Episodes

  • Why building a strong culture is just as important as chasing profits 💡 | Gemma Price (HubGem)

    Why building a strong culture is just as important as chasing profits 💡 | Gemma Price (HubGem)
    Jan 5 2025
    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack or 🎧 listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeMillennial Masters is brought to you by:* Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service* Offwork 🏖️ The employee perk that actually gets usedThis week’s Millennial Master is Gemma Price, founder of HubGem. From taking the leap into self-employment to scaling a niche business into a global success, Gemma explains how she navigated challenges with resilience and a culture-first mindset.In this episode, she shares her secrets for building a thriving remote team, mastering personal development, and redefining work-life balance as a parent and entrepreneur.🔗 Find Gemma on LinkedInTakeaways from Gemma’s interview1️⃣ Culture is king: Hiring for culture fit is more important than experience.2️⃣ Mindset matters: Journaling, meditation, and self-reflection are non-negotiables for success.3️⃣ Scaling smart: Staying niche and saying no to distractions helped HubGem stand out.4️⃣ The power of vulnerability: Authentic leadership creates trust and connection.5️⃣ Imposter syndrome: Embrace it as part of self-growth, not a flaw to fix.📖 Gemma’s book recommendationsDear Female Founder by Lu Li — A collection of letters written by successful female entrepreneurs, offering heartfelt advice, reality checks, and inspiration.The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters — A powerful guide to understanding and managing your inner “chimp” for better emotional control and resilience.The Emotional Overdraft by Andy Brown —A deep dive into the emotional challenges of running a business and strategies for managing them effectively.Move Fast and Fix Things by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss — A practical guide for implementing change quickly and effectively in business, with actionable insights.Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy by Mo Gawdat — A life-changing book on achieving happiness and emotional resilience through engineering principles and mindset shifts.In this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction to Gemma Price03:17 The Leap Of Faith12:47 Navigating the Pandemic: A Turning Point for Business22:56 Scaling Up: Building a Team and Culture33:12 Creating a Positive Work Culture: Lessons Learned42:56 Building a Culture-Driven Team47:50 Hiring for Culture Fit54:25 Personal Development and Growth01:00:48 The Impact of Motherhood on Business01:05:13 Sacrifices of Entrepreneurship01:07:43 Intuitive Psychology Coaching01:12:29 Understanding Imposter Syndrome Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Why curiosity and people are the ultimate business hack 🦾 | Ryan Carruthers (AI Response Lab)

    Why curiosity and people are the ultimate business hack 🦾 | Ryan Carruthers (AI Response Lab)
    Dec 29 2024
    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack or 🎧 listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeMillennial Masters is brought to you by:* Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service* Offwork 🏖️ The employee perk that actually gets usedRyan Carruthers is a serial entrepreneur whose journey spans trading PlayStation games as a teenager, scaling a Betfair tips empire, and building communities that thrive. But what really sets him apart is his bold leap into AI androids.Ryan’s latest venture combines tech with human ingenuity, using AI androids to take the grind out of sales processes, freeing up teams to focus on what they do best.In this episode, we unpack his lessons on business partnerships, risk-taking, and how being a dad reshaped his view on work and life.We also explore the future of AI in sales, and how Ryan sees it transforming industries while empowering people.📖 Ryan’s book recommendationsTraction by Gino Wickman — A practical guide to structuring and scaling a business using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Ryan highlights the importance of the level 10 meeting framework and understanding your role as either a visionary or integrator.Profit First by Mike Michalowicz — A revolutionary approach to managing business finances, putting profit at the forefront. Ryan credits this book for transforming how he runs his business.The Danish Way of Parenting by Jessica Joelle Alexander and Iben Dissing Sandahl — A refreshing take on raising confident, resilient, and happy children, which Ryan applies in his journey as a dad.Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss — A collection of life and business lessons from high achievers across various fields, which Ryan revisits every year for inspiration.Company of One by Paul Jarvis — This book challenges the notion of “bigger is better” in business, encouraging entrepreneurs to set clear limits on growth and design a life aligned with their personal values.In this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction to Ryan Carruthers02:58 The Early Entrepreneurial Spirit05:21 Family Support and Business Foundations06:33 Navigating University and Early Ventures10:22 The Betfair Journey Begins14:34 Building a Community Around Betting16:31 Exploring Property Ventures21:34 Lessons from a Business Partnership24:15 Finding the Right Business Partner30:19 Influential Books and Life Lessons34:44 Life Changes and Risk Profiles39:12 Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded People43:51 Maintaining Focus and Productivity46:35 Remote Work Dynamics49:01 Sacrifices and Gains in Business50:33 The AI Revolution in Sales56:46 The Future of Education and AI59:32 Leveraging AI for Marketing and Copywriting01:04:07 Advice for the Younger Self Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • The power of self-belief and overcoming the anticlimax of success 🌟 | Francesca McClory (FutureCloud Accounting)

