec solving? (04:19) How did Lidrotec’s founders meet? (09:27) Why did Specter Automation choose the WHU Accelerator? (13:42) Where to find Lidrotec online? (15:36)   Specter Automation: Founder Introduction (16:51) What problem is Specter Automation solving? (17:42) How did Specter Automation’s founders meet? (19:50) Why did Specter Automation choose the WHU Accelerator? (22:02) Where to find Specter Automation online? (24:00)   KitchX: Founder Introduction (25:12) What problem is KitchX solving? (26:26) How did KitchX’s founders meet? (28:06) Why did KitchX choose the WHU Accelerator? (30:26) Where to find KitchX online? (32:16)   Bringwing Founder Introduction (33:12) What problem is Bringwing solving? (35:07) How did Bringwing’s founders meet? (36:45) Why did Bringwing choose the WHU Accelerator? (39:13) Where to find Bringwing online? (41:40)

In this episode we introduce Alex Grots - entrepreneur, innovator, creator, and expert in the art and craft of Design Thinking. We discuss Alex’s fascinating career from being a paramedic to working in the music industry; from building his first startup during the dot-com bubble to leading world-famous design agency IDEO in Germany; and from co-founding the high-growth IoT-venture ProGlove to advising innovation projects across the globe. Alex is one fascinating and creative cat, not to mention an incredible storyteller with experiences that could fill volumes! But his easily palatable way of putting people at the center of innovation is what makes him such an incredible guest. I hope you enjoy it!   Part 1: Alex Preview (00:04) Part 2: Alex’ founder journey (02:00) Part 3: People as the common thread on Alex’ journey (13:18) Part 4: Interaction with people as the basis for design thinking (15:50) Part 5: Exploration vs. Exploitation: Why corporates struggle to apply design thinking naturally (20:47) Part 6: Alex’ approach to bringing a more explorative culture to exploitation-driven corporates (26:43) Part 7: Connecting the right people from exploration and exploitation (31:46) Part 8: Pro-glove as an example for design thinking (32:55) Part 9: Qualitative research as the key differentiator in innovating via Design Thinking (37:27) Part 10: “Try it out as early as possible!” - the best way to get into design thinking (39:35) Part 11: “Trust yourself more than your plan!” Alex’ #1 tip for future entrepreneur (41:48) Part 12: What book is Alex currently reading? (44:02) Part 13: What is cycling on Alex’ playlist? (44:48) Part 14: Outro Gerrit (47:03)  

EP 28 - Design Thinking with Alex Grots

In this episode we introduce Alex Grots - entrepreneur, innovator, creator, and expert in the art and craft of Design Thinking. We discuss Alex’s fascinating career from being a paramedic to working in the music industry; from building his first startup during the dot-com bubble to leading world-famous design agency IDEO in Germany; and from co-founding the high-growth IoT-venture ProGlove to advising innovation projects across the globe. Alex is one fascinating and creative cat, not to mention an incredible storyteller with experiences that could fill volumes! But his easily palatable way of putting people at the center of innovation is what makes him such an incredible guest. I hope you enjoy it!   Part 1: Alex Preview (00:04) Part 2: Alex’ founder journey (02:00) Part 3: People as the common thread on Alex’ journey (13:18) Part 4: Interaction with people as the basis for design thinking (15:50) Part 5: Exploration vs. Exploitation: Why corporates struggle to apply design thinking naturally (20:47) Part 6: Alex’ approach to bringing a more explorative culture to exploitation-driven corporates (26:43) Part 7: Connecting the right people from exploration and exploitation (31:46) Part 8: Pro-glove as an example for design thinking (32:55) Part 9: Qualitative research as the key differentiator in innovating via Design Thinking (37:27) Part 10: “Try it out as early as possible!” - the best way to get into design thinking (39:35) Part 11: “Trust yourself more than your plan!” Alex’ #1 tip for future entrepreneur (41:48) Part 12: What book is Alex currently reading? (44:02) Part 13: What is cycling on Alex’ playlist? (44:48) Part 14: Outro Gerrit (47:03)

