Avsnitt
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Episode 16 of Growing For It with Jakob Neua Nørgaard
Jakob Neua, a serial entrepreneur and founder the online real estate tool Estaldo, as well as NASDAQ-listed Penneo, discusses his journey from founding Penneo in 2011 to its IPO in 2020. Initially, Penneo aimed to digitize contract signing, facing challenges with government approval. Despite initial struggles, Penneo gained traction and was approved for digital signing of annual reports. Neua left Penneo in 2017 and co-founded Estaldo, a digital platform for selling homes, which offers significant cost savings. Neua emphasizes the importance of balancing work and personal life, sharing his experience of quitting Penneo to prioritize family. He also highlights the challenges of Denmark's taxation on unrealized gains post-IPO. Jakob Neua discusses his experience on a Danish TV show where he and his co-founder pitched their company. Despite extensive preparation, they forgot to mention the amount of money they were seeking. The show lasted three hours, and they received bids from investors. Jakob emphasizes the importance of deep preparation and transparency. He also shared insights on Estaldo, and his pride in moving from a single-parent household to a stable family life. Jakob advises understanding personality types to improve team communication and business success. The conversation concludes with reflections on balancing personal and professional life.
Key take-aways:
Prioritize Family: Always put being a good parent and spouse first, even if it means stepping back from a successful business.Embrace Change: If something stops being fun or meaningful, don't be afraid to quit and pursue new opportunities.Solve Real Problems: Build businesses that address genuine pain points, like Penneo's digital signature solution and Estaldo's simplified home selling platform.Prepare Thoroughly: Whether pitching on TV or meeting investors, deep preparation and understanding of your business is crucial.Maintain High Ethical Standards: Always treat people fairly, be transparent, and take responsibility for other people's investments and trust.If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Also be sure to check out Jakob on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakobneua/
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
Chapters:
[0:00 - 7:00] Early Entrepreneurial Sparks [7:00 - 12:00] The McDonald's Mindset [12:00 - 20:00] Digital Magazine Adventures [20:00 - 28:00] Web Development Struggles [28:00 - 40:00] Penneo's Origin Story [40:00 - 52:00] Digital Signature Revolution... -
Episode 15 of Growing For It with Carsten Vestermark
*Full disclosure: Carsten is one of the main sponsors of the podcast through his business Vestermark Consult*
Carsten Vestermark discusses his career journey, emphasizing the importance of accepting responsibility and adapting to new roles. He has conducted around 1500 interviews and hired over 100 people, highlighting the significance of identifying "A players" through their past experiences and reflective abilities. Vestermark shared insights on handling firings, stressing the need for preparation, clear communication, and managing emotions. He also underscored the value of gratitude and continuous improvement, advocating for a mindset that seeks to make a positive impact rather than complain. His approach to leadership involves fostering a supportive environment and encouraging employees to take initiative. The discussion focused on effective management and feedback techniques, emphasizing the importance of timely, honest, and respectful communication. Key points included the necessity of immediate feedback to prevent escalation of emotions, the significance of having a bench of potential hires, and the impact of cultural fit on team performance. The conversation also highlighted the challenges of scaling a team without compromising standards, the importance of clear communication in recruiting, and the need for long-term planning in HR. Additionally, the conversation touched on the ethical considerations of firing employees and the benefits of a positive work culture.
