The Innovation Conversation

The Innovation Conversation

por Ricardo Pascual
EmprendimientoNoticias de tecnología
Temporada 2

John Stapleton The 'Authentic Entrepreneur' with over 30 years’ experience, founder of New Covent Garden Soup, Little Dish and much more

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: The Authentic Entrepreneur — Building Bold FMCG Brands with John Stapleton In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual sits down with John Stapleton, known as the Authentic Entrepreneur, to explore his remarkable 30+ year journey building pioneering consumer brands in the UK and US. John shares the inside story behind the creation of The New Covent Garden Soup Co., which introduced fresh soup to the UK market, and reflects on the operational hurdles of expanding to the US with Glencoe Foods Inc. He also dives into launching Little Dish, a brand that redefined toddler meals, scaling it to £15M in revenue before its successful exit. This conversation covers: Real-world challenges of innovation and scaling new categories. The role of resilience and risk management in entrepreneurship. The importance of mentorship, advice, and learning from setbacks. Key traits that define successful entrepreneurs. Today, John mentors startups, serves as an investor and NED, and supports emerging brands through accelerators like Mission Ventures and Redesdale. Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling a brand, John’s insights are not to be missed. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to John Stapleton 03:54 — The Journey of New Covent Garden Soup Company 07:12 — The Concept of Fresh Soup and Market Challenges 11:44 — Investment and Growth Strategies 16:51 — Overcoming Operational Challenges 21:35 — Expanding to the US Market 26:30 — Reflections on Success and Failure 29:50 — The Journey of Entrepreneurship 34:00 — Navigating Challenges and Resilience 39:45 — Understanding Risk and Uncertainty 41:11 — Key Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs 47:04 — The Importance of Seeking Advice 52:13 — The Motivation Behind Entrepreneurship
T2 · E82
8 may 2025
56:40

From AI Product Manager to Solopreneur: Sara Landi Tortoli on Loneliness, Startups, and Berlin’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: From AI to Entrepreneurship — Building Startups and Communities with Sara Landi Tortoli In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Sara Landi Tortoli about her transition from an AI and machine learning product manager to becoming a solopreneur. Sara shares: The challenges of moving into entrepreneurship and the importance of a strong distribution strategy. Why co-founders matter and how they can make or break a startup. Her startup idea: using AI companions to combat loneliness. Lessons from her journey into podcasting and communicating technology to a wider audience. Insights into Berlin’s vibrant culture, nightlife, and startup ecosystem. A comparison between startup support in Berlin and London. Ricardo and Sara dive into resilience, motivation, adaptability, and embracing uncertainty — essential traits for any entrepreneur — while also exploring how AI can enhance critical thinking in today’s fast-moving world. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Chapters 00:00 — From Product Manager to Solopreneur 02:57 — Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship 05:58 — The Importance of Co-Founders 09:03 — The Birth of an AI Companion Startup 12:03 — Navigating Startup Challenges 15:00 — The Podcast Journey 18:09 — Communicating Technology to the Masses 25:12 — Navigating Berlin's Nightlife and Culture 26:52 — The Startup Ecosystem in Berlin 28:41 — Comparing Startup Support: Berlin vs. London 32:40 — Resilience and Motivation in Entrepreneurship 36:06 — The Importance of Stubbornness and Flexibility 40:20 — Embracing Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship 43:40 — The Role of AI in Critical Thinking 49:44 — Connecting with Sara Landi Tortoli
T2 · E81
1 may 2025
47:43

Diana Florescu - Founder & CEO @MFG | Media Capital Investor $30M+ Fund | Growth-Stage Consumer in the US 🇺🇸 | Forbes 30U30

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Growth, Resilience, and Media Capital — Insights with Diana Florescu In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Diana Florescu, founder of Media for Growth, about her journey from tech to media capital investment and supporting emerging consumer brands. They dive into: The cultural differences in business practices between the US and Europe. The challenges startups face when entering the US market. How a growth mindset differs between the US and UK. Why strategic adaptation is essential when expanding internationally. The evolving landscape of media capital investments. The resilience required for entrepreneurs navigating these complex markets. Diana also shares practical advice for startups looking to scale across borders and optimize their marketing strategies for sustainable growth. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Media for Growth 03:01 — Diana's Journey and Background 05:52 — Cultural Differences in Business 09:11 — Challenges of Moving to the US 12:07 — Growth Mindset in the US vs. UK 14:53 — Advice for Startups Entering the US Market 17:52 — Investor Perspectives on European Companies 20:52 — The Need for Change in European Investment Culture 24:00 — Personal Resilience in Entrepreneurship 26:59 — The Future of Media Capital Investments 30:03 — Optimizing Marketing Spend 32:56 — Conclusion and Contact Information 💡 Key Takeaways Diana founded Media for Growth to support emerging consumer brands. Cultural differences impact business practices between the US and Europe. The US market moves faster and sees higher valuations. US investors are more open to innovative business models. Startups should approach the US market strategically, market by market. European companies often need to relocate to attract US investors. The UK offers beneficial investment schemes like SEIS and EIS. Resilience is critical for entrepreneurs facing expansion challenges. Media capital investments are evolving with new technologies. Optimizing marketing spend is vital for sustainable startup growth.
T2 · E80
24 abr 2025
35:50

Prakriti Garg Building Kickstart Global ↗ | LSE

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs — Insights from Prakriti Garb of Kickstart Global In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Prakriti Garb, a second-year management student at LSE and managing director of Kickstart Global, the UK’s largest student incubator. They discuss: Prakriti’s journey into entrepreneurship and leadership at a young age. Kickstart Global’s mission to support and empower young founders. The unique challenges faced by student entrepreneurs. How mentorship and community play crucial roles in startup success. Insights into the investor landscape for young founders. Common mistakes early entrepreneurs make — and how to avoid them. The need for greater female representation in the startup ecosystem. How universities can foster stronger entrepreneurial communities. Prakriti shares valuable advice for young entrepreneurs on navigating setbacks and building resilience during their startup journey. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Prakriti Garb and Kickstart Global 02:10 — The Mission and Impact of Kickstart Global 04:51 — Challenges Faced by Student Founders 06:13 — Investor Perspectives on Young Founders 09:18 — Common Mistakes Made by Young Entrepreneurs 10:58 — Support Structures for Student Founders 14:01 — Addressing Gender Disparities in Entrepreneurship 17:03 — Motivation and Community in Entrepreneurship 19:46 — The Role of Universities in Fostering Entrepreneurship 21:52 — Recommended Resources for Young Entrepreneurs 23:05 — Advice for Overcoming Bad Days as a Founder 💡 Key Takeaways Kickstart Global supports the next generation of startup founders. Student founders face unique challenges in funding and mentorship. Community and peer networks are vital for early-stage success. Female representation in startups is still lacking and needs support. Universities can play a bigger role in entrepreneurship development. Investors view young founders with both interest and caution. Avoiding early mistakes can significantly improve founder success rates. Motivation, resilience, and community are key to overcoming founder setbacks.
T2 · E79
17 abr 2025
24:56

Ross McCarthy - Founder @ Fruga.co.uk

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Reinventing Insurance — Customer-First Innovation with Ross McCarthy of Frugal In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Ross McCarthy, founder of Frugal, about disrupting the traditional insurance industry with a customer-centric approach. They explore: How Frugal is addressing long-standing customer frustrations in insurance. The importance of loyalty rewards and cashback models. Challenges Ross faced launching a startup with a lean team. Fundraising strategies and navigating early-stage investor relations. Personal reflections on entrepreneurship, influences, and inspirations. Why the insurance industry is ripe for disruption — especially with AI and emerging technologies. Ross also shares his vision for a future where insurance truly works for the customer, and why persistence and prioritization are critical in startup life. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Frugal and Ross McCarthy 00:58 — Customer-Centric Approach in Insurance 04:09 — Challenges and Growth of a Startup 06:49 — Fundraising and Investor Relations 10:09 — Navigating Bad Days as an Entrepreneur 11:52 — Influences and Inspirations 12:52 — Industry Challenges and Opportunities 17:54 — The Future of Insurance and Frugal's Vision 💡 Key Takeaways Frugal was founded to address common customer complaints in insurance. Loyalty rewards and cashback are central to Frugal’s model. Building a startup with limited resources requires smart prioritization. Fundraising is time-intensive but critical for growth. Professional market surveys are invaluable early on. Support networks among family and friends matter. Audiobooks and continuous learning fuel entrepreneurial growth. The insurance industry is ready for disruption, especially with AI innovations.
T2 · E78
14 abr 2025
28:18

Stephanie Melodia - Entrepreneurship expert 🔥 Host of Top 20 Business Show 🎙 Award-winning founder 💼 10+ years of startup expertise 🤓 True Capricorn 🐐

