Startup Sensations

S6 Ep1 – Scott Bok is a former CEO, investment banking trailblazer, and author of “Surviving Wall Street: A Tale of Triumph, Tragedy and Timing.” Having taken his boutique New York firm from its entrepreneurial roots all the way to a multi-billion-dollar IPO, Scott brings a wealth of experience and authentic insights from the dynamic world of financial services. In this thought-provoking episode, Scott shares the realities of leaving a secure, prestigious career at Morgan Stanley to launch a new kind of investment bank—one that defied the era’s trend for financial "supermarkets" and instead focused on personal, client-centric advisory.  He discusses navigating five major crises, flourishing in the face of fierce competition, and handling the unpredictable personal and emotional challenges that come with leadership. Scott and Shelley explore entrepreneurship on both sides of the Atlantic, including the contrasting attitudes towards risk and failure in the UK and US, and look ahead to key trends in fintech and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. 🎙️ Key Topics: The leap from Wall Street stability to startup uncertainty Steering a firm through five economic crises and fierce industry competition Building international teams and managing UK vs US cultural differences The power of authentic leadership, humility, and team-building in scaling a business Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. If you liked this episode, please rate us and leave a review. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse DeCosta is a creative entrepreneur, artist, and founder of DeCosta Global, a leading branding and marketing firm working with some of the world’s biggest names, from Hollywood stars to global corporations. In this insightful episode, Jesse shares the unvarnished truth behind his journey – from drawing caricatures at a theme park to building a multi-division business with decades-long partnerships in the entertainment industry. The conversation touches on the realities of starting up with no clear plan, the challenges of constant reinvention in the face of technological change (including the rise of AI), and the delicate balance between creativity, efficiency, and reputation management.  Jesse also reflects on the importance of humility, resilience, and treating people with respect, offering rich lessons for founders and creatives alike. 🎙️ Key Topics: Breaking into the entertainment industry and working with names like Will Smith, Kevin James, the Jacksons, and more The three pillars of DeCosta Global: product development, creative services, and marketing Crisis and reputation management for high-profile clients in the age of social media The impact (and heartbreak) of AI on creativity, job roles, and the future of creative businesses Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Jesse DeCosta - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-decosta-021557141/ DeCosta Global - https://www.decostainc.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep11 – Ted Elvhage is a pioneering Swedish entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Expansion Aerospace Ventures, one of Europe’s largest space and defence-focused VC funds. In this enlightening episode, Ted joins hosts Shelley Bays and Bulent Osman to unpick the accelerating world of space technology, revealing how “space” is already an essential part of our daily lives. From his own transformative journey—from Harvard Medical School to leading pan-European investment in aerospace—Ted discusses the seismic changes in rocket and satellite tech, the pivotal role of software, and the challenges unique to building and funding startups in this frontier sector. Expect candid insights into everything from pan-European collaboration to the real qualities investors seek in founders. 🎙️ Key Topics: The evolution of Europe’s commercial space and defence sector Cultural differences in entrepreneurship and investment across Europe and the US The unexpected ways satellites and space tech support climate action, agriculture, and telecoms Top mistakes founders make when pitching for investment and how to rectify them Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com Our thanks to this week’s episode sponsor, AppUnite - https://bit.ly/3FBaByP Ted Elvhage - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedelvhage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep10 - Marta Emerson is a dynamic Spanish entrepreneur, renowned for her influential YouTube presence and her dedication to empowering solopreneurs and small business founders through online education and mentoring. In this insightful episode, Marta shares her personal journey from humble beginnings and navigating the early Spanish startup environment, to building a thriving personal brand that now supports over 20,000 entrepreneurs worldwide. She discusses the key differences between scaling startups and building smaller, lifestyle businesses, and offers practical advice on personal branding, business modelling, and sales strategies.  Marta also gives a behind-the-scenes look at how she generates multiple streams of passive income, the importance of authenticity on social media, and the unique challenges and opportunities within the Spanish and wider Spanish-speaking startup ecosystem. 