Key take-aways
Embrace an Unconventional Career Path: Carsten's journey shows that a lack of a clear plan can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and development. Being open to new experiences can be a strength.Cultivate Emotional Intelligence: Carsten's personal loss early in his career sparked a deep interest in understanding people and their motivations. Developing self-awareness and empathy are crucial leadership skills.Focus on Hiring for Cultural Fit: Carsten emphasizes the importance of not compromising on cultural fit when scaling a team, even if it means being more selective with hires. Building the right team culture is critical.Provide Honest, Timely Feedback: Carsten believes in giving feedback immediately, both positive and negative. This helps maintain clear expectations and empowers employees to improve.Approach Difficult Decisions with Empathy: When it comes to letting people go, Carsten stresses the importance of having a structured process while also treating departing employees with respect and care.If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Also be sure to check out Carsten on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carsten-vestermark-76a9001/
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
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Episode 14 of Growing For It with Jannik Olander
Jannik Olander, CEO and founder of Nialaya, discusses his entrepreneurial journey from Denmark to Los Angeles. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, ambition, and resilience in entrepreneurship. Jannik's early experiences included working on a farm in Denmark and being inspired by fashion magazines. He moved to London at 18, worked in various roles, and eventually returned to Denmark to manage Ralph Lauren stores. He later expanded to Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Jeans, managing many stores in Illum's department store. Jannik also ventured into outlet stores and a T-shirt business, highlighting the challenges and successes in his diverse entrepreneurial endeavors. Jannik also underwent near bankruptcy, moved to the states, and began a jewelry fashion brand. His brand Nialaya gained traction, particularly after meeting P. Diddy and other celebrities although the brand faced legal challenges from a competitor but survived. Jannik emphasizes the importance of hard work, leading to significant growth and a shift from celebrity-focused to influencer-focused marketing. Today, the brand is internationally recognized, with a strong online presence and a vision for future expansion. Jannik discusses his vision of expanding his business to Copenhagen or London. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, crediting his 27-year-old wife for her influence. He reflects on past financial mistakes, advocating for savings and cautious spending. Yannick contrasts the social dynamics in Denmark and the US, noting the openness and networking opportunities in LA. He expresses concerns about the current economic climate, comparing it to 2008. Lastly, he contemplates the challenges of raising children in LA, considering a move to Malibu for a safer environment.
If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Be sure to check out Jannik on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannikolander/
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
Chapters
[0:00 - 10:00] Jannik's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
[10:00 - 20:00] From the Countryside to the City
[20:00 - 30:00] Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
[30:00 - 40:00] Building a Retail Empire in Copenhagen
[40:00 - 50:00] Expanding Through Outlet Stores and New Ventures
[50:00 - 1:00:00] Lessons Learned: Challenges and Resilience
[1:00:00 - 1:10:00] Selling Stores and Pursuing New Opportunities
[1:10:00 - 1:20:00] A Fresh Start in New York and the Breakup
[1:20:00 - 1:30:00] Launching the Nialaya Jewelry Brand in Los Angeles
[1:30:00 - 1:40:00] Nialaya's Rise: Celebrity...
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Episode 13 of Growing For It with Iris Isabella Engelund.
In this episode we welcome Iris Isabella Engelund, CEO of Play Your Talent. Engelund discusses her mission to help organizations identify and leverage employee talents to boost performance and satisfaction. Play Your Talent is an innovative app that identifies top and non-talents in 12 minutes, enabling leaders to optimize team roles. Iris emphasizes the importance of using talents that align with personal interests, which can increase performance up to six times. She shares her personal journey of discovering her strategic talent and the challenges of fundraising and managing IT development. Iris highlights the need for leaders to understand and manage team dynamics effectively, using Play Your Talent's tools and programs to enhance motivation and productivity. Iris Isabella Engelund discusses her journey from a fitness instructor to a successful keynote speaker and entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of persistence, strategic planning, and leveraging personal networks. Iris shares her approach to overcoming rejection by seeking solutions and maintaining a positive mindset. She highlights the significance of discovering and utilizing one's talents, balancing work with personal life, and the value of breath work and physical activities. Iris also touches on the challenges women face in entrepreneurship and advises against self-doubt, encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace their unique strengths and seek support when needed.