In this episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast we introduce Oliver Aust, one of Europe’s leading communications and personal branding experts, and former Head of Communications at Easyjet. He is the founder and CEO of Eo Ipso Communications and co-host of Speak Like a CEO, the category-defining podcast on CEO communications. Oliver helps CEOs and leaders build unignorable personal brands and businesses, drawing from his experience advising a wide range of organizations from high-growth startups to Fortune 50 and DAX30 companies. He is also a Techstars and WHU Accelerator mentor, and author of three books on communications, including the international bestseller, “Unignorable".   Chapters Part 1: Oliver Preview (00:04) Part 2: Introducing Oliver (00:27) Part 3: Oliver’s founder journey (02:11) Part 4: The role and development of language for Oliver as a communicator (09:39) Part 5: What made Oliver switch from corporate GM to scale-up easyjet (12:33) Part 6: The transition from easyjet to Oliver’s own consultancy (15:38) Part 7: Oliver’s consultancy Eo Ipso Communications (18:04) Part 8: In which areas does Oliver help startups through his mentorships (20:35) Part 9: Message-Market-Fit: How to avoid getting too granular too quickly  (22:40) Part 10: Storytelling as a tool in Oliver’s work  (24:33)  Part 11: Oliver’s recommendation on the balance between building your business and your personal brand (27:07) Part 12: Communication tools for early-stage startups to gain momentum (30:44) Part 13: LinkedIn, Newsletters, Podcasts and books as key communication tools with your audience  (34:14) Part 14: What about Clubhouse and TikTok? (37:31) Part 15: Can you write a book at a young career stage? (38:52) Part 16: Oliver’s approach to publishing (41:12) Part 17: “Think of life as a present” - Olivers nugget of wisdom (42:35) Part 18: What book is Oliver reading? (44:36) Part 19: What is on Oliver’s playlist? (48:42) Part 20: How to reach out to Oliver (50:06) Outro Gerrit (50:58)

In this episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast we introduce Oliver Aust, one of Europe’s leading communications and personal branding experts, and former Head of Communications at Easyjet. He is the founder and CEO of Eo Ipso Communications and co-host of Speak Like a CEO, the category-defining podcast on CEO communications. Oliver helps CEOs and leaders build unignorable personal brands and businesses, drawing from his experience advising a wide range of organizations from high-growth startups to Fortune 50 and DAX30 companies. He is also a Techstars and WHU Accelerator mentor, and author of three books on communications, including the international bestseller, “Unignorable".   Chapters Part 1: Oliver Preview (00:04) Part 2: Introducing Oliver (00:27) Part 3: Oliver’s founder journey (02:11) Part 4: The role and development of language for Oliver as a communicator (09:39) Part 5: What made Oliver switch from corporate GM to scale-up easyjet (12:33) Part 6: The transition from easyjet to Oliver’s own consultancy (15:38) Part 7: Oliver’s consultancy Eo Ipso Communications (18:04) Part 8: In which areas does Oliver help startups through his mentorships (20:35) Part 9: Message-Market-Fit: How to avoid getting too granular too quickly  (22:40) Part 10: Storytelling as a tool in Oliver’s work  (24:33)  Part 11: Oliver’s recommendation on the balance between building your business and your personal brand (27:07) Part 12: Communication tools for early-stage startups to gain momentum (30:44) Part 13: LinkedIn, Newsletters, Podcasts and books as key communication tools with your audience  (34:14) Part 14: What about Clubhouse and TikTok? (37:31) Part 15: Can you write a book at a young career stage? (38:52) Part 16: Oliver’s approach to publishing (41:12) Part 17: “Think of life as a present” - Olivers nugget of wisdom (42:35) Part 18: What book is Oliver reading? (44:36) Part 19: What is on Oliver’s playlist? (48:42) Part 20: How to reach out to Oliver (50:06) Outro Gerrit (50:58)

EP 27 - Mastering Communications for Startups with Oliver Aust

In this episode, we introduce Valerie Bures-Bönström, PhD in computer science, mother of three, cofounder of Mrs. Sporty Fitness Clubs, founder/CEO of Pixformance Sports, and now, founder/CEO of interactive fitness mirror company, Vaha. We’re discussing Valerie's founder journey, her passion for the fitness industry, the analogs between athletics and entrepreneurship, and one of Gerrit's favourite topics, flow. Valerie is an incredibly successful and driven founder who undoubtedly has that Midas touch! Her passion for entrepreneurship, technology, health, and wellness is absolutely infectious. And her ability to switch between technology, business, fitness, and family makes her one of those rare founders that seem to be able to do everything. Hope you enjoy it!   Part 1: Valerie Preview (00:04) Part 2: Introducing Valerie (02:10) Part 3: Valerie’s founder journey (02:22) Part 4: How Valerie went into building fitness studios after her PhD in Computer Science (06:54) Part 5: The parallels between sports and technology in terms of flow (09:36) Part 6: Flow as Valerie’s approach to making work not feel like work at all (12:54) Part 7: The driver of Valerie’s incredible motivation and passion (16:30) Part 8: Breaking large challenges down as a key to get into flow in entrepreneurship (19:48) Part 9: How Valerie brings flow into her companies (24:00) Part 10: Valerie’s learnings on how to prepare for and find flow in stressful working life  (27:27)  Part 11: Valerie’s recommendations on creating energy for you (33:21) Part 12: Where does Valerie find time to rest and recover? (39:26) Part 13: “Let Go!”. What Valerie would tell his younger self (44:11) Part 14: What book is Valerie currently reading? (45:28) Part 15: What is cycling on Valerie’s playlist? (48:03) Outro Gerrit (53:57)