🎙️ Key Topics: Building a personal brand and business as a solopreneur in the Spanish-speaking market Practical steps for creating and optimising sales funnels for consultants and small businesses Strategies for generating passive income streams, from YouTube to affiliate marketing The evolving entrepreneurial landscape in Spain and navigating change in a world shaped by technology and AI FOLLOW this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Our thanks to this week’s episode sponsor, AppUnite - https://bit.ly/3FBaByP Marta Emerson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martaemerson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep9 – Michelle Blieberg is a seasoned HR leader, executive coach, and architect of leadership programmes, whose career spans global giants such as Charles Schwab, UBS Investment Bank, and Time Warner, as well as nimble startups. In this practical and insightful episode, Michelle joins Shelley and Bulent from Connecticut in the US to unpack the real-world contrasts of leading HR in large versus small companies. She also discusses the evolving landscape of work post-pandemic. The discussion ranges from navigating resource constraints in startups to the enduring importance of trust and psychological safety, the nuances of leadership development, and actionable advice for founders and aspiring leaders alike. Michelle illuminates the cultural differences between the US and UK workplace environments, shares powerful anecdotes from her career, and casts a thoughtful eye over the promise and pitfalls of AI in business. 🎙️ Key Topics: The realities of HR in startups vs. established corporations Building workplace trust and psychological safety post-Covid Creative approaches to leadership and talent development The impact of AI and the critical importance of inspiring leadership Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep8 -  Mike Turner, co-founder and Managing Director of Bird and Blend Tea Company, shares his journey from starting out with his ex-wife to building a thriving tea company with now 25 stores across the UK. Mike discusses a wide range of topics, from the company's unique approach to creating innovative tea blends and spreading happiness to the challenges of growing a business amid changing economic climates. He opens up about the significance of maintaining company culture, the insights gained from the pandemic, and managing an evolving business structure. Mike also offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of building a lasting, impactful enterprise. 🎙️ Key Topics: Bird and Blend: From Concept to Community-Sourced Success Resilience and Adaptation: Managing Growth and Economic Challenges The Power of Culture: Keeping 250 Staff Passionate and Engaged Insights on Balancing Online Presence and Physical Stores in Retail Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Our thanks to this week’s episode sponsor, AppUnite - https://bit.ly/3FBaByP Mike Turner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeajturner/ Bird & Blend Tea Co. - https://www.birdandblendtea.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep7 - Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger, joins us to share insights from his journey in the podcast industry. Recognised as a titan in British podcasting, Tony, along with his co-founder, Gary Lineker, the former professional footballer and TV host, is behind some of the UK’s most successful podcasts like The Rest Is History. In this engaging episode, Tony discusses the podcasting landscape in the UK versus the US, the evolution of media with on-demand content, and his personal journey from television to the world of podcasts. He also explains the intricacies of building a business without traditional marketing, the importance of community-building, and offers advice to budding entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the podcast world. 🎙️ Key Topics: The UK vs. US Podcast Advertising Market Transition from TV Production to Podcast Dominance Building an Audience: Marketing Strategies and Organic Growth Engaging with a Community for Long-Term Podcast Success Follow the show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Tony Pastor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-pastor-a910a610a/ Goalhanger  - https://www.goalhanger.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep5 - Carrie Osman is the founder and CEO of Cruxy, a growth intelligence specialist company based in London. With a background from Mars and an entrepreneurial mindset nurtured from childhood, Carrie has built a dynamic business serving high-growth B2B tech sectors globally. In this engaging episode, Carrie shares her journey from the early challenges of starting Cruxy to the successes she enjoys today. The conversation delves deep into the nuances of sales across different cultures, the importance of building strong, systematic processes, and the balance required in leadership to inspire and support a high-performing team. Her insights into the ‘Trust Equation’ in sales and her approach to motivating her team offer valuable takeaways for budding entrepreneurs. 🎙️ Key Topics: Navigating Cultural Differences in Sales The Trust Equation: Intimacy, Reliability, and Credibility Leadership Insights: Balancing Strength with Support Scaling a Business with Systematic Processes Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Carrie Osman -https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-osman-7570a216/ Cruxy - https://cruxy.co.uk/ Our thanks to this week’s sponsor, Curvo.ai - https://curvo.ai/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep4 - Tommaso Trionfi is an Italian serial entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Noro, a company revolutionising the business travel experience with life-size immersive portals. In this engaging episode, Tommaso shares his journey from being a curious young man in Rome to becoming a pioneering force in the tech industry across multiple continents. He discusses the inception and evolution of Noro, which aims to bridge the gap between virtual and in-person meetings with innovative technology. The conversation also explores the entrepreneurial environment in the US compared to Europe, offering insights from Tommaso’s extensive international experience. 