Key take-aways:
Identifying and leveraging individual talents is crucial for both personal and organizational success. The Play Your Talent tool provides a practical way to do this.Managing diversity and different working styles within a team requires understanding each person's "cookie structure" and finding ways to bridge the gaps.Entrepreneurship requires persistence, strategic thinking, and the willingness to take calculated risks and seek help when needed.Finding meaning and fulfillment in one's work, rather than just focusing on weaknesses, is a more effective path to high performance.Maintaining a healthy work-life balance through activities, routines, and a supportive network is important for entrepreneurs to avoid burnout and sustain their drive.If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Be sure to check out Iris on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/irisengelund
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
Chapters:
[0:00 - 5:00] Introduction to Play Your Talent and Iris Engelund
[5:01 - 10:00] Understanding Talents and Non-Talents
[10:01 - 15:00] Bridging the Talent Divide in...
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Episode 12 of Growing For It with Peter Sorgenfrei.
Peter Sorgenfrei, a serial entrepreneur, multiple CEO, turned CEO coach, discusses his journey from founding six companies to helping other CEOs navigate stress and burnout. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, transparency, and trust in leadership. Peter shares his method of coaching, which involves asking the right questions to help clients find their own solutions. He also highlights the significance of personal relationships, advocating for radical transparency and regular check-ins with partners. Peter's approach includes creating a supportive environment for CEOs and founders, ensuring they can balance personal and professional lives effectively. Peter Sorgenfrei emphasizes the importance of taking action and being transparent in both personal and professional relationships. He advises founders to be candid with investors, ensuring a good fit and transparency. For fundraising, he suggests a structured approach, focusing on clear communication and understanding investor remits. He also highlights the significance of maintaining regular communication with board members and investors. On personal resilience, Peter stresses the importance of routines like cold plunges, meditation, and napping. He shares his experiences with overcoming stress and the impact of his upbringing, advocating for open communication and understanding in both personal and professional settings.
Key Take-Aways:
Prioritize mental health and well-being for founders and CEOs - Boards and investors should actively support the mental health of company leaders, as their personal struggles can significantly impact the business.Build trust and transparency with your board - Maintain regular communication with board members outside of formal meetings, and be open about both successes and challenges to avoid surprises.Focus on hiring the right people, not just filling roles - Take the time to ensure new hires are the right fit, as they can make or break a fast-growing company.Integrate work and life, don't just balance them - Establish routines and boundaries that allow you to be present in both your personal and professional life.Be radically candid in your communication - Embrace honesty and vulnerability to build stronger relationships, even if it means having difficult conversations.If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Be sure to check out Peter Sorgenfrei on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorgenfrei/
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
Chapters:
[00:05:00] From Successful CEO to Burned Out
[00:10:00] Discovering a New Calling
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Episode 11 of Growing For It - Coffee Talk #6 With Mik & Trav
Mikkel and Travis discuss their experience with "shiny object syndrome" after securing new funding in early 2021. They emphasize the importance of a comprehensive budget and the need for a professional office environment to attract employees. They initially considered an IPO, influenced by their investor Peter, but later decided against it after advice from experienced board members. Despite securing a $1.5 million contract, it fell through, leading to financial strain. They highlight the importance of trusting one's gut and having multiple mentors guidance.
Key take-aways:
Comprehensive budgeting and planning is crucial when scaling a startup, including accounting for small but important details like office supplies and equipment.Founders should be cautious about over-optimistic financial projections and be willing to challenge advice from investors, even experienced ones.Building an advisory board with seasoned industry experts can provide valuable guidance and help founders avoid costly mistakes, like pursuing an IPO prematurely.Transparent communication with investors, highlighting both successes and challenges, is important for building trust and getting the right support.Cash flow management is a constant challenge for hardware startups, requiring founders to be proactive about fundraising to ensure the business can continue operating.If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
Chapters:
[0:00:00] Introduction - Shiny Object Syndrome
[0:02:08] Comprehensive Budgeting and Office Environment
[0:04:41] Mindset Shift and Investor Influence
[0:06:10] Optimistic Budgeting and IPO Considerations
[0:11:22] IPO Planning and Initial Challenges
[0:15:12] Contract Fallout and Communication Issues
[0:18:27] Advisory Board and IPO Decision
[0:24:20] Cash Flow Issues and Fundraising Decisions
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Episode 10 of Growing For It with Anne-Louise Thon
In this episode, we welcome Anne-Louise Thon, a seasoned investor and VC partner. Anne-Louise shares her insights on what makes or breaks a startup's chances of getting funded by her VC firm, Vår Ventures (Vaar Ventures). She also reflects on her adventures experiencing different cultures around the world, and how those experiences have shaped her approach to investing.
One of the key highlights includes Anna's pivotal moment working in Zimbabwe for 2 years, which shifted her perspective on the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and building businesses over traditional aid. She also discusses the challenges she faced implementing Western-style working conditions in Chinese factories, as workers preferred higher pay over improved facilities.
Anna goes on to share how she and her partners built one of the first sustainable investment funds in Europe, and the skepticism they faced initially before proving the financial viability of sustainable investing. The criteria Anna looks for when evaluating startup pitches includes authentic, ambitious founders with a clear vision for impact.
In terms of advice for founders on effective fundraising, Anna emphasizes the importance of having a strong storyteller on the team and being transparent about both financial and impact metrics. She also shares her personal experiences with failure and conflict in her entrepreneurial journey, underscoring the importance of having a supportive network to get through tough times.
Overall, this episode provides valuable insights from an experienced investor who has seen entrepreneurship from multiple angles - as a founder, consultant, and now VC. Anna's global perspective and focus on sustainable, impactful investing offer inspiration for founders and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Key Take-Aways:
Anna's pivotal experience working in Zimbabwe for 2 years shifted her perspective on the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and building businesses over traditional aid.Anna and her partners built one of the first sustainable investment funds in Europe, overcoming initial skepticism by proving the financial viability of sustainable investing.When evaluating startup pitches, Anna looks for authentic, ambitious founders with a clear vision for creating positive impact.For effective fundraising, Anna advises founders to have a strong storyteller on the team and be transparent about both financial and impact metrics.Anna's personal experiences with failure and conflict in her entrepreneurial journey highlight the importance of having a supportive network to navigate tough times.If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Be sure to check out Anne-Louise Thon on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annelouisethonjensen/
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
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Episode 9 of Growing For It - Coffee Talk #5 with Mik & Trav
Mikkel and Travis discuss the challenges and milestones of their hardware startup, Airflight, in the first half of 2021. After securing pre-seed funding, they hired key personnel, including an expert in carbon fiber. They faced difficulties in hiring skilled local workers and had to build a $50,000 carbon fiber oven themselves for $3,000. The team successfully assembled a large drone, which was one of the biggest quadcopters at the time. Despite initial success, a load test failure and a crash during the first flight test caused setbacks. They emphasize the importance of resourcefulness and the emotional impact of physical prototypes in their entrepreneurial journey.
Key take-aways:
Resourcefulness and Creative Problem-SolvingFaced with the need for a large, specialized oven, Mikkel and Trav converted a shipping container into a custom-built solution for a fraction of the commercial cost. This ability to find innovative and cost-effective solutions was crucial in the early stages of their startup.
The Emotional Impact of Tangible ProgressWatching the physical components of the AF100 drone come together was a profound emotional milestone, igniting their passion and belief in the project. Celebrating these tangible achievements can provide the necessary motivation to overcome future challenges.
The Importance of Safety and Structured ProcessesThe incident during the load test was a wake-up call, highlighting the need to take safety more seriously and implement more structured processes as they moved forward with testing and development. Embracing this shift in mindset would be crucial as they continued to push the boundaries of their technology.
Chapters:
[0:00:00] Closing the Pre-Seed Round and Moving Forward
[0:01:36] Hiring Challenges and Lessons Learned
[0:04:54] Building a Custom Oven for Carbon Fiber Parts
[0:09:10] The Emotional Impact of Physical Prototypes
[0:14:17] Assembling the AF100 and Preparing for the First Flight
[0:18:46] Safety Concerns and Leveling Up
[0:22:19] The Crash and Dealing with Setbacks
[0:24:00] Reflecting on the Roller Coaster Ride
If you wanna learn more about our "Founders" initiative, DM us on our socials listed below:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
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Episode 8 of Growing With it this time joined by Per Wimmer
Per Wimmer, a global finance chair and adventurer, discussed his diverse background, including his law degrees and his role as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He highlighted his achievements, such as the first tandem skydive over Mount Everest and his future space flight plans. Wimmer emphasized the importance of philanthropy, sharing his work with UNICEF and Global Angels, which funded orphanages in Nepal for five years. He also discussed his writing, media work, and the influence of figures like Buzz Aldrin and Elon Musk. Wimmer shared personal anecdotes, including his experiences with the homeless in Wales and his adventures in the Amazon, underscoring the value of empathy and giving back.
Key take-aways:
The power of personal connection and empathy: Wimmer emphasizes the profound impact he experienced from directly engaging with and supporting those in need, like the young girl at the orphanage in Nepal.The importance of balancing ambition with purpose: Wimmer's "Seven Wimmer Values" highlight the need to pursue one's passions while also giving back and inspiring others.Embracing risk and learning from mistakes: Wimmer encourages entrepreneurs to take action on their ideas rather than waiting for perfect conditions, as mistakes and failures are essential for growth.The role of culture and psychology in business success: Wimmer stresses that half of business and finance is about people, culture, and psychology, not just numbers and spreadsheets.Finding inspiration in diverse experiences: Wimmer's adventures in the Amazon jungle and time with the homeless in Wales provided valuable philosophical insights that shaped his outlook and approach to life.Chapters:
[0:00 - 10:00] Introduction to Per Wimmer: Entrepreneur, Adventurer, Philanthropist[10:00 - 25:00] Philanthropic Efforts and Giving Back to the Next Generation[25:00 - 40:00] Inspirational Figures and the Pursuit of Dreams[40:00 - 55:00] Navigating Risks and Setbacks in Space Exploration[55:00 - 70:00] The Seven Wimmer Values: A Guiding Compass[70:00 - 85:00] Connecting with the Amazon Jungle and the Simplicity of Life[85:00 - 95:00] Balancing Adventure, Philanthropy, and the Demands of Modern Life[95:00 - 110:00] The Importance of Culture and Psychology in Business Success[110:00 - 125:00] Embrace Action and Learn from Mistakes[125:00 - 135:00] Closing Reflections and Key TakeawaysMore:
Mikkel – https://www.linkedin.com/in/10xmks/
Travis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-james-mathers/
Per Wimmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/perwimmer/
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Episode 7 of Growing For It - 4th Coffee Talk about Airflight!
Mikkel and Travis discuss their journey of raising a pre-seed round for their company, starting with the emotional high of the grant funding and the subsequent challenges with a co-founder who gave up his equity. Afterwards, They aimed to raise $180,000 for 10% equity, initially feeling optimistic but learning the hard work involved. Despite initial setbacks, they refined their pitch, contacting 50 investors weekly, and eventually secured an investment. This investment, along with previous grants, allowed them to transition from bootstrapping to being fully funded, enabling them to hire staff and proceed with their product development of the flying crane.
Key take-aways
Importance of Honest Communication and Recalibration: The founders were able to resolve the co-founder issue through open and honest communication, and they quickly recalibrated their expectations and approach when facing challenges during the fundraising process.Building a Strong Pitch and Investor Relationships: The founders put in significant effort to refine their pitch, becoming more confident and articulate in their presentations. They also focused on building genuine relationships with investors, which helped secure their first investment.Transitioning from Bootstrapping to Funding: The investment from Peter marked a pivotal moment, allowing the founders to move forward with hiring, purchasing equipment, and building their product. The importance of having a compelling vision and building trust with investors was crucial in this pre-seed stage.Chapters:
[0:00:00] Team Dynamics and Co-founder Challenges
[0:02:50] Fundraising Goals and Initial Optimism
[0:04:35] Developing the Pitch Deck
[0:07:09] Investor Outreach and Handling Rejections
[0:11:30] Improving Pitch Skills
[0:14:39] Meeting Peter and Securing the Investment
[0:20:01] Celebrating the Success
[0:21:39] Importance of Vision and Trust
If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
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Episode 6 of Growing With It with guest Simone Engbo Hansen.
Simone Engbo Hansen, an expert in communication and content creation, discusses her consultancy, EPOS Communication, which focuses on brand positioning and holistic marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and humor in marketing, particularly through memes, which she uses to engage her audience on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Simone shares her personal journey, including overcoming chronic migraines and using her experiences to build resilience and connect with others. She advises aspiring personal brand builders to start posting consistently, share value, and be authentic to build a strong, relatable brand.
Key take-aways:
Holistic Communications Strategy: Simone emphasizes the importance of considering all customer touchpoints and aligning brand positioning, messaging, and content across different platforms.Leveraging Memes for Engagement: Simone's creative use of memes showcases how brands can effectively connect with younger audiences and build a sense of community.Authenticity in Personal Branding: Simone shares how being open about her personal struggles and experiences has helped her build a relatable and engaging personal brand.Overcoming Challenges with Resilience: Simone's perseverance in the face of chronic health issues demonstrates the power of a positive mindset and using challenges as fuel for growth.Balancing Personal and Professional Branding: Simone discusses the nuances of aligning personal and company branding strategies to maintain a cohesive brand identity.Chapters:
Introduction to Simone's Entrepreneurial Journey [0:00 - 3:00]Holistic Communications and Brand Positioning [3:00 - 12:00] Leveraging Memes for Engagement [12:00 - 20:00]The Roots of Simone's Creativity [20:00 - 28:00]The Power of Relatable Storytelling [28:00 - 37:00]Building a Authentic Personal Brand [37:00 - 46:00]Overcoming Challenges with Resilience [46:00 - 55:00]Aligning Personal and Professional Branding [55:00 - 65:00]Developing a Supportive Mindset [65:00 - 80:00]Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit [80:00 - 102:00]If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Be sure to check out Simone om LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-engbo/
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
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Episode 5 of Growing With It - #3 Coffee Talk with Mik & Trav
Picking up from the second Coffee Talk we dive back into the story of AirFlight. Mikkel and his team successfully flew their flying car, garnering significant media attention, including a front-page regional newspaper story and national television coverage. This led to inquiries from the Danish wind industry, suggesting an unmanned version for wind turbine maintenance. Despite the emotional challenge of pivoting from their dream flying car to an unmanned crane, they secured a $125,000 grant, which allowed them to bring a co-founder back to Denmark and continue development. The process involved careful financial planning and grant application strategies, ultimately leading to a significant boost in their startup's momentum.
Key take-aways:
Pivoting from the flying car to the unmanned flying crane was a difficult but necessary decision based on market demand.Securing grants was crucial for funding the development of the new prototype and bringing Mikkel back home to work full-time.Celebrating wins and reflecting on the emotional journey is important, as entrepreneurship can be fast-paced and overwhelming.Being razor-sharp on financial projections, customer identification, and grant application details was key to securing funding.Redistributing equity after a co-founder stepped down was a challenging but important step to move the company forward.Chapters:
Chapter 1: Flying Car's First Media Coverage [0:00:00 - 0:02:12]
Chapter 2: Transition to Unmanned Flying Crane [0:02:13 - 0:07:57]
Chapter 3: Challenges and Emotional Impact of Pivoting [0:07:58 - 0:11:38]
Chapter 4: Securing Funding and Moving Forward [0:11:39 - 0:16:57]
Chapter 5: Reflecting on the Journey and Future Plans [0:16:58 - 0:22:44]
If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
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Episode 4 of Growing With It joined by Christoffer Bak
Christoffer Bak, Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of Shaping New Tomorrow, discussed the brand's journey from a local Danish clothing brand to an international success. He emphasized the importance of customer feedback, innovation, and maintaining a strong company culture. Shaping New Tomorrow's growth included a successful Kickstarter campaign, which raised 160,000 Danish kroner, and participation in a Danish version of Shark Tank, which led to significant sales growth. The brand expanded to multiple stores in Denmark and Germany, faced challenges during COVID-19, and is now entering the women's market. Christoffer highlighted the importance of self-development, radical open-mindedness, and maintaining a strong co-founding relationship.
Take-aways:
Focus on customer needs and feedback to drive innovation, even in traditional industries like clothing.Building a strong company culture and customer experience is crucial for scaling a business successfully.Partnerships and media exposure can provide valuable boosts, but managing rapid growth requires agility and automation.Maintaining open communication and shared vision among co-founders is key to navigating challenges.Continuous self-improvement through habits and learning from others' experiences can help entrepreneurs stay resilient.Chapters:
The Founding of Shaping New Tomorrow [0:00 - 10:00]Solving Customer Needs Through Innovation [10:01 - 20:00]Building a Community-Driven Brand [20:01 - 30:00]Scaling Internationally and Overcoming Obstacles [30:01 - 40:00]Leveraging Crowdfunding and Media Exposure [40:01 - 50:00]Maintaining a Strong Co-Founding Relationship [50:01 - 60:00]Cultivating a Scalable Customer Experience [60:01 - 70:00]Embracing Continuous Improvement and Perseverance [70:01 - 97:00]If you wanna learn more about our "Founders" initiative, DM us on our socials listed below:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
e sure to check out Christoffer Bak om LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoffer-bak-813134102/
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
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Tune in when Christoffer Bak of Shaping New Tomorrow pours out from his business wisdom!
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Episode 3 of Growing With It - #2 Coffe talk with Mik & Trav
Picking up from the previous Coffee Talk, Mikkel, Travis, and their co-founders - inspired by Mikkel´s wife Klaudia - rebounded from bankruptcy by incorporating Air Flight in Denmark, securing a workshop in a suburb. Initially funded by Klaudia, they faced financial strains, necessitating Mikkel to work as a consultant in Odense, commuting three hours back and forth. Despite challenges, including a global pandemic, they persevered, eventually flying their flying car after a year. This milestone attracted media attention, including front-page coverage. However, the success was short-lived, leading to a pivotal decision about the project's future, setting the stage for future episodes.
Key take-aways from this episode:
Resilience: Mikkel and his team persevered after bankruptcy to incorporate AirFlight, showcasing their determination.Diverse team: The team recognized the need for a range of skills, but faced challenges in managing the dynamics.Financial constraints: Mikkel took on a demanding consulting job to fund the project, highlighting the need for creative solutions.Adaptability: The team had to rethink their approach when the pandemic disrupted their business model.Celebrating milestones: The team celebrated the first successful, albeit brief, flight of the flying car prototype.Chapters:
Chapter 1: Incorporation and Early Challenges [00:00 - 04:00]
Chapter 2: Building the Flying Car Dream [04:01 - 09:00]
Chapter 3: Weathering the Storm [09:01 - 15:00]
Chapter 4: The First Flight and Looking Ahead [15:01 - 17:39]
If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
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Episode 2 of Growing With It this time with Kim Scott
In this episode Mik & Trav are joined by Kim Scott, author of "Radical Candor," and they discuss the importance of balancing care and challenge in management. Scott emphasizes the need to address power imbalances and build genuine relationships with direct reports. Scott shares her experiences, including a pivotal moment at Google where she learned the value of direct feedback. She also highlights the distinction between superstar and rockstar modes, advocating for fair treatment of all employees. Additionally, Scott addresses gender inequality, stressing the importance of addressing bias, prejudice, and bullying with empathy and clear communication.
