🎙️ BONUS Episode 2 with sales coach Matt Essam: Transforming Sales into Connection

Are you approaching sales as a transaction—or as a conversation that transforms your business?

In this second BONUS episode, we’re joined by Matt Essam, business coach and author, to rethink how founders approach sales. Rather than a numbers game, Matt reframes sales as a process of helping clients make decisions through curiosity, compassion, and courage.

Throughout our discussion, we explore the psychology behind buying, the importance of active listening, and why reframing the stigma around sales can unlock transformative conversations. Matt shares insights from his journey, practical strategies for founders, and the mindset shifts that allow sales to become both effective and human.

Whether you’re running a startup, scaling a creative agency, or just navigating client conversations, this episode will help you see sales as a relationship-building tool rather than a necessary evil.

🔑 In this episode, we talk about:

1. Why sales is fundamentally about communication and decision-making
2. Overcoming the stigma around sales and reframing it as service
3. The role of curiosity, compassion, and courage in client conversations
4. Differentiating your offerings in a crowded market
5. Emotional intelligence and the psychology of buying
6. Balancing sales automation with personal connection
7. The Traffic Light Method for understanding client readiness
8. How transformational sales conversations build brand equity

🧠 Key Takeaways:

1. Sales isn’t coercion—it’s facilitation. Helping clients make informed decisions is the goal.
2. Courage is essential: asking the hard questions builds trust and clarity.
3. Emotional intelligence drives buying decisions—understanding your client matters.
4. Differentiation reduces competition and increases demand.
5. Sales conversations can be transformational, benefiting both the founder and the client.
6. Automation is helpful, but human connection remains irreplaceable.
7. Founders can reframe sales from a dreaded task into a relationship-building practice.

💬 Sound Bites / Quotes:

1. “Sales is about curiosity and compassion.”
2. “Sales is not something you do to someone.”
3. “Sales is a transformational conversation.”

🎙️ Vulnerability as a Superpower in Tech with Ahana Banerjee

What does it take to build a tech startup in a crowded market—while staying authentic, visible, and resilient?

In this episode, Helga sits down with Ahana Banerjee, founder of Clear, a skincare-tracking app designed to cut through the noise of an oversaturated beauty industry. From growing up across the UK, India, and Singapore to teaching herself how to code, Ahana’s journey reflects the power of discipline, vulnerability, and intentional personal branding in entrepreneurship.

Together, we explore what it means to be a young female founder in tech, how vulnerability can become a competitive advantage, and why building both a product and a personal brand requires consistency, resilience, and belief—especially when facing bias in fundraising. Ahana also shares how Clear balances a dual business model, serving both consumers and global skincare brands through data-driven insights.

This episode is an honest look at startup life behind the scenes—rejections, resilience, and the long game of building something meaningful.

🔑 In this episode, we talk about:

Growing up across cultures and how it shaped Ahana’s entrepreneurial mindset

The personal skincare struggles that inspired the creation of Clear

Teaching herself to code and transitioning from academia to startups

Using vulnerability as a strength in personal branding

Building credibility as a young female founder in tech

Navigating bias and rejection in fundraising

Balancing consumer value with brand monetisation

Why discipline matters more than motivation in content and growth

Scaling a startup while protecting team culture

🧠 Key Takeaways:

Vulnerability can be a powerful tool for trust and connection.

Personal branding requires consistency, not perfection.

Fundraising resilience means expecting rejection—and continuing anyway.

Strong team culture is critical as startups begin to scale.

Understanding both user and brand needs unlocks sustainable growth.

Entrepreneurship is a long game built on discipline and belief.

📍 Chapter Highlights:

00:00 – Introduction to Ahana and Clear

02:34 – Growing up across cultures

12:35 – Discovering coding and technical confidence

15:31 – The moment that sparked Clear

26:13 – Committing fully to the startup journey

28:06 – Vulnerability and personal branding

31:56 – Credibility challenges as a young founder

33:03 – Consistency and content creation

36:21 – Authenticity on social media

46:16 – Personal support systems

53:16 – Facing bias as a female founder

59:00 – Navigating fundraising realities

01:10:00 – Resilience and leadership

01:20:58 – Balancing consumer and brand needs

01:24:17 – Scaling Clear and future growth

🔗 Links & Resources:

📱 Clear App → getclearapp.com

👤 Ahana Banerjee → LinkedIn

🌍 Companies mentioned: Clear, L’Oréal, Beiersdorf, Unilever, Y Combinator, Forbes

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Episode:

This conversation is a powerful reminder that building a startup isn’t just about technology or traction—it’s about identity, resilience, and showing up honestly. Ahana’s story offers inspiration for founders navigating self-doubt, bias, and the pressure to prove themselves, while still building with integrity and intention.

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What happens when technology, self-discovery, and environmental awareness collide?

In this episode, we sit down with Georg Molzer, founder of Shadowmap, a groundbreaking platform that visualises sunlight and shadows in three dimensions. What begins as a conversation about sunlight, urban planning, and innovation quickly unfolds into a much deeper exploration of authenticity, personal growth, and the often exhausting work of becoming yourself.

Georg shares how living in dense urban environments sparked the idea behind Shadowmap, a tool now used by architects, urban planners, and individuals who want to better understand their relationship with sunlight. Alongside the technical journey, Georg opens up about his inner journey — from making mistakes and seeking forgiveness, to embracing authenticity as an ongoing, imperfect process.

This episode bridges the worlds of entrepreneurship, self-discovery, spirituality, and impact, offering listeners both practical insights and reflective depth.

1. Why authenticity is a lifelong process — not a destination
2. The emotional and spiritual work behind entrepreneurship
3. How Shadowmap tracks sunlight and shadows in 3D
4. Democratizing access to sunlight in dense urban spaces
5. Making mistakes, taking responsibility, and asking for forgiveness
6. Why self-discovery can be deeply exhausting — and necessary
7. Integrating personal growth with leadership and business
8. The role of awareness and consciousness in innovation
9. Building community around shared values and wellbeing

1. Authenticity is encouraged by the universe — but it requires effort.
2. Self-discovery is a continuous and often uncomfortable journey.
3. Making mistakes is a natural and essential part of growth.
4. Asking for forgiveness is a vital step in becoming more authentic.
5. Being true to yourself does not mean being perfect.
6. Authenticity can unintentionally cause friction or harm — awareness matters.
7. Personal growth demands commitment, courage, and reflection.
8. Embracing your true self is foundational to meaningful work and life.

00:00 – Introduction and Insights from Georg

00:32 – Exploring Modern Health Myths

(Full chapter expansion can be added once final timestamps are locked)

“This is the work, which is exhausting.”

“This is a process as well.”

“You will make mistakes.”

This episode goes beyond tactics and tools. It’s a...

🎙️ From Heartbreak to Healing: The Halmos Journey with Yin, Founder of Halmos

How do you transform one of life’s most painful experiences into a source of healing, innovation, and community?

In this episode, we sit down with Yin — founder of Halmos, a beautifully designed app built to support people navigating heartbreak. After experiencing a profound emotional loss, Yin found herself searching for tools that could guide her through grief, self-discovery, and rebuilding her identity. When she realised those tools didn’t exist, she decided to create them herself.

Through our conversation, Yin shares the deeply personal story that sparked Halmos, her transition from life in Singapore to entrepreneurship in the Nordics, and the emotional resilience required to build something meaningful from the ashes of heartbreak. We explore how Halmos blends digital rituals, journaling, community, and self-love to create a safe emotional container for anyone experiencing loss.

Whether you’ve lived through heartbreak, are building something from a deeply personal place, or simply want to understand the emotional journeys that shape founders — this episode will stay with you long after listening.

• How heartbreak sparked the creation of Halmos
• The emotional realities founders rarely talk about
• Why digital rituals help create closure
• Building resilience through loss and uncertainty
• The loneliness of being a solo founder — and how to navigate it
• Rebranding Halmos and crafting a brand rooted in healing
• Cultural shifts: from Singapore to the Nordics
• The power of community during emotional transitions
• B2C challenges in the app market and growth strategies
• How journaling, self-reflection, and AI support emotional recovery

• Every ending is a new beginning.
• Heartbreak can be a catalyst for creativity, clarity, and reinvention.
• Digital rituals help users process grief and find emotional closure.
• Community support is essential when navigating emotional pain.
• Branding that mirrors the healing journey builds trust and resonance.
• Solo founding requires resilience, mentorship, and a strong network.
• Halmos’ organic growth reflects the universal nature of heartbreak.
• Tools like journaling and AI-insights give users emotional grounding and self-awareness.