🎙️ Key Topics: The Origin and Mission of Noro Navigating Business Across Different Cultures Advantages and Challenges of Entrepreneurship in the US Overcoming the Constraints of Traditional Video Conferencing Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Tommaso Trionfi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trionfi/ Noro - https://www.noro.co/ Our thanks to this week’s sponsor, Curvo.ai - https://curvo.ai/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep3 - Leo Rogers is the innovative co-founder and CEO of Curvo, a burgeoning tech startup leveraging AI to revolutionise sales enablement and coaching. In this invigorating episode, Leo divulges his entrepreneurial journey, from dropping out of university to founding Curvo, which aims to provide real-time coaching to sales representatives using artificial intelligence. He opens up about the initial challenges of starting his new venture, funding strategies, and the technology behind Curvo. Leo also offers invaluable advice for budding entrepreneurs and paints a vivid picture of the realities behind startup life, including both the highs and the inevitable challenges. 🎙️ Key Topics: The inception and mission of Curvo in the sales enablement space Leveraging AI and machine learning for real-time sales coaching Overcoming early-stage startup challenges, including funding and team dynamics The entrepreneurial mindset: resilience, learning, and thriving in discomfort Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep2 - Fabrice Marquet is an accomplished entrepreneur and the innovative Co-Founder of Monaco Foundry, a venture dedicated to fast-tracking access to market for innovation and revolutionising the fundraising process for startups. In this fascinating episode, Fabrice shares his journey from being a scientist to becoming an entrepreneur, discussing his impressive academic background and his enriching experiences in both Europe and the US. He delves into why Monaco Foundry was founded, the challenges they faced, and the crucial pivot that has now positioned them to support a wider range of creators and entrepreneurs. With discussions ranging from the inefficiencies in the venture capital space to the future prospects of AI and intellectual property, this is a conversation brimming with insights for any startup enthusiast. 🎙️ Key Topics: The Inception and Evolution of Monaco Foundry Challenges in the Venture Capital Space and the Importance of Pivoting Differences Between European and American Entrepreneurial Cultures The Disruptive Potential of AI and the Future Landscape for Startups Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S5 Ep1 - Kyle Whitehill, CEO of Avanti Communications, reflects on his career, personal values and experiences with the startup community. In this insightful episode, Kyle joins hosts Shelley Bays and Bulent Osman to delve into the nuances of transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurial ventures. Kyle shares wisdom from his career, discusses the impact of personal values, and explores the challenges and opportunities within the business landscape. The conversation covers the evolving dynamics of sales, the importance of education and communication, and Kyle's future ambitions, including his plans to buy a farm in Scotland. 🎙️ Key Topics: The Evolving Nature of Business Interactions and Sales Cycles Balancing Personal Values with Career Objectives Insights on the African Market and Avanti's Strategic Expansion Advice for Entrepreneurs Navigating Corporate Sales FOLLOW the show on your favourite podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Kyle Whitehill - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-whitehill-9b8469/ Avanti Communications - https://www.avanti.space/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Ep6 - Jeff Wallace, a prominent figure in the world of startups, is an expert in accelerating businesses with his initiatives, Silicon Valley in Your Pocket and The Batchery. Joining the conversation from New Zealand, Jeff brings valuable insights from his extensive experience across continents. In this thought-provoking episode, Jeff Wallace shares his journey from Wall Street to Silicon Valley, detailing his seamless transition from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship. Together with hosts Bulent Osman and Shelley Bays, Jeff explores the pervasive impact of AI on startups, the unique challenges of global entrepreneurship, and the innovative ecosystem in New Zealand, providing listeners with a rare inside look at the dynamics of starting up internationally. 🎙️ Key Topics: The Evolution of Entrepreneurship and the Role of AI Insights on Creating Global Accelerator Programmes Navigating Cultural Differences in International Startups A Look into New Zealand's Vibrant Startup Ecosystem Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Jeff Wallace - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwallace913/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Bonus Ep5 - Phill Robinson is the founder of Boardwave, a networking community connecting CEOs and founders of software companies across Europe. With his belief that access to knowledge, skills, and experience is critical to success, Phill provides a space for software leaders to share best practices and ideas.  In this conversation with Bulent and Shelley, he discusses why it is important we create a community of start-up businesses to help with business growth and provide peer support when needed. This episode is sponsored by Deel - No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel.com. Visit Deel.com by clicking here https://bit.ly/4f0yBYH Phill Robinson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillrobinson/ Boardwave - https://www.boardwave.org/ Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Turner founded Angel Academe 11 years ago to make a real difference. She has built this successful angel investor network into a supportive and empowering environment to encourage more women to join the startup ecosystem.  In this episode, Sarah discusses the key issues faced by women founders and early-stage investors, offering practical advice for both. Key points include: The qualities investors seek in a founder, including Emotional Intelligence  How best to pitch your business  Typical mistakes founders and angel investors make and how to avoid making them.  