    The power of self-belief and overcoming the anticlimax of success 🌟 | Francesca McClory (FutureCloud Accounting)
    Dec 22 2024

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack or YouTube

    Millennial Masters is brought to you by:* Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service* Offwork 🏖️ The employee perk that actually gets used

    Francesca McClory is a dedicated stay-at-home mum turned entrepreneur, who transformed her life through sheer self-belief.

    In this episode, Francesca shares her experiences of scaling her business, FutureCloud Accounting, and the inevitable anticlimax that follows major successes.

    She offers valuable insights on how maintaining self-belief and resilience can help you navigate the less glamorous aspects of success.

    Tune in to learn how Francesca turned challenges into opportunities and stayed true to her vision.

    🔗 Find Francesca on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube

    📖 Francesca’s book recommendations

    The Chimp Paradox by Dr. Steve Peters — This book explores the inner workings of the human mind by introducing the concept of the “Chimp,” an emotional and impulsive part of our brain. Dr. Peters provides practical strategies to manage this inner chimp, helping individuals gain control over their emotions and reactions.

    The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber — Debunking common myths about starting and running a small business. Michael E. Gerber highlights the importance of working on your business, not just in it. The book outlines a framework for building scalable and sustainable businesses by developing systems and processes that allow the business to run smoothly without the constant presence of the owner.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 From Stay-at-Home Mom to Accountant

    08:21 The Leap to Entrepreneurship

    12:39 The Power of Partnerships

    16:15 Scaling Up: Lessons Learned

    22:19 Personal Branding in Business

    26:58 Common Financial Mistakes in Business

    31:59 Myths in Business: The Cost of Cheap Solutions

    34:56 Balancing Work and Family: Strategies for Success

    41:33 Sacrifices on the Path to Success

    43:24 Navigating Remote and Hybrid Work Environments

    46:18 Influential Reads: Books That Shaped My Journey

    49:46 Role Models and Vulnerability in Sharing Personal Stories

    📢 To sponsor the Millennial Masters podcast, get in touch on promo@millennialmasters.net.

    🎙️ Know someone who I should interview for the podcast? Email me on daniel@millennialmasters.net



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
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    1 hr
  • Fatal startup mistakes and what entrepreneurs need to succeed 🛡️ | Michael Buckworth (Buckworths)

    Fatal startup mistakes and what entrepreneurs need to succeed 🛡️ | Michael Buckworth (Buckworths)
    Dec 15 2024

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack

    Millennial Masters is brought to you by:

    * Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service

    * Offwork 🏖️ The employee perk that actually gets used

    Michael Buckworth is a seasoned mergers and acquisitions expert turned entrepreneurial powerhouse. He traded the high-stakes of top law firms for the gritty realm of startups.

    With over a decade of experience navigating billion-pound deals, Michael decided to flip the script and focus on what truly ignited his passion: empowering startups to scale and thrive.

    From setting up his own law firm, Buckworths, to becoming the go-to legal guru for unicorns and emerging businesses, Michael is transforming the legal landscape for entrepreneurs.

    Some takeaways from Michael’s interview:

    1️⃣ Avoid legal pitfalls early

    Startups often stumble on legal issues like improper documentation and unclear contracts. Understanding these risks from the outset will prevent costly mistakes.

    2️⃣ Establish founder agreements

    Having a business prenup is essential. Clear founder agreements outline roles, equity distribution, and conflict resolution, safeguarding your startup from internal disputes and potential disasters.

    3️⃣ Maintain work-life balance

    Entrepreneurship demands long hours, but maintaining balance is crucial. Michael shares his strategies for setting boundaries and staying productive without burning out.

    4️⃣ Strategic personal branding

    Personal branding has its ups and downs. While it builds trust and attracts clients, it can also lead to overwhelming personal attention. Michael is now promoting his team’s strengths to create a strong, cohesive firm identity.

    5️⃣ Execute and embrace luck

    What separates good entrepreneurs from great ones? Execution and a bit of luck. Michael believes in meticulous planning, strategic execution, and adaptability, combined with seizing favourable opportunities to achieve lasting success.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Introduction to Michael Buckworth

    03:24 The Journey From Law to Entrepreneurship

    05:44 The Startup Landscape: Key Differences and Challenges

    09:32 Navigating Legal Tools: AI and Precedent Platforms

    15:44 Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make

    20:03 Founders Agreements: The Business Prenup

    25:06 Writing a Book: Sharing Knowledge with Entrepreneurs

    27:46 Investor Relations: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

    31:58 Be Wary of Investments From These Countries

    34:27 Offshoring and Tax Strategies: Pros and Cons

    38:59 The Importance of Personal Branding in Business

    42:17 The Impact of Remote Work on Legal Practices

    44:28 How To Hire The Right Fit

    46:43 Routines and Habits for Success

    49:14 Sacrifices and Challenges of Entrepreneurship

    52:32 Lessons Learned: Advice for New Entrepreneurs

    54:52 Books That Inspired Michael

    56:45 Key Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

    📢 To sponsor the Millennial Masters podcast, get in touch on promo@millennialmasters.net.

    🎙️ Know someone who I should interview for the podcast? Email me on daniel@millennialmasters.net



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
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    59 mins
  • How a train ride led to a healthier beer, and why community is the secret sauce 🍻| Harvey Armstrong & Sam Holmes (Prime Time)

    How a train ride led to a healthier beer, and why community is the secret sauce 🍻| Harvey Armstrong & Sam Holmes (Prime Time)
    Dec 8 2024
    📺 Watch the full episode on SubstackSam Holmes and Harvey Armstrong’s journey from a chance train encounter to launching Prime Time is a masterclass in friendship, resilience, and the power of building in public.Known for their stint on Made in Chelsea, Sam and Harvey brought their entrepreneurial journey to life on-screen and social media. This authenticity not only earned them a loyal fanbase, but also helped them raise over £1 million through crowdfunding, turning fans into investors.It all started on a train with a shared 24-pack of beers. Years later, motivated by a love of beer and a vision for a sustainable lifestyle, they launched Prime Time, a low-calorie, gluten-free, vegan beer with a caffeine kick. But the path wasn’t easy. Just as they were gearing up for a major festival, their first brewery partner went bust. Instead of folding, they quickly pivoted, found new partners, and kept the dream alive.Today, Prime Time is available in pubs, bars, and Waitrose supermarkets across the UK, proving that with the right mix of grit, collaboration, and community, even the boldest dreams can become reality.🔗 Find Harvey on LinkedIn, Instagram and Sam on LinkedIn and InstagramSome takeaways from Harvey & Sam’s interview:1️⃣ Embrace serendipityGreat ideas often come from the unexpected. Sam and Harvey’s chance meeting over a 24-pack of beers on a train proves the power of being open to new connections and opportunities.2️⃣ Innovate with purposeTo stand out, solve real problems. Prime Time isn’t just another beer — it’s crafted for today’s health-conscious drinkers, offering low-calorie, gluten-free, vegan, and caffeine-infused options that hit the mark.3️⃣ Stay resilientChallenges are part of the journey. When their brewery partner collapsed during the pandemic, Sam and Harvey quickly pivoted, secured new partners, and kept Prime Time on course.4️⃣ Build in publicTransparency builds trust. By sharing their story on reality TV, social media, and involving their community in crowdfunding, Prime Time transformed fans into loyal supporters and brand advocates.In this episode we cover:00:00 Introduction to Sam Holmes and Harvey Armstrong03:16 A Chance Encounter: How It All Began05:10 Crafting a Healthier Beer: The Vision Behind Prime Time07:24 From Idea to Product: The R&D Journey09:34 Overcoming Setbacks: The Production Challenges12:50 Scaling Through Outsourcing: Lessons Learned14:35 Navigating Fundraising: Bootstrapping to Crowdfunding18:09 The Differences in Funding: Private vs. Crowdfunding21:41 Marketing and Activations: The Co-Founders' Approach23:26 Defining Roles: The Co-Founders' Dynamic25:29 Building the Team: Hiring for Culture and Fit30:18 Work Culture: Balancing Office and Remote Work32:35 Expanding into Supermarkets34:42 Navigating the Supermarket Landscape36:24 Facing Competition and Imitators38:05 Learning from Industry Giants39:50 Maintaining Focus and Productivity44:21 Continuous Learning and Networking48:23 Sacrifices on the Entrepreneurial Journey51:04 Vision for the Future53:40 Advice to Younger Selves📢 To sponsor the Millennial Masters podcast, get in touch on promo@millennialmasters.net.🎙️ Know someone who I should interview for the podcast? Email me on daniel@millennialmasters.net Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
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    56 mins
  • Don't chase your dreams, just follow them until they get tired and lie down 🎯 | Yehong Zhu (Zette)