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Urgency, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship — Insights with Stephanie Melodia In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Stephanie Melodia, entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and host of Strategy and Tragedy, about her journey from art school to founding a successful marketing consultancy. They dive into: The importance of urgency and decisive action when starting a business. How prioritization and energy management fuel entrepreneurial success. The role of creativity and mentorship in navigating challenges. Lessons from her podcast on entrepreneurship, diversity, and resilience. How public speaking can be a powerful tool for founders and marketers. The value of leaning into discomfort and overcoming fear to drive growth. Stephanie shares personal insights on balancing business demands with personal wellbeing and highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting diversity in entrepreneurship. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Marketing 05:11 — The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Art School to Business 08:54 — The Urgency of Starting a Business 11:01 — Mastering Prioritization in Entrepreneurship 17:27 — Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance 20:00 — Snowboarding and Life Lessons 22:59 — The Birth of a Podcast 25:52 — Diversity in Entrepreneurship 30:00 — Advice for Startups 37:02 — Public Speaking Journey 💡 Key Takeaways Urgency often catalyzes successful business launches. Creativity and entrepreneurial traits are universal qualities. Prioritization and energy management are critical for founders. To-do lists are endless; focus on high-value activities. Breaks and rest are essential for maintaining productivity. Comfort zones hinder growth — challenge them. Market validation is crucial for startup success. Public speaking is a strong marketing and personal branding tool. Diversity strengthens the entrepreneurship community. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges and breakthroughs. Building a personal brand opens up new opportunities.
T2 · E77
3 abr 2025
40:12

Cyrus Wong - 2x Founder | CEO @Stylique | Building AI + SaaS Infrastructure for Fashion | LSE

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Building Confidence, Culture, and Community — The Entrepreneurial Journey of Cyrus Wong In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Cyrus Wong, a young entrepreneur, about his inspiring journey of launching his first business early and navigating the challenges of the entrepreneurial world. They discuss: How Cyrus built confidence and resilience while starting young. The importance of community support in entrepreneurial success. How his cultural background shaped his mindset and approach. Key advice for aspiring young founders entering the startup ecosystem. His future ambitions to launch a fashion tech startup and contribute to building a stronger entrepreneurial community in the UK. Cyrus shares real-world insights on persistence, adaptability, and the mindset needed to thrive in today’s fast-changing startup landscape. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Cyrus Wong: A Young Entrepreneur's Journey 07:34 — Navigating Challenges and Building Confidence 15:23 — Cultural Adaptation and Community Support 20:49 — Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 26:39 — Future Aspirations and Building Ecosystem 💡 Key Takeaways Early entrepreneurial journeys demand confidence and resilience. Community support plays a vital role in startup success. Cultural background influences mindset and strategies. Young entrepreneurs must embrace adaptability and persistence. Ambition to innovate in fashion tech and build a startup ecosystem is driving the next wave of founders.
T2 · E76
2 abr 2025
32:24

Chet Hirani - Executive Performance Coach, TedX Speaker & Founder @ NYOC - Straight Talking: Shaping Senior Management into being Nothing But Leaders, Businesses to Outperform, Grow From Failure & Achieving 10x Results.

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Mastering Mindset and Performance — Coaching Insights with Chet Hirani In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Chet Hirani, executive performance coach, about building the foundations for entrepreneurial success through mindset, resilience, and self-awareness. They dive into: How entrepreneurs can build a strong foundation and prioritize health. Managing guilt while striving for business success. The balance between ego and productivity. The power of self-belief and taking control of your personal and professional narrative. The role of self-assessment and self-awareness in entrepreneurial growth. Balancing innovation with real customer needs. Navigating dark moments and sustaining motivation. The impact of influential books on leadership and mindset. Overcoming fear and embracing the leap into entrepreneurship. Why consistency and a positive mindset are essential to long-term success. Chet shares real-world strategies for entrepreneurs to achieve peak performance and maintain a healthy balance while scaling their ventures. Learn more about Chet Hirani’s work at chethirani.com. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Performance Coaching 01:14 — Building a Strong Foundation for Entrepreneurs 05:29 — Managing Guilt and Prioritizing Self-Care 10:41 — Balancing Ego and Productivity 13:12 — Building Self-Belief and Confidence 17:01 — Taking Control of Your Narrative 24:39 — The Art of Self-Assessment and Awareness 28:20 — Balancing Innovation and Customer Needs 32:37 — Navigating Dark Moments in Entrepreneurship 36:32 — Influential Books and Their Impact 41:50 — Overcoming Fear and Taking the Leap 45:09 — The Importance of Consistency and Mindset 💡 Key Takeaways Strong foundations and health are key for sustainable entrepreneurship. Self-care and managing guilt are essential for balanced success. Self-belief and narrative control shape entrepreneurial journeys. Awareness and honest self-assessment are crucial for growth. Innovation must align with customer needs for real market traction. Consistency and a positive mindset fuel long-term entrepreneurial success. Influential books and continuous learning enhance leadership skills. Facing fear and embracing change are essential for startup growth.
T2 · E75
20 mar 2025
48:30