Sarah Turner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahturneruk/ Angel Academe - https://www.angelacademe.com/ Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Bonus Ep3 - Scott Kaplan is a born salesperson, with a natural instinct for the art of selling. From a young age, he was already honing his skills, with his first foray into sales at the age of six. However, he understands that training and processes are also important in the world of startup sales. Having spoken to numerous salespeople, he recognizes the difference between those who have a natural talent and those who need more guidance and training.  In this conversation, Scott explains what he looks for in potential salespeople for a startup and provides guidance on how to maximise your sales potential. This episode is sponsored by Deel - No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel.com. Visit Deel.com by clicking here https://bit.ly/4f0yBYH Scott Kaplan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkaplan/ Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Bonus Ep2 - Gilly Regev is co-founder and Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer of SaNOtize, an exciting young pharmaceutical company based in Vancouver, Canada. The company has developed a disruptive, first-in-class technology that delivers the antimicrobial benefits of Nitric Oxide to treat a variety of infectious conditions.   In this episode, Gilly revisits her early experiences as a sommelier, shares the inside story of SaNOtize from inception to today, and describes the key challenges in the pharma sector. She also opens up about being in the army and her personal leadership philosophies and tactics. Key topics include:   ●      Strategies for building and motivating a core team ●      How to choose meaningful company values ●      Importance of ‘doing the hard things’   This episode is sponsored by Deel - No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel.com. Visit Deel.com by clicking here https://bit.ly/4f0yBYH Gilly Regev - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilly-regev/ Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Bonus Ep1 - Raj Singh, Managing Partner at JLL Spark in Silicon Valley, shares his insights with Bulent & Shelley about what investors are looking for in you as a founder of a UK or US startup company.   In this episode, Raj shares his insights into the different approaches taken by VCs on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the importance of understanding how businesses generate and capture value.   This episode is sponsored by Deel - No more headaches with trying to manage your global workforce, compliantly hire and pay employees with Deel.com. Visit Deel.com by clicking here https://bit.ly/4f0yBYH   Raj Singh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajsingh/   Follow this show on your podcast app and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page. Watch video highlights on YouTube. We love hearing your feedback, so email us at hello@startupsensations.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Ep12 - Faisal Khan, an influential figure at the Institute of Directors, serves as the chair for the southern region and is a pivotal member of the IoD's expert advisory group for Science, Innovation, and Technology. In this engaging episode, Faisal Khan sits down with Shelley and Bulent to delve into the critical role of corporate governance in startups, exploring the intricate relationship between cybersecurity and effective management. Faisal highlights the paramount importance of education for board members, the role of a non-executive chairman, and the benefits of establishing strong governance principles from the outset. The conversation also touches on the implications of AI on business and offers a reflection on Faisal's esteemed career at IBM, emphasising patience and diligence. 🎙️ Key Topics: The essential role of governance in running a successful business The significance of the relationship between a CEO and the chairman The intersection of cybersecurity and corporate governance The need for board members to understand cybersecurity risks and regulations Follow us on your favourite podcast platform and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page.  Watch exclusive video highlights on our YouTube channel and share your feedback at hello@startupsensations.com. Faisal Khan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanfaisalali/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S4 Ep11 - Fred Cohen and Mike Mortimer are two distinguished American investors based in London, each with a unique approach to investing in healthcare and life sciences companies. In this insightful episode, Fred and Mike share their experiences and strategies for successful investing. They discuss the importance of finding the right terms for a deal, aligning with strong management teams, and navigating the cultural differences between the UK and the US. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by European companies in the life sciences sector and the role of private equity in early-stage companies. 🎙️ Key Topics: - The approach of making only a few carefully chosen investments each year - The significance of passion, insight, and shared vision in founders - The optimal relationship between private equity and the management team - Navigating the delicate balance between showing strength and revealing concerns as a founder Follow us on your favourite podcast platform and join us on The Startup Sensations Podcast LinkedIn page.  Watch exclusive video highlights on our YouTube channel and share your feedback at hello@startupsensations.com. Mike Mortimer - GHO Capital Partners LLP Fred Cohen - Monograph Capital Partnerslinkedin.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices