Episodes
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Episode 195: Anshika Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshika-arora-ab5021137), today’s host from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) and the founder of Eternity (https://eternity-uk.com/) welcomes Nayan Behal, Managing Director and Country Head at Pliant
This podcast episode explores the essentials of crafting an effective go-to-market strategy, with insights on pricing, target audience definition, and sales distribution from Nayan, Managing Director at Pilant, a Series A fintech startup. Listeners gain practical advice for balancing passion with commercial viability, identifying critical KPIs, and avoiding common founder pitfalls.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
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Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
01:31 - Go-to-market strategy essentials.
02:49 - Importance of KPIs.
03:45 - Defining a target audience.
05:28 - Filtering feedback effectively.
07:04 - Sales and distribution timing.
09:26 - Pricing strategy frameworks.
11:24 - Tailored messaging benefits.
13:32 - Common founder mistakes.
15:25 - Balancing passion and viability.
Nayan Behal:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nbehal
Pliant:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/getpliant/
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Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Mariam Ahmed, Co-Founder of Menza.ai
In this episode, Mariam Ahmed, co-founder of Menza AI and a YC-backed entrepreneur, shares her journey from aspiring doctor to tech founder leveraging AI to make data-driven insights accessible for businesses. She discusses her path through corporate life at Goldman Sachs, the founding of Mensz AI, and the critical role of Y Combinator in shaping her startup experience.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
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Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
00:43 - Introduction of guest Mariam Ahmed and her journey from coding enthusiast to entrepreneur.
01:36 - Mariam’s childhood ambitions and early interests in medicine and problem-solving.
02:55 - Transition from medicine to coding and biotech internships during university.
04:25 - Landing internships through proactive efforts and working on free coding projects for startups.
06:16 - Mariam’s dissertation on breast cancer diagnosis using machine learning.
07:07 - Gaining corporate experience at Goldman Sachs and transitioning into finance.
10:52 - Value of corporate experience in building work ethics and skills.
12:07 - The unexpected call to co-found Mensa AI and the support of her family.
15:26 - Early experimentation with AI and LLMs before their mainstream popularity.
20:13 - Identifying the core problem Mensa AI would address: making data insights accessible.
24:14 - Early product iterations and lessons learned from user feedback.
27:08 - The transformative experience of Y Combinator and building resilience as a founder.
30:34 - Balancing stress and focusing on building a user-centric product.
32:11 - Biggest wins: meaningful user engagement and validating product value.
35:25 - Mariam’s hopes for the future of Mensa AI and her entrepreneurial journey.
37:50 - Shoutouts to impactful British Asians and closing thoughts.
Mariam Ahmed:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamaahmed/
Menza.ai
https://www.linkedin.com/company/menzaai/
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Missing episodes?
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Episode 193: Anshika Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshika-arora-ab5021137), today’s host from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) and the founder of Eternity (https://eternity-uk.com/) welcomes Shefali Davda-Bhanot, Head of Talent at Doccla.
This podcast episode dives into the challenges and strategies of hiring the first few key team members for a startup. Topics include balancing financial readiness, the benefits of generalists versus specialists, and fostering diversity metrics, with insights from Shefali, head of talent at Doccla.
Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - Shefali’s insights on the “chicken-and-egg” problem of hiring and revenue.
01:39 - Discussing characteristics and timing for a first hire.
03:48 - Debate on hiring a generalist vs. specialist for early-stage startups.
06:49 - Outsourcing vs. hiring in-house for startups.
10:52 - Founders foregoing salaries and balancing early-stage hiring decisions.
13:56 - Common hiring red flags and pitfalls for startups.
18:33 - Balancing diversity and finding the right fit in early-stage hires.
22:49 - Shefali names inspiring British Asians making an impact.
26:49 - Closing thoughts, Shefali’s contact details, and community encouragement.
Shefali Davda-Bhanot:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shefalidavda/
Doccla:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/doccla/
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Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Anshu Ahuja, Co-Founder at DabbaDrop.
In this podcast episode, Anshu shares her journey from a career in TV to building a thriving, sustainable food delivery service across London, using reusable tiffin boxes and prioritising eco-friendly practices.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
01:31 – Anshu’s Early Passion for Food
03:30 – Career Choices and Moving to the UK
04:51 – Breaking into the Film Industry
09:15 – Facing Rejections and Perseverance
10:08 – Career Evolution and Family Balance
12:25 – Market Stall and Side Hustles
15:23 – Founding DabbaDrop: From Idea to Launch
17:10 – Organic Growth and First Customers
18:38 – Founding Team Dynamics
22:22 – Hiring First Employees and the Pandemic Surge
25:00 – Challenges Post-Pandemic and Adapting
28:21 – The First Fundraising Campaign
31:10 – Customer Relationships and Investor Engagement
32:19 – DabbaDrop’s Achievements and Sustainability
Anshu Ahuja:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshu-ahuja-b344201ab/
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Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Mandeep Singh, Exited CEO & Founder at Trouva.
In this podcast episode, Mandeep shares his journey from a failed launch to a successful exit, showing the power of listening to customer feedback and pivoting for product-market fit.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
0:00 - Intro
00:45 - Mandeep Singh’s Background and Career
01:46 - Childhood Aspirations and Education Journey
02:53 - Adapting to Cambridge and Academic Challenges
04:44 - Early Entrepreneurial Ventures
07:14 - Private Equity Career and Realizations
12:00 - Decision to Quit and Start Something New
18:18 - Building Street Hub and Pivots to Trouva
20:56 - Adjusting to Startup Challenges
26:39 - Discovering Product-Market Fit with Trouva
34:44 - Transitioning to Non-Exec Roles and Investing
43:17 - Joining Amnesty International’s Board and Impact
Mandeep Singh:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandeepsinghuk/
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Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Deepti Patankar, Ex Co Founder and COO of Hostmaker.
In this podcast episode, Deepti Pantankar, shares insights on scaling a service-based startup, overcoming operational hurdles, and the challenges of rapid growth before exiting the business.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
01:34 - Deepti’s early career goals and transition to law
06:17 - Founding Hostmaker and the initial inspiration
08:29 - Balancing financial security and entrepreneurship as a couple
11:44 - Overcoming operational challenges and trust-building
14:31 - Fundraising journey and Series B round
18:56 - Scaling challenges and operational demands
23:05 - Decision to sell due to pandemic uncertainties
26:09 - Reflections on selling Hostmaker during COVID-19
28:06 - Taking a year off and future aspirations
34:32 - Advising other startups and sharing lessons learned
Deepti Patankar:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepti-patankar-108a202/
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Episode 189: Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Aishwarya Agarwalla, Bae HQ’s new Founders Associate
This episode introduces Aish, Bae HQ’s newest team member and the first full-time in-person associate, sharing her journey from involvement in the UK startup ecosystem to her current role at Bae HQ. Aish discusses her background, motivations, and commitment to supporting the British Asian entrepreneurial community while fostering a culture of giving back.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
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Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
0:43 – Aish shares her background in startups, starting with a gap year during COVID.
1:41 – Overview of Kickstart’s accelerator program and Aish’s role.
2:56 – Aish’s reasons for joining Bae HQ, supporting British Asian entrepreneurs.
3:50 – Aish reflects on her busy first week and new responsibilities.
5:04 – Advice for students on networking and engaging with the startup ecosystem.
7:08 – Aish’s excitement for upcoming events and outreach programs.
7:56 – Quick shoutouts to inspiring figures in the Asian community.
9:21 – How listeners can connect with Aish and Bae HQ.
10:51 – Request for mentors and experienced founders to support Bae HQ initiatives.
11:48 – Final message encouraging listeners to give back to the community.
Aishwarya Agarwalla:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-agarwalla-9538b71ab/
Bae HQ:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq -
Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Sunaina Sethi, Co-Founder & Chief People Officer JKS Restaurants.
In this podcast episode, discover how JKS Restaurants grew from a single location into a global brand with over 1200 employees, and the role of people, vision, and adaptability in that journey.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
0:00 - Intro
0:41 - Restaurant portfolio and early story
1:36 - Early ambitions and career path
2:37 - Studying and career pivot to hospitality
4:09 - Working at HSBC and lessons learned
5:43 - JKS first restaurant and early growth
8:10 - Working with family dynamics
11:29 - Growth vision and organic expansion
16:58 - Restaurant portfolio highlights
18:35 - Transition to people-focused role
20:35 - JKS people strategy and leadership approach
22:47 - Navigating challenges of COVID
25:53 - Maintaining longevity in a tough industry
27:19 - Lessons from tough business decisions
29:16 - Concept behind Ambassadors Clubhouse
31:49 - Expanding with new ideas and locations
33:48 - Future of JKS and International growth
34:57 - What’s next and new tech at JKS
Sunaina Sethi:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunaina-sethi-57215731/
JKS Restaurants:
https://jksrestaurants.com/
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Episode 189: Anshika Arora , today’s host from The BAE HQ and the founder of Eternity welcomes Shreyaa Khemka Portfolio Services Manager at Owl Ventures.
In this episode, Anshika and Shreyaa explore how startups can measure success beyond financial metrics, focusing on traction, impact, and long-term value.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
0:00 - Intro
01:16 - Key non-financial metrics for business success.
02:06 - Frequency of tracking financial vs. non-financial metrics.
02:38 - The integration of non-financial metrics into revenue forecasting.
03:31 - Deliberation on impact and long-term value metrics.
04:45 - Balancing engagement/satisfaction with growth and acquisition.
05:09 - Importance of user-centric approaches for long-term success.
06:10 - Gathering and interpreting net promoter score and qualitative feedback.
08:24 - Measuring and improving long-term product impact.
09:33 - Factors for assessing product reach, access, and outcomes.
11:37 - Discussion on internal team metrics and company culture.
12:12 - Value of qualitative data in investor decision-making.
14:40 - Example of qualitative feedback impacting product decisions.
16:09 - Evolving consumer habits and adapting business strategies.
17:10 - Competitive benchmarking for market positioning.
18:34 - Avoiding data overwhelm through clear measurement frameworks.
20:39 - Common data measurement mistakes among founders.
Shreyaa Khemka:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyaakhemka/Owl Ventures:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/owl-ventures-lp/
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Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Harjas Singh Co-Founder at Shares.
In this podcast episode, Harjas Singh, Co-Founder of Shares, takes us through his captivating entrepreneurial journey. From initially aspiring to become a doctor, to exploring sports, and then shifting to software engineering, Harjas ultimately founded a fintech startup. Along the way, he embraced challenges and personal growth, making his story both inspiring and insightful.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
00:36 - Intro
01:29 - Growing Up and Early Ambitions
02:43 - Transitioning from Medicine to Computer Science
03:48 - Discovering Bhangra and Community at University
06:44 - Starting a Career in Software Engineering
07:43 - Navigating Visa Challenges and Moving to London
09:24 - Joining Deutsche Bank and Moving to Revolut
12:17 - Thriving in the Startup Ecosystem
13:17 - Building a Wealth and Trading Product at Revolut
14:04 - Deciding to Launch His Own Startup
15:38 - Creating a Social Investing Platform
17:25 - Finding and Teaming Up with Co-Founders
19:57 - Key Early Decisions That Stood Out to Investors
21:41 - Scaling and Building a Community of Savvy Investors
25:51 - Securing Regulatory Approvals and Celebrity Endorsements
27:54 - Exciting Plans for the French Market and Beyond
30:36 - Lessons Learned in Personal Growth and Building a Team
Harjas Singh:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/harjas-singh-7b61a048/
Shares:
https://www.shares.io/
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Episode 185: Anshika Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshika-arora-ab5021137/?originalSubdomain=uk), today’s host from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) and the founder of Eternity (https://eternity-uk.com/) welcomes Sonia De Mello (https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniademello/?originalSubdomain=uk), Account Director at Woodrow.
In this episode, we discuss the key differences between PR and marketing, offering practical, cost-effective strategies for startups to build long-term influence and media relationships.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
00:19 PR vs. Marketing Overview
01:08 The Role of PR in Brand Influence
02:26 PR and Marketing Synergy for Startups
04:26 Measuring PR Impact
07:17 Crafting Stories for Your Audience
08:52 The Importance of Targeted Storytelling
11:17 Understanding the News Cycle and Relevance
14:11 Building Relationships with Journalists
17:33 Leveraging LinkedIn for PR
18:16 Common PR Mistakes to Avoid
22:47 Examples of Successful Founders in PR
💼 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thebaehq/
🎥 YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@thebaehq?sub_confirmation=1
Support us:
https://www.thebaehq.com/supportus
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Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Kanu Batra Co-Founder at Speek.
In this podcast episode, Kanu Batra Co-Founder at Speek Health, shares her inspiring story of career pivots, resilience, and the journey from dreaming of being a pilot to creating a mental health platform for young people.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
01:02 Moving to a Bigger City for Growth
02:36 Transition from Pilot Dreams to Bioengineering
04:04 Realising a Passion for Market Impact
05:21 Family Pressure and Entrepreneurial Roots
07:15 The Blessings of Unconditional Parental Support
08:10 Building a Career in Healthcare
09:12 Navigating a Job Abroad in Singapore
11:11 Key Mentors and Support in the Corporate World
14:55 Struggles and Lessons of Entrepreneurship
16:15 Why Kanu Chose Young People’s Mental Health
22:04 Building a Co-Founder Relationship
24:43 Lessons Learned from Failed Co-Founder Partnerships
29:04 Making an Impact in Self-Harm Treatment
31:41 Building a Sustainable Business with Social Impact
34:08 Vision for the Future of Speek Health
Kanu Batra:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanubatra/
Speek:
https://lets-speek.com/
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Episode 183: Anshika Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshika-arora-ab5021137/?originalSubdomain=uk), today’s host from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) and the founder of Eternity (https://eternity-uk.com/) welcomes Mira Magecha (https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha/), Chief People Officer of Play For Change.
In this episode, Mira shares essential leadership skills, emphasising self-awareness, team empowerment, and the balance of vision and communication for startup founders.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - The Core Leadership Skills Every Founder Needs
02:59 - Developing Self-Awareness as a Leader
05:20 - How to Communicate Vision and Strategy Effectively
07:25 - The Importance of Storytelling in Leadership
08:33 - Balancing Empowerment and Accountability
10:56 - Hiring the Right Team and Failing Fast
14:54 - When to Bring in Outside Expertise
18:17 - Delegating Without Micromanaging
19:56 - Summary and Key Takeaways
💼 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thebaehq/
🎥 YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@thebaehq?sub_confirmation=1
Support us:
https://www.thebaehq.com/supportus
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Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Sandrine Zhang Ferron CEO of Vinterior
In this podcast episode, Sandrine Zhang-Feron, CEO of Vinterior, shares her inspiring journey from finance to founding a sustainable vintage furniture marketplace.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
____Show Notes:
00:00 Intro
00:38 Meet Sandrine Zhang-Feron, CEO of Vinterior
01:38 Early aspirations and shift to business
04:15 Transition from finance to entrepreneurship
07:00 Vinterior's founding story and building the marketplace
11:02 Growing the business: First 200 suppliers
14:21 Impact on the environment and sustainable furniture
22:32 Recent wins: TV ads and growth
30:03 Future goals: Expansion and profitability
Sandrine Zhang Ferron:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrinezhang/
Vinterior:
https://www.vinterior.co/
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Episode 181: Anshika Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshika-arora-ab5021137/?originalSubdomain=uk), today’s host from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) and the founder of Eternity (https://eternity-uk.com/) welcomes Faris Aranki, Founder of Shiageto Consulting.
This episode explores the critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in business success, highlighting how founders can improve their EQ to lead more effectively and grow their startups.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
0:00 – Intro
0:15 – Overview of IQ, EQ, and FQ.
1:29 – Differences between IQ, EQ, and FQ and their impact on leadership.
2:37 – Practical examples of how EQ affects decision-making in startups.
4:22 – How to manage stakeholders using emotional intelligence.
5:27 – The importance of self-awareness and adapting leadership styles.
8:58 – Signs of low EQ and how to improve listening skills.
10:06 – Techniques for founders to boost their EQ.
11:20 – Adapting communication styles based on different stakeholders.
12:58 – Building a team with diverse EQ skills for better leadership.
15:07 – Practical steps to improve EQ through self-awareness.
16:51 – Final thoughts on investing in personal growth and EQ as a founder.
💼 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thebaehq/
🎥 YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@thebaehq?sub_confirmation=1
Support us:
https://www.thebaehq.com/supportus
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Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Mahdi Shariff Co-Founder of Humble AI
In this podcast episode, Mahdi Shariff, co-founder of Humble AI, discusses his entrepreneurial journey from working at EY, moving to China, and ultimately founding a startup focused on making AI and automation more accessible to everyone. He shares his experiences in door-to-door sales, M&A, and startup culture, as well as valuable insights on negotiation, building trust in teams, and leveraging AI to solve real-world problems.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
01:20 – Childhood ambitions and the path to chemistry
03:07 – Early entrepreneurial ventures and door-to-door sales
09:37 – Experience in M&A at EY and insights on entrepreneurship
15:21 – Moving to China and working with a tech startup
21:51 – De-risking career transitions and moving into startups
33:41 – Humble AI’s vision and evolution
38:15 – Why they stayed in stealth and their focus on building real solutions
Mahdi Shariff:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahdishariff/
Humble AI:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/humble-ai/
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This episode shows how successful partnerships involve leveraging collective strengths to achieve shared goals, with a focus on the diverse media landscape in Africa. It emphasises the importance of cultural sensitivity, localising content, selecting the right partners, and the challenges of entering Africa's markets. Understanding the audience, choosing partners wisely, and conducting thorough research are key factors for success.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
00:13 - Defining Partnerships in Media
00:44 - Entering the African Market: Key Considerations
01:47 - The Diverse Media Landscape of Africa
02:55 - Selecting the Right Country for Expansion
03:36 - The Importance of Localising Content
04:49 - Steps to Enter Africa's Media Market
06:31 - Building Trust and Relationships
07:51 - Common Mistakes in African Market Entry
09:00 - Navigating MVP Challenges and Solutions
10:57 - Dealing with MVP Failures and Mindset
11:26 - Overcoming Fear of Failure and Pivoting
11:49 - Importance of Data and Customer Feedback
12:56 - Identifying the Right Customer Base
13:09 - Persona Identification and Product Positioning
14:28 - Feedback from Initial Customer Base
14:44 - Customer Sentiment and Product Improvements
16:22 - Communicating with Investors and Teams
16:50 - Managing Investor Expectations and Product Growth
18:08 - Using Data to Optimise and Build Investor Confidence
19:06 - Shoutout to Partners and Startup Banking Support
19:55 - Challenges of Early-Stage Founders
💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thebaehq/
🎥 YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@thebaehq?sub_confirmation=1
Support us:
https://www.thebaehq.com/supportus
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178: Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) shares
This podcast episode covers the entrepreneurial journey of a founder who transitioned from a corporate career at Goldman Sachs to launching multiple startups. He shares insights on navigating startup challenges, the importance of finding the right market fit, and the lessons learned from both successful exits and initial setbacks.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first-time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
02:00 - Childhood aspirations and early exposure to entrepreneurship.04:47 - Academic background and decision to pursue an MBA over a PhD.
07:06 - Transition from India to London and early career in finance.
08:16 - Experience at Goldman Sachs during the financial crisis and starting interest in startups.
09:44 - First experiences in startup investment and the challenges faced.
11:32 - Inspiration to leave Goldman and start a fitness-focused startup.
13:34 - The first startup idea and subsequent pivot to fitness.
17:35 - Struggles with product-market fit and lessons learned.
20:43 - Realisation of founder-market fit issues in the fitness business.
22:47 - Exit process and challenges faced during acquisition.
25:44 - Starting the current business focused on reducing payment failures in subscription models.
27:45 - Reflections on Y Combinator experience and learnings.
29:45 - Thoughts on product-market fit and strategic focus.
33:03 - Understanding the right fit for the founder and business.
35:15 - Future aspirations for the current company and upcoming product launch.
37:37 - Importance of fitness and balancing work and personal life.
Anantharaman Pattabiraman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anantharaman-pattabiraman-87532a4/
Inai:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anantharaman-pattabiraman-87532a4/
Support us:
https://www.thebaehq.com/supportus
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177: Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) shares The Bae HQ’s Q3 Update
In this episode, Amar shares insights about what is happening all things Bae HQ. Upcoming events, and new hires, including the search for a Founder’s Associate. He also discusses recent and future podcast plans, the structure of their organisation, and teases upcoming projects in the works.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
00:00 - Introduction and overview of today’s episode.
00:30 - Announcement of hiring a Founder’s Associate.
01:42 - Breakdown of the company’s four main pillars: media, events, futures, and investment.
02:24 - Recap of a recent event and importance of unrecorded discussions.
02:51 - Upcoming events and collaborations with various partners.
05:31 - Updates on the podcast, challenges with guest hosting, and growth in media.
06:17 - Details on the Lab Podcast and efforts to streamline operations.
07:05 - Discussion about mentorship schemes and improving their effectiveness.
08:21 - Investment updates and future plans for an Angel Collective.
09:10 - Teaser about building a community platform and a potential book.
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Episode 176: Amardeep Parmar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amardeepsparmar) from The BAE HQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq) welcomes Ranbir Arora (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranbir-arora-39219a37/) from Oneday.
This episode explores Ranbir Arora's entrepreneurial journey, from struggling startups to becoming a CEO, and his insights on finding product-market fit and creating a meaningful business.
Message from our headline partners:
From the first time founders to the funds that back them, innovation needs different. HSBC Innovation Banking is proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, creating meaningful connections and opening up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Discover more at https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/
________
Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
00:34 - Ranbir's Background
01:20 - Growing Up and Early Aspirations
02:39 - Inspired by Dragon's Den
04:15 - Challenges from a Young Age
05:10 - Searching for Entrepreneurial Education
06:03 - Early Business Failures
08:03 - Dealing with Setbacks and Staying Motivated
10:52 - Knowing When to Pivot
14:33 - Joining Sweatcoin and Influencer Marketing Success
24:39 - Launching OneDay and Building a Business
💼 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bae-hq
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thebaehq/
🎥 YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@thebaehq?sub_confirmation=1
Support us:
https://www.thebaehq.com/supportus
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