Avsnitt
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What does it really take to do meaningful work over a lifetime?
In this episode of Perception Paradox, iconic designer Stefan Sagmeister shares his deep reflections on creativity, beauty, and the intentional choices that shape both our work and our lives.
We unpack:
Why intentional time off is essential for innovationThe power of beauty in design — and in lifeHow long-term thinking leads to more human-centred creativityAnd how to navigate self-doubt, evolving technology, and imposter syndrome in a distracted worldThis isn’t just a conversation about design — it’s about how we live, reflect, and reimagine what success looks and feels like.
🎧 Tune in to discover how pausing with purpose can reshape your path — and what Stefan has learned about finding joy and meaning across decades of creative impact.
About Stefan Sagmeister:Stefan Sagmeister has designed for clients as diverse as the Rolling Stones, HBO, and the Guggenheim Museum. He’s a two time Grammies winner and also earned practically every important international design award.
Stefan talks about the large subjects of our lives like happiness or beauty, how they connect to design and what that actually means to our everyday lives. He spoke 5 times at the official TED, making him one of the three most frequently invited TED speakers.
His books sell in the hundreds of thousands and his exhibitions have been mounted in museums around the world. His exhibit ’The Happy Show' attracted way over half a million visitors worldwide and became the most visited graphic design show in history.
A native of Austria, he received his MFA from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and, as a Fulbright Scholar, a master’s degree from Pratt Institute in New York.
Learn more: https://sagmeister.com
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:29 Exploring the Sabattical Experience
04:15 Cultural Influences and Artistic Exchange
07:21 The Evolution of Sabbaticals
10:13 Overcoming Fears and Embracing Change
13:22 The Impact of Sabbaticals on Creativity
16:08 Long-Term Thinking in Design
19:03 The Role of Beauty in Design
22:24 Navigating the Design Landscape
25:03 The Future of Design in a Digital Age
42:06 The Impact of AI on Design and Professions
49:32 Historical Perspectives on Progress and Human Development
55:51 Designing for Emotions: A Positive Approach
58:36 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Creative Fields
01:08:29 The Journey of Happiness: Insights from a Film Project
01:16:12 Defining Good Design: Helping and Delighting Others
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In this episode of Perception Paradox, recorded in collaboration with Tech Park Kaunas, host Zivile Einikyte sits down with Vlada Musvydaitė-Vilčiauskė, the founder of Walk15 — a fast-growing sustainable activity platform.
From her roots as a professional athlete to becoming a mission-driven tech founder, Vlada shares how her journey shaped a startup that champions movement, health, and community. We talk about building a values-driven team, the courage to turn down investors, and what it really takes to scale a wellness brand in a crowded space.
This conversation is packed with honesty, motivation, and a reminder that business can be human — and even joyful.
About Vlada:
Vlada Musvydaite Vilciauske CEO & Founder @walk15.app
Founder and a CEO of the global sustainable mobility platform and mobile app Walk15, entrepreneur, Lithuanian and European II League champion, sports journalist. In just four years, Vlada and her team managed to grow a startup that is now valued at more than 15 million euros and gain the trust of more than 1,300 companies, organizations like EuroLeague, EAMP (European Association of People Management) and 750,000 app users worldwide.
Connect with Vlada: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-musvydaite/
Learn more about walk15.app: https://walk15.app/
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:02 About Walk15 and Vlada's Journey
04:21 The Courage to Say No to Investors
07:30 Building a Strong Team and Community
10:25 Collaborations and Major Clients
13:19 Vision for the Future of Walk
16:13 Coping with Challenges in Entrepreneurship
20:34 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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What lies beyond our words, our labels, our stories?
At 91 years old, Professor Emeritus Algis Mickunas has lived through war, exile, steel mills, and lecture halls. He’s authored over 50 books, taught across continents, and carries the wisdom of someone who sees the universe in a single drop of morning dew.
In this rare and timeless conversation, Zivile Ein sits down with the legendary Lithuanian-American philosopher to explore identity, perception, memory, freedom, and what it means to live in truth. From escaping Soviet-occupied Lithuania to studying Zen archery in Japan, Mickūnas shares a journey that redefines mastery, education, and presence.
We ask: Who are we without our words, roles, and labels? What happens when we stop trying to control life — and simply witness it unfold?
This is not just a podcast episode. It’s a living dialogue about wonder, reality, democracy, and the cosmic rhythm of being human.
🌀 Part of the first live Perception Paradox community event
About Prof. Emeritus Algis Mickunas
Algis Mickunas is a prolific scholar, earning a B.S. in engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology (1955-58), a B.A. and an M.A. in Classical Philosophy at DePaul University (1958-63), an M.A. in Contemporary European Philosophies at Cologne University (1963-64) and Freiburg University (1964-65), an M.A. in the Philosophy of Language at the University of Chicago (1965-66), and a PhD in Modern Philosophy from Emory University (1966-69). He has published over 400 articles in five languages, has authored, co-authored, and co-edited over 40 books in philosophy, social and political theory, and communication. Further, Dr. Mickunas has established several international scholarly organizations, including The Husserl Circle, The Merleau-Ponty Circle, the Japan-West Phenomenology Consortium, and the International Jean Gebser Society for the Study of Comparative Civilization.
Connect with Professor Algis: [email protected]
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:38 Exploring Identity and Perception
08:55 The Nature of Discourse and Reality
17:14 Reflections on Self and Cosmic Identity
26:25 Philosophical Insights on Vision and Memory
37:16 Timeless Images and Self-Perception
42:12 The Search for Identity and Invariant Human Nature
48:59 Philosophical Foundations of the Self
57:14 Democracy and the Role of Philosophy
1:06:43 The Tragedy of Human Existence
1:15:49 The Nature of Silence and the Transcendental Self
1:25:11 Echoes of the Universe
1:27:10 The Cosmic Dance of Time
1:32:31 Curiosity and Love for Life
1:38:05 Navigating Identity Through Adversity
1:42:34 The Rhythm of Life and Sleep
1:48:16 Experiencing the Universe
1:57:10 Education and Democracy
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In this episode of Perception Paradox, recorded in collaboration with Tech Park Kaunas, host Zivile Einikyte sits down with Povilas Sabaliauskas, founder of Pulseto, a wellness tech startup pioneering vagus nerve stimulation for stress relief.
Born from personal health struggles and driven by the desire to create real impact, Pulseto has evolved from a medical device concept into a sleek, science-backed wearable designed for daily stress management. Povilas opens up about the emotional journey behind the company, the bold decision to pivot into wellness tech, and the real execution challenges behind every startup.
They explore:
Why the vagus nerve is the next frontier in health techWhat it really takes to pivot in a startupHow to handle rejection from investorsThe power of asking for help, building a strong brand, and staying resilientIf you're curious about the intersection of tech, health, and founder grit, this episode delivers raw insights and powerful takeaways.
Connect with Povilas:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/povilas-sabaliauskas/
About Pulsetto:
https://www.pulsetto.tech
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:43 The Health Tech Revolution: Vagus Nerve Stimulation
04:54 From Personal Struggles to Startup Success
09:10 Pivoting for Impact: The Evolution of Pulsato
11:02 Lessons from Entrepreneurship: Execution Over Inspiration
13:18 Scaling Challenges: Transitioning to Commercial Growth
18:03 Investment Strategies and Future Ambitions
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In this Perception Paradox episode—brought to you in partnership with Tech Park Kaunas—host Zivile sits down with Victorija Trimble, investor at Co-Invest Capital, to break down Lithuania’s evolving startup scene. From hackathon-born ventures to cap tables, profit sharing, and investor dynamics, they unpack what it takes to build and fund successful startups in Europe.
🔹 How do investors evaluate early-stage teams?🔹 Why do cap tables make or break a startup?🔹 What unique challenges does the European VC ecosystem face?
Tune in for sharp insights on investment strategies, founder resilience, and the art of navigating feedback in the startup world.
About Viktorija Trimbel:
Managing Director at Coinvest Capital. Seasoned practitioner in the Lithuanian and regional capital markets with an excellent track record in M&A, fund raising and corporate governance, dedicated to support founders and co-investors and promote Lithuanian startup ecosystem.