Annie Siara - Shaping the Future of Immersive Commerce

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Immersive Commerce and Entrepreneurial Grit — Insights from Annie Siara of One Way X In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Annie Siara, CEO and founder of One Way X, about the evolution of immersive commerce and how it’s reshaping the future of retail by bridging offline and online experiences. They explore: The rise of immersive commerce and consumer behavior trends among younger generations. Annie’s entrepreneurial journey and navigating the challenges of fundraising. The importance of persistence, grit, and having a clear entrepreneurial vision. Lessons learned from leadership, team dynamics, and market positioning. Managing uncertainty and thriving in the volatile startup environment. Book recommendations that have shaped Annie’s approach to business and leadership. Annie shares practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build resilient businesses in a fast-changing retail landscape. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Immersive Commerce 04:19 — The Journey of Entrepreneurship 08:03 — Navigating the Investment Landscape 10:09 — Motivation and Grit in Business 13:29 — Learning from Past Experiences 18:03 — The Importance of Location and Market 20:22 — Lessons in Leadership and Team Dynamics 23:30 — Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 25:02 — Managing Uncertainty in Startups 26:20 — Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts 💡 Key Takeaways Immersive commerce bridges online and offline retail experiences. Understanding consumer behavior, especially among younger generations, is critical. Persistence and grit are essential traits for entrepreneurial success. Strong leadership and team dynamics are key to scaling startups. Managing uncertainty is a necessary skill in today’s fast-evolving markets. Strategic location and market focus can define a startup’s trajectory. Book recommendations provide practical insights for founders navigating leadership and growth.
T2 · E74
13 mar 2025
26:25

Tessa Debruyne - Turning Brands into Unforgettable Stories

🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Building Brands Through Authentic Content — Insights from Tessa Debruyne of Myth Marketing In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Tessa Debruyne, founder of Myth Marketing, about her journey from sales to launching a social-first agency dedicated to helping startups thrive through authentic content strategies. They dive into: Key marketing challenges startups face in today’s crowded digital space. The importance of authenticity in branding and building genuine audience trust. How to craft engaging video content and navigate ever-changing social media algorithms. The rising dominance of vertical video formats, particularly on TikTok and Instagram Reels. Strategies for reviving struggling social media accounts and balancing live versus pre-recorded content. The growing role of AI in content generation and its impact on brand storytelling. Why understanding your target audience is the key to content success. How building a loyal brand community leads to long-term growth. Tessa shares practical strategies for startups to cut through the noise and build brands that truly connect. Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon. 🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io 🕒 Chapters 00:00 — The Journey to Entrepreneurship 02:49 — Navigating Marketing Challenges for Startups 05:50 — The Importance of Authenticity in Branding 08:56 — Creating Engaging Content: Strategies and Tips 11:48 — Understanding Social Media Algorithms 14:54 — Video Content: Length and Format Considerations 18:45 — The Rise of Vertical Video Content 20:09 — Crafting Engaging Content Strategies 22:14 — Navigating AI in Content Creation 24:49 — Identifying Your Target Audience 28:55 — Reviving a Struggling TikTok Account 30:56 — Balancing Live Content and Pre-Recorded Videos 32:40 — Building a Community Around Your Brand 34:41 — The Power of Brand Loyalty and Identity 💡 Key Takeaways Authenticity is at the core of effective modern branding. Vertical video content is dominating platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Startups must master content creation and audience targeting to grow. AI is reshaping content strategies, offering both challenges and opportunities. Building a loyal community around your brand drives sustainable growth. Engaging content requires consistency, creativity, and audience understanding. Social media algorithms favor video content that captures attention fast. Live video and pre-recorded content should complement each other for maximum impact.
T2 · E73
6 mar 2025
35:11
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