Take-aways:
Radical candor is about caring personally and challenging directly to build trust and improve performance.Leaders must make time for both task-oriented work and nurturing relationships with their team.Providing timely, honest feedback is crucial to avoid negative impacts on the team and individual performance.Respecting all work and honoring both "superstar" and "rock star" modes of employee performance is important for building an inclusive culture.Addressing bias, prejudice, and bullying in the workplace requires vulnerability, empathy, and a commitment to creating a respectful environment for all.Chapters:
Chapter 1: The Dilemma of Firing Bob [0:00:00 - 0:10:00]
Chapter 2: The Inspiration Behind "Radical Candor" [0:10:01 - 0:20:00]
Chapter 3: Mastering the Art of Radical Candor [0:20:01 - 0:35:00]
Chapter 4: The Power of Honest Feedback [0:35:01 - 0:50:00]
Chapter 5: Building an Accountable and Inclusive Culture [0:50:01 - 1:05:00]
Chapter 6: Navigating Workplace Inequalities [1:05:01 - 1:20:00]
If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mikkel
Travis on Insta: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/travis
Be sure to check out Kim Scott om LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimm4/
Thanks to our sponsors:
Shaping New Tomorrow
State Energy
Vestermark Consult
-
Episode 1 of Growing For It - Coffee Talk #1 with Mik & Trav
*Contains a sponsored segment*
In this coffee talk and intro episode to the Growing For It Podcast, Mikkel and Travis take us through the steps of their entrepreneurial adventures. Mik and Trav are the co-founders of a company called Air Flight, which is building flying cars, flying cranes, and other flying vehicles. Mikkel's entrepreneurial journey began with a pivotal moment on a flight to a wedding in London, where he experienced a feeling of pure joy and adventure from the takeoff and wanted to recreate that in a flying vehicle. Driven by a strong belief and self-confidence that he could build anything, Mikkel started designing and prototyping a flying car.
Mikkel and Trav met through a mastermind group in 2017 and bonded over their adventurous spirits and sports backgrounds, leading them to partner up and work on the flying car project. In late 2018, Mikkel's previous company ran into financial troubles due to a problematic construction project, leading to the company going bankrupt. This was a major setback, but with the encouragement of his partner Klaudia, Mikkel regained his motivation and decided to fully commit to building AirFlight, the company focused on developing flying vehicles.
Mikkel and Trav are the co-founders of a company called AirFlight, which is building flying cars, flying cranes, and other flying vehicles. Mikkel's entrepreneurial journey began with a pivotal moment on a flight to a wedding in London, where he experienced a feeling of pure joy and adventure from the takeoff and wanted to recreate that in a flying vehicle. Driven by a strong belief and self-confidence that he could build anything, Mikkel started designing and prototyping a flying car.
Mikkel and Trav met through a mastermind group in 2017 and bonded over their adventurous spirits and sports backgrounds, leading them to partner up and work on the flying car project. In late 2018, Mikkel's previous company ran into financial troubles due to a problematic construction project, leading to the company going bankrupt. This was a major setback, but with the encouragement of his wife Klaudia, Mikkel regained his motivation and decided to fully commit to building AirFlight, the company focused on developing flying vehicles.
Key Takeaways:
Mikkel's pivotal moment on the flight to London sparked his passion for creating a personal flying vehicle to recapture that sense of adventure and connection to the ground.Mikkel's strong self-belief and confidence in his ability to build anything drove him to pursue the flying car dream, even when it seemed unconventional.Mikkel and Trav's bond and shared mindset as adventurous, risk-taking entrepreneurs was a key factor in them partnering up on the AirFlight project.Mikkel's previous business failure and bankruptcy was a major setback, but his wife's encouragement helped him regain his motivation to keep pursuing the flying car vision.Mikkel's determination to never give up, even in the face of significant challenges, has been a defining characteristic in his entrepreneurial journey.Chapters:
Chapter 1 - The Inception of AirFlight [0:00 - 5:40]
Chapter 2 - Finding a Co-Founder [5:41 - 12:00]
Chapter 3 - The Downfall and Rebirth [12:01 - 20:00]
Chapter 4 - Committing to AirFlight [20:01 - 27:46]
If you wanna learn more about our "Elite Founders Fundraising" program, DM us on our socials listed here:
Mikkel on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/mili
Travis on LinkedIn: https://growing-for-it.captivate.fm/trali
Mikkel on