Viktorija is also a member of the Lithuanian Capital Markets Board, Board Member at Lithuanian Business Angel Association, and the Head of Governance Policy Group for Lithuania at the Baltic Institute of Corporate Governance.
Connect with Viktorija: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktorijatrimbel/
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:13 Victoria Trimble's Role and Insights
06:53 Investment Strategies and Challenges
13:37 The Importance of Team Dynamics
15:07 The European Startup Ecosystem
21:03 The Role of Hackathons in Innovation
25:34 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs
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In this thought-provoking episode filmed live at GITEX AFRICA 2025, entrepreneur and venture capitalist Bill Liao unpacks the powerful connection between language, identity, and purpose. From his journey transitioning from engineer to impact-driven investor, to the emotional resilience required to thrive in uncertainty, Bill shares raw insights on finding meaning, designing your values, and why failure is essential for growth.
We explore how communication shapes our inner world, why mindfulness must be evidence-based, and how community and conversation are crucial to mental health. This isn’t just a conversation — it’s a blueprint for personal and entrepreneurial transformation.
Key themes:
Designing your purpose (don’t wait to "find" it)Emotional intelligence & resetting your triggersWhy failure is progressMindfulness, mental health & identityInvesting with conviction and meaningAbout Bill: Bill Liao is a prominent Irish Australian entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and philanthropist. He is a general partner at SOSV and co-founded CoderDojo, a global movement to teach young people to code. Liao is passionate about technology, sustainability, and social impact, and has been a driving force behind numerous successful startups and initiatives.
X : https://x.com/liaonetLinkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/billliao/BlueSky : https://bsky.app/profile/liaonet.bsky.social🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
03:54 The Evolution of Language and Identity
06:51 The Power of Language in Communication
09:44 Transitioning from Engineering to Entrepreneurship
12:42 Finding Purpose and Defining Values
15:48 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Success
18:38 Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Resilience
21:46 Designing Your Purpose and Values
23:01 The Value of Conversations
25:15 Mindfulness and Emotional Resetting
26:25 The Evolution of Mindfulness Practices
29:17 Community and Connection
30:38 Designing Purpose and Contribution
30:55 Small Actions Lead to Big Changes
33:34 Embracing Failure as Progress
34:41 The Entrepreneurial Mindset
39:24 Investing in Founders and Ideas
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What does it take to rebuild your life from rock bottom?
In this raw and radically honest conversation, Dr. Vrnda “V” Boykin shares her story of going from prison and stripping to becoming a scholar, DEI leader, and author — all while challenging everything we think we know about shame, power, and transformation
In this deeply personal episode, she opens up about what it really takes to rewrite your story when the world has already written you off.
We talk about:
Why shame can be louder than failure — and how to own your story anywayThe emotional toll of “being the only one” in the roomWhy DEI in business is failing (and what to do differently)The power of boundaries, mentorship, and making choices no one else understandsWhy belonging matters more than buzzwordsThis isn’t about “starting over.”
It’s about rising without erasing where you came from.
If you've ever felt misunderstood, underestimated, or stuck — this episode is for you.
About Dr. V. Boikyn:
Dr. V is a trailblazer and inspiring voice in the realms of leadership and equity, proudly embodying the journey of a Black woman who has overcome adversity. As a former single mom, stripper, and felon, she transformed her life through education, earning an impressive array of four degrees—BS, MS, MBA, and DBA—that speak to her resilience and determination.
Now an established keynote speaker and leader in the leadership and equity space, Dr. V passionately addresses the unique challenges that women face both personally and professionally. Her first book, "Fix Your Face & Watch Your Tone: Women Know What's Needed," tackles systemic barriers while offering practical insights on achieving success through social support, railing against the pressure to do it all.
In her highly anticipated second book, "Fix Your Face & Watch Your Tone: Hard Lessons, Simple Truths," Dr. V shares critical life lessons transformed into strategies to navigate the corporate landscape. With her powerful story and mission to uplift others, Dr. V invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and purpose, proving that everything is possible with resilience, guidance, and determination.
Connect with Dr. V: https://drvboykin.com
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:42 Navigating the Digital Conversation Landscape
03:15 The Complexity of American Identity
06:11 Coping with Chaos: Finding Community and Voice
08:48 Resilience and Transformation: A Personal Journey
16:23 The Power of Choice in Adversity
20:00 Rebuilding Life: Education and Mentorship
23:54 The Importance of Mentorship in Career Growth
25:33 The Importance of Mentorship
28:08 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business
32:12 The Business Case for Diversity
35:29 Understanding Belonging in the Workplace
37:10 Life Experiences and Personal Growth
40:27 Navigating Fear and Making Choices
44:25 Truth, Boundaries, and Acceptance
46:50 The Journey of Writing and Sharing Truths
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Feeling stuck? Like you're running in place? What if the key to unlocking your potential isn't about more effort, but something far more powerful...your imagination? Prepare for a truly mind-bending conversation with Yoad Mick, a visionary imagination coach and founder of IMAGYM. This conversation happened during the TechChill 2025 in Riga, Latvia.
In this episode, we explore why so many people feel trapped in their routines, and how imagination can rewire your thinking, leading to the life you're meant to live.
We dive into:
The crucial role of psychological safety in fostering real change.Practical strategies to break free from limiting systems and routines. 🔓The powerful distinction between visualization and true imagination.Transforming fear into courage and failure into exponential growth. 🚀Daily techniques to supercharge your imagination like a muscle.The impact of collective vision on creating meaningful success.How to start a ripple effect of imagination and innovation.Yoad's insights are bold, practical, and will completely reframe how you approach personal transformation. If you're feeling uninspired, stuck, or ready for real change – don't wait. Your transformation starts here.
About Yoad:
Yoad Mick trains people’s imagination to achieve what once seemed impossible. He shows leaders and teams how to shatter their mental blocks, imagine the change they want, and take bold action to turn those possibilities into reality. With his proven methodology, Yoad transforms mindsets, unlocking untapped potential and empowering leaders to inspire by example. The result? Explosive growth, innovation, and a shift in how teams operate. Yoad has worked with hundreds of founders, executives, and researchers across accelerators, academia, and corporate environments, helping them break through barriers and create a lasting impact.
Connect with Yoad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoadmick/
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:52 Exploring the Power of Imagination
03:19 The Nonlinear Career Path of Joad Nick
06:12 Understanding Change and Its Challenges
09:10 The Role of Psychological Safety in Change
11:47 Imagination vs. Visualization
14:40 Courage, Fear, and Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs
17:19 Goal Setting and Maintaining Change
22:30 The Infinite Mindset: Vision and Purpose
25:02 Collective Imagination: The Power of Teamwork
26:42 Mission vs. Intent: Understanding the Bigger Picture
28:45 Always Be Giving: The Mindset of Opportunity
31:30 Imagination as a Muscle: Training for Growth
34:19 Defining Success: Beyond Outcomes
37:14 Creating Opportunities: The Cycle of Intent and Reflection
41:04 Lighting Candles: Inspiring Change in the World
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In this episode of Perception Paradox, we sit down with Christopher Locke — Global Head of Program at South Summit — to unpack the future of startup ecosystems, innovation hubs, and the real value of tech events.
From decentralization beyond Silicon Valley to designing events for connection, we explore:
The rise of new innovation hubs in Europe How to design events that spark real collaboration What makes an ecosystem meaningful, not just hype Serendipity, networking, and choosing the right events The human side of innovation in a post-COVID worldWhether you're a founder, event designer, or ecosystem builder — this episode is packed with insights on navigating today’s tech landscape.
About Christopher Locke:
Global Head of Program at South Summit
Chris is a global connector, strategist, and ecosystem builder at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact, playing a key role in bringing together world-class founders, investors, and industry leaders on the global stage. Through his work at South Summit, one of the most prestigious entrepreneurial event platforms across Europe, Latam, and Asia, he curates content programs that facilitate meaningful connections, spark innovation, and drive growth across industries. With a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem and how to navigate it, Chris is passionate about aligning entrepreneurship with the greater good and fostering innovation to propel not only economic growth, but long-term prosperity for people and the planet.Connect with Christopher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockechris/
Get your exclusive 30% off:https://bit.ly/43uDBlQ
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:37 Welcome & Oslo experience04:05 Christopher's Journey in the Startup Ecosystem
07:00 The Evolution of Startup Ecosystems
12:23 Decentralization of Innovation and Emerging Markets
14:54 Opportunities in the Current Tech Landscape
20:14 Collaboration Over Competition in Startups
25:08 Navigating Change: Moving to Madrid During COVID
28:38 The Evolution of Events in a Post-Pandemic World
37:18 Building Meaningful Connections: Networking Strategies for Founders
43:22 Choosing the Right Events: A Founder’s Guide
47:44 The South Summit Experience: What to Expect
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In this episode of Perception Paradox, host Zivile sits down with Park Howell, a distinguished storyteller and branding expert, to delve into the transformative power of storytelling in modern communication. They navigate the challenges of conveying clear messages amidst today's media noise and examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative processes.
Park introduces his acclaimed StoryCycle System™, a 10-step storytelling framework that has propelled brand growth by up to 600%. He also sheds light on the ABT (And, But, Therefore) Framework, a concise storytelling model that simplifies complex messages into compelling narratives. Central to their discussion is the importance of deeply understanding one's audience to craft resonant stories and the pivotal role of emotional validation in branding.
The conversation culminates with insights on maintaining authenticity in storytelling and an introduction to the StoryCycle Genie™, an AI-driven tool designed to help businesses craft clear and compelling brand stories in minutes, not months.
Discover more about the StoryCycle Genie™ and how it can revolutionize your brand storytelling here: https://businessofstory.com/storycycle-genie/
About Park Howell:
Park Howell is known as The World’s Most Industrious Storyteller having grown purpose-driven brands by as much as 600 percent. He is an EMMY Award-Winning, 35+ year veteran of the advertising industry and hosts the popular weekly Business of Story podcast, author of Brand Bewitchery, and co-authored The Narrative Gym for Business. He is sought after internationally to help leaders excel through the stories they tell.
Connect with Park: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkhowell/🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:25 The Power of Storytelling in Communication
10:09 The Role of AI in Storytelling
17:46 Key Elements of Successful Storytelling
24:35 Authenticity and Accountability in Branding
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One more great conversation from the TechChill 2025 conference. In this episode, Zivile (Zivi) and Jessica Gioglio delve into the transformative power of storytelling in branding and crisis communication.
Drawing from Jessica's rich experiences with brands like Dunkin' Donuts and TripAdvisor, they discuss crafting compelling narratives, engaging audiences on social media, and turning challenges into opportunities through effective communication.
About Jessica: Jessica Gioglio - Marketing Innovator and Author, The Power of Visual Storytelling and The Laws of Brand Storytelling.
Jessica Gioglio is a recognized marketing innovator, international speaker, and bestselling author of “The Power of Visual Storytelling” and “The Laws of Brand Storytelling.” Professionally, Jessica has led innovative digital marketing, public relations and social media programs for companies including Nokia, Dunkin’ Donuts, TripAdvisor, State Street, Comcast and Sprinklr, work that has resulted in numerous industry awards. Today, Jessica is the founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content marketing consultancy.
Connect with Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagioglio/
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:06 The Power of Storytelling
02:56 Navigating Crisis Through Narrative
08:16 Branding and Social Media Evolution
13:54 Current Landscape of Communication
19:52 Key Ingredients for Successful Storytelling
26:17 The Journey to Publishing Books
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For my birthday episode, I’m sharing 33 life reminders—lessons I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) about success, happiness, and creating a life that actually feels good.
No fluff, just real talk:
⚡ Life is a game—learn how to play it.
⚡ Consistency > intensity.
⚡ Health is wealth. Full stop.
⚡ Stop waiting, start doing.
⚡ Remove "but" from your vocabulary. Seriously.If you're navigating growth, chasing big dreams, or just need a little reminder that you’re on the right path—this one’s for you.
And if you’re wondering about a birthday gift, the best one would be a donation to support Ukraine:
👉 Donate hereAlso, every like, share, and subscribe to Perception Paradox helps spread the message and grow the channel.
Much love,
Zivile (Zivi)🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Celebrating Life and Reflection
01:36 Lessons in Kindness and Compassion
03:25 Embracing Life's Ups and Downs
04:55 The Importance of Action and Planning
06:44 Life as a Game: Learning to Play
08:19 Health is Wealth: Prioritizing Well-being
09:20 Collaboration Over Competition
10:41 Defining Success on Your Own Terms
12:35 The Power of Consistency
13:55 Building Meaningful Relationships
15:53 Being Present and Mindful
16:53 Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
18:18 Creating a Supportive Environment
19:01 Courage and Ownership of Your Life
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Is failure really failure—or just an idea ahead of its time?
In this episode of Perception Paradox, I sit down with Dirk Ploss, a creative powerhouse in corporate innovation, technology, and startups. Dirk has seen it all—from early internet days in 1985 to transforming "dead ideas" into groundbreaking innovations.
We unpack:
x Why failure is just context—and how to turn setbacks into breakthroughs
x How storytelling & empathy make or break startup success
x The secret to corporate partnerships (hint: it’s NOT just about funding)x Why networking is your superpower as an entrepreneur
Listen now & discover how to revive ideas that the world wasn’t ready for—yet!
About Dirk Ploss: Dirk is an experienced creative, manager and futurist with a background in marketing, e-commerce and innovation management. He is a serial entrepreneur, multiple book author and a great storyteller.
Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derploss/
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Intro Animation
01:31 Introduction and Background
04:07 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
06:41 Mindset and Resilience in Innovation
09:21 Radical Innovation in Corporations
12:09 The Role of Startups in Driving Innovation
14:36 Connecting Founders with Corporates
18:18 Empathy as a Key Trait for Founders
19:54 Reviving Dead Ideas
23:36 The Importance of Context in Innovation
27:11 Storytelling in Entrepreneurship
29:55 Surprising Insights on Innovation Management
32:41 Final Thoughts
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In this episode, we sit down with Prashant Søegaard, CEO of foodora, to explore his bold career shift—from leading commercial teams at Google & Meta to running a fast-moving food delivery empire.
🔹 How do top leaders navigate industry transitions?
🔹 What does it take to build a winning company culture?
🔹 Why are curiosity & agility the ultimate career superpowers?Prashant shares hard-earned leadership insights, lessons on competition, and his personal take on work-life balancein an industry that never sleeps.
💡 Tune in for real talk on leadership, growth, and fearless career moves.
About Prashant: Prashant Søegaard has more than a decade of leadership experience from Meta and Google leading Commercial teams. He has recently moved in the food delivery industry as the Managing Director for foodora based in Norway.
Connect with Prashant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashantsoegaard/
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Welcome to Prashant Soegaard
06:56 Leadership Philosophy and Company Culture
12:33 The Role of People in Food Delivery
18:14 Leadership Style and Empowering Teams
26:12 The Importance of Well-Being and Balance
35:49 Curiosity and Career Growth
43:09 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change
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Networking is often seen as a buzzword, but in the world of startups and investing, it’s the foundation of success. And no one knows this better than Peter Sandberg, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Nordic Secondary Fund (N2F).
In this episode of Perception Paradox, we dive deep into Peter’s journey from asset management to angel investing, the importance of strategic networking, and why secondary investments are becoming a game-changer in the startup ecosystem. Peter shares the traits he looks for in successful founders, why kindness and openness matter in business, and how passion fuels long-term success.
If you want to master the art of networking, understand the evolving investment landscape, and hear what it takes to build strong business relationships, this episode is for you.
About Peter:
Peter is Founding Partner and Managing Director of Nordic Secondary Fund (N2F), founded in 2018, being the first and only fund in the Nordics to exclusively invest in secondaries only.
N2F has raised 2 funds in the past 5 years , in total €140M, having done +40 secondary deals, and 5 exits in the belt.
Prior to N2F, Peter has +35 years of experience form Investment Banking and Asset Management, including founding 2 asset management companies, both with impressive exits, and done 35 pre-seed and seed investment as Business Angel in 2016-2018, where additional 8 exits have been done.
Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersandbergn2f/
More about the Nordic Secondary Fund:
www.n2f.vc
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:25 Introduction to Peter Sandberg and His Journey
07:08 The Art of Communication and Networking
11:21 Preparation for Networking Events
18:51 Finding Your Passion and Calling
23:35 Traits of Successful Founders and Investment Decisions
24:26 The Ideal Founder: Confidence and Coachability
26:14 Investing in Mature Companies: A Strategic Shift
27:34 Navigating Market Challenges: Insights on Exits
29:07 Emerging Markets: Opportunities in Southeastern Europe
30:14 Understanding Secondary Investments: A Simple Approach
33:19 The Importance of Founder Well-being
36:01 Evolving Investment Landscape: Trends and Challenges
40:14 Raising Funds: Lessons Learned and Future Strategies
43:52 Persistence and Passion: Keys to Success
45:38 A Thought to Ponder: Helping Others First
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What separates a great founder from a failing one? How do investors spot the next billion-dollar deep tech startup?
During the buzz of TechChill 2025, we sit down withGabriele Potelunaite, a venture capitalist specializing in deep tech investments. You can hear the buzz in the background, but that just makes it more real!
Gabriele shares her journey into VC, thebiggest mistakes early-stage founders make, and whyquick pivots can make or break a startup. We also dive into theEuropean venture capital scene, the challenges ofstate-funded investments, and theunderrated traits that set winning founders apart.
If you're a founder, investor, or just fascinated by how the tech industry moves, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
About Gabriele:
Gabrielė is an investor at European deep-tech fund @Balnord, with a specific focus on Polish and Baltic founders based anywhere. Before that, she launched @tooearly - a platform trying to help first-time founders pick the right idea to build and navigate VC/angel fundraising. Over the past 4 years, she worked at Heartfelt_ (APX) in Berlin, where she served as Principal and led investments in 20+ companies as a first check investor across Europe. Previously, she was a Senior Associate at Change Ventures, one of the Baltic-focused venture capital funds. Over the past years, she has been based and invested out of Vilnius, Tallinn, Amsterdam, Berlin, and beyond.
Connect with Gabriele:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielepoteliunaite/
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:29 Gabriele's Journey into Venture Capital
05:39 The Reality of Being an Investor
08:48 Challenges in the European Venture Industry
12:03 Identifying Red Flags in Early Stage Startups
13:59 The Ideal Startup for VC Funding
14:57 Gabriele's Experience as a Founder
19:52 Lessons Learned in Venture Capital
22:24 Underrated Traits in Founders
23:18 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts
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In this episode of Perception Paradox, host Zivile interviews Jack Mardack, co-founder of Oyster, a B Corp focused on revolutionizing the future of work. Jack shares his journey from aspiring doctor to entrepreneur, discussing the importance of creativity, the challenges of startup life, and the mission behind Oyster.
The conversation delves into the human distribution problem, the dynamics of remote work, and the significance of company culture in a fully distributed environment. Jack also reflects on the impact of the pandemic on work, the future of knowledge workers, and the importance of spirituality in his life and career.
About Jack:
Jack Mardack is the co-founder of Oyster, the global employment platform to hire, pay, and care for distributed teams. He is an experienced B2B tech marketing executive who has helped build and dramatically scale several companies, including Eventbrite, Prezi, and the Vonage API platform. Jack is deeply inspired by the power of software to change the world and make it a better place.
Connect with Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardack/
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jack Mardack's Journey
03:17 The Early Influences on Career Choices
06:24 Transition from Medicine to Banking
09:09 Discovering the Startup World
12:07 Building a Career Operating System
15:00 The Birth of Oyster and Its Mission
17:30 The Human Distribution Problem
20:17 Shifting Mindsets for Remote Work
22:47 Conclusion and Future Outlook
33:22 The Journey to Remote Work Success
38:20 Navigating Loneliness in Remote Work
43:23 Empowering HR in Remote Work Dynamics
46:41 The Future of Work: AI and Flexibility
52:00 Reflections on Building a Unicorn Company
58:17 Spirituality and Personal Growth in Entrepreneurship
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In this episode of Perception Paradox, host Zivile speaks with Justina Klyviene, CEO and founder of Future Leadership Laboratory Academy and HealthTech Accelerator. They discuss Justyna's journey of personal growth, the importance of a positive mindset, and the challenges she faced, including her battle with cancer.
Justina emphasizes the significance of imagination, resilience, and surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals. The conversation also touches on the role of innovation in healthcare and the mission of the HealthTech Accelerator to empower healthcare professionals to create impactful solutions.
About Justina:
JUSTINA KLYVIENĖ is the founder and managing partner of Future Leadership (www.futureleadership.lt), an innovation laboratory, and the founder of the HealthTech Accelerator (www.healthtechaccelerator.lt). She is also an independent board member and a lecturer at various European universities.
Justina is actively involved in inspiring more people to innovate and shares her expertise at conferences and in the media. She dedicates hundreds of hours each year to consultations, innovation labs, and organizes innovation academies, events, and design sprints.
To register for the accelerator, please visit www.healthtechaccelerator.lt.
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:17 Journey of Imagination and Courage
04:18 Mindset and Positive Attitude
06:55 Goals, Sacrifices, and Life Changes
09:40 Health, Healing, and Personal Growth
12:41 Balancing Life and Grounding Techniques
15:31 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Mindset
18:22 Diversity in Innovation
21:11 HealthTech Accelerator and Its Mission
23:59 Lessons on Resilience and Mindset
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In this episode of Perception Paradox, we sit down with John Klepper, an inspiring entrepreneur who transitioned from the world of film to the forefront of health tech innovation. John shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey, including how his passion for solving complex problems led to the creation of PIPRA, a groundbreaking platform using machine learning to address delirium in patients.
We discuss the mindset required for entrepreneurship, the importance of having co-founders, and the unique challenges faced in healthcare innovation. John also provides insights into the funding landscape in health tech and how creative problem-solving drives progress.
Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a health tech enthusiast, or someone curious about the intersection of technology and medicine, this conversation is packed with inspiration, lessons, and actionable takeaways. Tune in and discover how innovation can make a real difference in people’s lives!
Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnklepper/
Learn about PIPRA: http://pipra.ch/
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:57 Mindset of an Entrepreneur
11:13 The Importance of Co-Founders
19:16 The Technology Behind PIPRA
24:09 Challenges in the Healthcare Sector
27:57 Future Plans and Reflections
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In this episode of Perception Paradox, Zivile interviews Daniel Oliver, the founder of Capital Cell, a leading biotech crowdfunding platform in Europe.
Together, they delve into the evolving landscape of biotech investment, discussing the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of crowdfunding in the biotech sector. Daniel shares insights on the current landscape of biotech, the role of scientists in startups, and the cultural barriers to cross-border investments in Europe. He emphasizes the need for businesses to improve the world and reflects on his personal journey, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
This episode explores the exciting world of biotech and provides valuable insights for anyone interested in innovation, investment, and the future of healthcare.
About Daniel:
Daniel is the founder and director of Capital Cell, Europe’s first equity crowdfunding platform specialising in the Healthcare sector.
With a scientific background (a degree in Biology from the Universitat de Barcelona), Daniel has been working in the financial sector since 2013 when he launched Creoentuproyecto.com, a now extinct investment crowdfunding platform best known for raising a record-breaking €3M for a digital newspaper (El Español).
In 2015 he founded Capital Cell, an investment platform focused exclusively in Healthcare. As of 2024, Capital Cell has invested 107 million euros in over 120 companies, making it one of the most active Biotech investors in Europe.
Since 2022 Daniel is also a partner at Nara Capital, an early-stage Venture Capital specialising in biotechnology, and also based in Barcelona.
🎙️ Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:12 The Birth of Capital Cell
10:30 The Evolution of Biotech Investment
17:27 Navigating the Funding Landscape
22:48 Cross-Border Investment Challenges
29:05 The Role of Crowdfunding in Biotech
35:50 Future Trends in Biotechnology
39:02 Resilience in Entrepreneurship
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