    Don't chase your dreams, just follow them until they get tired and lie down 🎯 | Yehong Zhu (Zette)
    Dec 1 2024

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack

    Yehong Zhu’s story is a blend of journalism, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. A Harvard graduate, she began as a business reporter at Forbes, uncovering market trends, before transitioning to Product Manager at Twitter, where she bridged media and tech.

    Now, as the founder of Zette, a Silicon Valley startup tackling paywall fatigue, Yehong is reimagining how we access quality journalism. Backed by $3 million in funding, Zette is on a mission to make premium content simple to access and pay for — benefiting both readers and publishers alike.

    Some takeaways from Yehong’s interview:

    1️⃣ Solve real problems with innovation

    Yehong tackled digital media’s toughest challenge — monetisation — by creating Zette, a win-win solution for publishers and readers.

    2️⃣ Resilience drives success

    Launching Zette during a global pandemic wasn’t easy, but Yehong’s adaptability and grit kept her vision on track.

    3️⃣ Iterate, refine, repeat

    Yehong champions an iterative approach in product development and pitching, ensuring continuous growth and market fit.

    4️⃣ Think global, hire global

    Building an international team gave Zette access to diverse skills and perspectives, fuelling its growth.

    5️⃣ Leadership with balance

    Yehong’s leadership style prioritises team well-being and sustainable practices, laying the foundation for long-term success.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Introduction to Yehong Zhu

    03:14 The Intersection of Media and Technology

    07:50 The Birth of Zette During the Pandemic

    10:43 Fundraising Insights and Challenges

    17:22 The Importance of Resilience in Startups

    23:09 The Future of Media Consumption and Paywalls

    33:38 Subscription Fatigue and the Future of News

    37:45 The Role of Google in the Publishing Industry

    42:00 Challenges in User Adoption of Zette

    46:13 AI's Impact on Search and Google's Future

    50:57 The Entrepreneurial Journey and Personal Sacrifices

    01:00:07 Books That Shape an Entrepreneur's Mindset



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • “We’re screwed”: 5 reasons why the UK’s tech & AI sector is stuck 🤖 | Barney Hussey-Yeo (Cleo)

    “We’re screwed”: 5 reasons why the UK’s tech & AI sector is stuck 🤖 | Barney Hussey-Yeo (Cleo)
    Nov 29 2024

    ✨ This is a bonus episode of Millennial Masters with a condensed version of Barney Hussey-Yeo’s evidence for the Scaling up - AI and creative tech inquiry from the UK House of Lords.

    The UK’s tech and AI scene has the brains and the buzz, but it’s hitting a wall. Despite world-class universities and a vibrant startup culture, major roadblocks are holding us back from playing on the global stage.

    During a no-nonsense panel with the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee, Barney Hussey-Yeo, Founder and CEO of Cleo, didn’t hold back — he shed light on the critical barriers hindering growth and offered a potential roadmap for rebirth.