In this episode, we introduce Valerie Bures-Bönström, PhD in computer science, mother of three, cofounder of Mrs. Sporty Fitness Clubs, founder/CEO of Pixformance Sports, and now, founder/CEO of interactive fitness mirror company, Vaha. We’re discussing Valerie's founder journey, her passion for the fitness industry, the analogs between athletics and entrepreneurship, and one of Gerrit's favourite topics, flow. Valerie is an incredibly successful and driven founder who undoubtedly has that Midas touch! Her passion for entrepreneurship, technology, health, and wellness is absolutely infectious. And her ability to switch between technology, business, fitness, and family makes her one of those rare founders that seem to be able to do everything. Hope you enjoy it!   Part 1: Valerie Preview (00:04) Part 2: Introducing Valerie (02:10) Part 3: Valerie’s founder journey (02:22) Part 4: How Valerie went into building fitness studios after her PhD in Computer Science (06:54) Part 5: The parallels between sports and technology in terms of flow (09:36) Part 6: Flow as Valerie’s approach to making work not feel like work at all (12:54) Part 7: The driver of Valerie’s incredible motivation and passion (16:30) Part 8: Breaking large challenges down as a key to get into flow in entrepreneurship (19:48) Part 9: How Valerie brings flow into her companies (24:00) Part 10: Valerie’s learnings on how to prepare for and find flow in stressful working life  (27:27)  Part 11: Valerie’s recommendations on creating energy for you (33:21) Part 12: Where does Valerie find time to rest and recover? (39:26) Part 13: “Let Go!”. What Valerie would tell his younger self (44:11) Part 14: What book is Valerie currently reading? (45:28) Part 15: What is cycling on Valerie’s playlist? (48:03) Outro Gerrit (53:57)  

EP 26 - Finding Flow as a Founder with Valerie Bures-Bönström

In this latest episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast, we introduce Henry Chesbrough - Director of the Garwood Center for Corporate Innovation, Adjunct Professor at the Haas School of Business, UC–Berkeley, and Chair of Open Innovation at Luiss Guido Carli in Rome. We’re discussing the origins of the concept of open innovation, its implications in business today, the roles of startups, and the interrelationships of open innovation, open source, and intellectual property. This conversation felt like a masterclass in this fascinating topic, rich with real-world examples that practitioners will relate to. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

In this latest episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast, we introduce Henry Chesbrough - Director of the Garwood Center for Corporate Innovation, Adjunct Professor at the Haas School of Business, UC–Berkeley, and Chair of Open Innovation at Luiss Guido Carli in Rome. We’re discussing the origins of the concept of open innovation, its implications in business today, the roles of startups, and the interrelationships of open innovation, open source, and intellectual property. This conversation felt like a masterclass in this fascinating topic, rich with real-world examples that practitioners will relate to. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

EP 25 - Open Innovation With Henry Chesbrough

In this episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast, we introduce Cory Warfield, entrepreneur, founder of ShedWool and connector with over 250.000 LinkedIn followers. Cory and Gerrit met almost 5 years ago when mentoring Cory’s startup ShedWool at an accelerator in Colorado. Since then Cory grew his startup to 20+ employees, built a massive LinkedIn follower base and launched numerous new ventures from his vast professional network. In this episode, we are discussing Cory’s incredible founder journey from literally the bottom to the top, how faith and humility drive success and some really useful tricks for leveraging LinkedIn to grow both your personal brand and your business.  Hope you enjoy it!

In this episode of the Most Awesome Founder Podcast, we introduce Cory Warfield, entrepreneur, founder of ShedWool and connector with over 250.000 LinkedIn followers. Cory and Gerrit met almost 5 years ago when mentoring Cory’s startup ShedWool at an accelerator in Colorado. Since then Cory grew his startup to 20+ employees, built a massive LinkedIn follower base and launched numerous new ventures from his vast professional network. In this episode, we are discussing Cory’s incredible founder journey from literally the bottom to the top, how faith and humility drive success and some really useful tricks for leveraging LinkedIn to grow both your personal brand and your business.  Hope you enjoy it!

EP 24 - Building Digital Communities With Cory Warfield

In episode 23, we introduce Freya Oehle, WHU alumn, co-founder of the online shopping tool startup Spottster, and current co-founder of digital transformation consultancy 3tausendsassa. We are discussing Freya's founder journey, from WHU to building Spottster with a school classmate, to a unique exit and to building a new startup with the same team she build her previous one. Freya is a high-energy entrepreneur, with the passion and charisma of a great leader. So it is no wonder, her Spottster team continue their entrepreneurial journeys together. Get valuable insights into building teams, establishing company cultures that are both meaningful and fun, and what leadership looks like across product and service-oriented startups. Hope you enjoy it!  Part 1: Freya Preview (00:04) Part 2: Introducing Freya (02:20) Part 3: Freya’s founder journey (03:10) Part 4: The multifold business model of Freya’s current company “3tausendsassa” (08:55)  Part 5: Freya’s view on differences between service or product focused firms (10:30) Part 6: The shift towards focusing on billable hours and 1:1 sales to run the company (14:14) Part 6: The pros and cons of being a service organization vs. a product organization (16:12) Part 7: The value of Freya as the translator between customer needs and 3tausendsassa’s development capabilities (15:46) Part 8: Structure as a key to working with technical people as a non-technical founder (23:50) Part 9: Freedom as the most effective way for 3tausendsassa to solve the client’s problems (20:13)  Part 10: Structure as a cornerstone of Freya’s way to lead technical teams  (22:36) Part 11: How Freya manages the differences in cultures of 3tausendsassa and their corporate clients (27:30) Part 12: The two types of people needed in startups and corporates (27:57) Part 13: The secrets of 3tausendsassa’s strong and trusting company culture (30:20) Part 14: How Freya established this culture (34:28) Part 15: Freya’s perspective of changing company culture with age (38:20) Part 16: Authenticity as a young startup working with formal corporate clients (41:28) Part 17: How authenticity in startup founding develops your character  (45:40) Part 18: Freya’s nuggets of widsom (49:25) Part 19: What book is Freya currently reading? (51:23) Part 20: What is cycling on Freya’s playlist? (52:20) Outro Gerrit (53:57)

In episode 23, we introduce Freya Oehle, WHU alumn, co-founder of the online shopping tool startup Spottster, and current co-founder of digital transformation consultancy 3tausendsassa. We are discussing Freya's founder journey, from WHU to building Spottster with a school classmate, to a unique exit and to building a new startup with the same team she build her previous one. Freya is a high-energy entrepreneur, with the passion and charisma of a great leader. So it is no wonder, her Spottster team continue their entrepreneurial journeys together. Get valuable insights into building teams, establishing company cultures that are both meaningful and fun, and what leadership looks like across product and service-oriented startups. Hope you enjoy it!  Part 1: Freya Preview (00:04) Part 2: Introducing Freya (02:20) Part 3: Freya’s founder journey (03:10) Part 4: The multifold business model of Freya’s current company “3tausendsassa” (08:55)  Part 5: Freya’s view on differences between service or product focused firms (10:30) Part 6: The shift towards focusing on billable hours and 1:1 sales to run the company (14:14) Part 6: The pros and cons of being a service organization vs. a product organization (16:12) Part 7: The value of Freya as the translator between customer needs and 3tausendsassa’s development capabilities (15:46) Part 8: Structure as a key to working with technical people as a non-technical founder (23:50) Part 9: Freedom as the most effective way for 3tausendsassa to solve the client’s problems (20:13)  Part 10: Structure as a cornerstone of Freya’s way to lead technical teams  (22:36) Part 11: How Freya manages the differences in cultures of 3tausendsassa and their corporate clients (27:30) Part 12: The two types of people needed in startups and corporates (27:57) Part 13: The secrets of 3tausendsassa’s strong and trusting company culture (30:20) Part 14: How Freya established this culture (34:28) Part 15: Freya’s perspective of changing company culture with age (38:20) Part 16: Authenticity as a young startup working with formal corporate clients (41:28) Part 17: How authenticity in startup founding develops your character  (45:40) Part 18: Freya’s nuggets of widsom (49:25) Part 19: What book is Freya currently reading? (51:23) Part 20: What is cycling on Freya’s playlist? (52:20) Outro Gerrit (53:57)

EP 23 - Building Meaningful Company Cultures With Freya Oehle

The Most Awesome Founder Podcast is a show about entrepreneurs, innovators, advisors, and educators, and the stories that make them who they are today. We are brought to you by the WHU–Otto Beisheim School of Management Entrepreneurship Center in beautiful Vallendar, Germany.

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