    Founded in 2016 in the UK, Cleo is an AI assistant helping people manage their finances more effectively. With $150 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), Cleo achieved profitability while doubling its growth year over year. It raised $200 million in capital, and operates exclusively in the USA since 2020, with plans to raise an extra $200 million in 2025 to expand further.

    From Barney’s candid observations for the Scaling up - AI and creative tech inquiry, I extracted five reasons why the UK’s tech and AI sector is falling behind — and five actionable ways to turn things around.

    📺 The Scaling up - AI and creative tech inquiry from the UK House of Lords continues through to December 6, 2024. You can watch back all three sessions here.

    This inquiry is examining the challenges facing SMEs seeking to scale up in the UK, focusing on firms working in AI, and creative technology. They have been taking evidence from UK creative tech firms, trade bodies and venture capital firms.

    A final report will then be compiled with actions needed from the government and industry over the next 5 years to maximise the economic potential of these sectors and secure competitive advantage.

    👉🏻 Get the Millennial Masters Podcast on Spotify, Apple & YouTube. Subscribe on MillennialMasters.Net for the full experience.



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
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    18 mins
  • How turning passion into a career builds success, and why resilience is key 🎬 | Dumi Siwo (Firmative)

    How turning passion into a career builds success, and why resilience is key 🎬 | Dumi Siwo (Firmative)
    Nov 24 2024

    📺 Watch the full episode on Substack

    Dumi Siwo’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Moving from Zambia to the UK at the age of 13, he brought with him a deep love for storytelling and visual arts.

    Despite facing early challenges in breaking into the job market, Dumi carved out his own space in the entertainment industry by capturing the vibrant energy of club nights and collaborating with artists and DJs.

    As the founder of Firmative, Dumi has partnered with major record labels like Atlantic Records and collaborated with big names, including Anne-Marie, Ed Sheeran, James Blunt, Ella Henderson, Rita Ora, and many more.

    📖 Dumi’s book recommendations

    1️⃣ Principles by Ray Dalio — An influential book about the importance of understanding one’s own values and principles. Dumi highlights how this book taught him about vulnerability, seeking truth, and redefining success. It builds on the equation of reality, big dreams, and relentless effort to achieve your goals.

    2️⃣ Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill — A classic in personal development literature, this book explores the power of thought and the principles of success. Dumi appreciates how many of the principles align with those in Principles by Ray Dalio, reinforcing ideas about ambition, mindset, and perseverance.

    3️⃣ The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger — This memoir offers insights into leadership and decision-making from his time as CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Dumi finds inspiration in how Iger applied core principles to overcome challenges and drive growth, providing real-world examples of effective leadership.

    4️⃣ Atomic Habits by James Clear — This book explores the science of habit formation and how small changes can lead to remarkable results. Dumi values the practical strategies offered for building good habits and breaking bad ones, which he applies to his daily routine and pursuit of personal and professional goals. Also the first Millennial Masters Book Club recommendation.

    In this episode we cover:

    00:00 Introduction to Dumi Siwo

    04:17 The Spark of Creativity: Early Filmmaking

    09:10 Navigating University: The Path to TV and Film

    12:23 Finding Opportunity: Love Dough and Early Career

    13:52 Building Firmative: The Journey of Growth

    19:08 Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

    21:16 Leadership and Team Dynamics

    25:45 The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth

    29:32 The Art of Deep Conversations

    31:25 Finding Inner Confidence and Power

    33:06 The Role of Fitness in Personal Growth

    34:07 Influential Books and Their Impact

    36:16 Defining Big Dreams and Personal Missions

    38:18 The Value of Time and Family

    39:29 Sacrifices on the Entrepreneurial Journey

    40:39 Lessons Over Regrets

    42:28 The Future of Entertainment and Media

    44:32 Navigating Social Media as a Parent

    45:58 The Importance of Physical Connections

    49:48 Working with Talented Artists

    📢 To sponsor the Millennial Masters podcast, get in touch on promo@millennialmasters.net.

    🎙️ Know someone who I should interview for the podcast? Email me on daniel@millennialmasters.net



    Get full access to Millennial Masters at millennialmasters.net/subscribe
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    53 mins