00:00 – Introduction to Halmos and Its Founder

02:29 – Yin's Journey: From Childhood to Entrepreneurship

05:48 – The Birth of Halmos: A Solution to Heartbreak

08:38 – Navigating the Startup Landscape

11:31 – Rebranding and the Vision for Halmos

14:51 – Building Resilience Through Heartbreak

17:38 – The Role of Community in Healing

20:27 – Pitching and Presenting: Lessons Learned

23:34 – Goals and Aspirations

42:00 – Building Halmos: The Journey Ahead

43:43 – Tools for Healing: Rituals, Journaling & Support

46:43 – The Importance of Community in Heartbreak

49:32 – Understanding Emotional Loss

51:25 – Data Insights: The Reality of Heartbreak

54:36 – Organic Growth and Market Response

01:00:20 – The Challenge of B2C

01:02:58 – Funding Strategies: Angels vs. VCs

01:04:45 – The Future of Halmos

01:10:07 – Embracing Life Experiences

01:12:19 – The Impact of Dating Apps

01:15:12 – Navigating Relationships and Breakups

01:18:56 – Building Resilience Through Heartbreak

01:22:29 – The Journey of Self-Love

01:25:52 – Lessons from Love and Heartbreak

01:32:20 – Finding Value in Emotions

01:33:55 – The Importance of Support Systems

🎙️ Building Loyalty That Lasts with Joseph Nimoson, Founder of Wolve

What does it take to turn a simple coffee shop stamp card into a scalable loyalty platform now used by businesses across the Nordics?

In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Nimoson, founder of Wolve, to explore the evolution of modern loyalty programs—and the entrepreneurial journey that started behind a café counter in Norway. From the quiet coziness of Nordic winters to the complexities of venture capital, Joseph shares how curiosity, resilience, and customer obsession shaped Wolve into a powerful B2B tool for driving retention and long-term growth.

Through our conversation, Joseph opens up about the real challenges of being a first-time solo founder, the importance of team culture, and why customer loyalty will increasingly depend on digital experiences, creativity, and genuine relationships—not just discounts.

Whether you're an operator, founder, or someone fascinated by the future of retention, this episode sheds light on how loyalty is being redefined for both B2B and B2C businesses.

🔑 In this episode, we talk about:

• How Nordic winters shaped Joseph's entrepreneurial mindset
• The unexpected moment in a coffee shop that sparked the idea for Wolve
• Evolving from a physical stamp card to a fully digital loyalty platform
• The importance of team culture and shared values in early-stage startups
• Navigating investor expectations and the VC landscape as a first-time founder
• Why loyalty is about building relationships, not running promotions
• B2B vs. B2C loyalty: what actually works and why
• The decline of third-party cookies and what it means for customer engagement
• Creative loyalty strategies that go far beyond points and rewards
• Lessons Joseph learned as a solo founder building from scratch

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• “Nordic winter brings a unique cosiness.” The environment shapes how Joseph thinks about customer experience and simplicity.
• Loyalty is shifting from transactional to relationship-driven.
• Creativity is becoming a competitive advantage in customer retention.
• Building a strong internal culture is one of the biggest predictors of startup success.
• B2B businesses can unlock massive value with smart loyalty strategies—not just consumer brands.
• The future of loyalty is fully digital, integrated, and personalised.
• First-time founders learn fast—especially through mistakes.
• Founders must adapt as consumer tracking shifts away from cookies.
• Before fundraising, you need conviction, clarity, and persistence.

📍 Chapter Highlights:

00:00 – Nordic Winter Excitement

02:57 – Journey into Entrepreneurship

05:45 – The Evolution of Wolve

09:07 – Building a Team and Technical Background

11:59 – From Prototype to Venture Capital

14:58 – Understanding Customer Loyalty

17:49 – Diverse Loyalty Programs

20:36 – Innovative Loyalty Strategies

23:36 – Sustainability and Customer Engagement

26:45 – Real-World Examples of Loyalty Programs

33:00 – Retaining Customers in Subscription Models

39:24 – Building Relationships: The Heart of Customer Loyalty

45:14 – The Future of Loyalty & Digital Transformation

53:01 – Creative Loyalty Programs Beyond Discounts

01:07:07 – The Loyalty Game: Consumer Perspectives

01:09:27 – Modernising Loyalty Programs

01:11:14 – The Importance of Consumer Awareness

01:13:14 – Building a Community Around Loyalty

01:16:33 – Navigating the Venture Capital Landscape

01:19:42 – Challenges of Being a Solo...

🎙️ Navigating Career Change & Purpose with Ann-Sophie Czech, Co-Founder of ChangePath

How do you navigate career changes, doubt or uncertainty, find meaningful work, and build something that helps others do the same?

In this episode, we sit down with Ann-Sophie Czech, co-founder of ChangePath, a digital career-orientation platform helping young professionals understand their values, strengths, and aspirations. After climbing the corporate ladder at global companies like Publicis, MasterCard, Coca-Cola, and Procter & Gamble, Ann-Sophie hit her own moment of questioning: Is this the life I want? That pivotal reflection ultimately sparked her journey into entrepreneurship.

Through our conversation, Ann-Sophie opens up about the emotional complexity of career crises, the role of mental health in professional fulfilment, and why self-reflection should sit at the centre of every career transition. We delve into how ChangePath combines AI with human insight to create personalised career recommendations, explore how work-life balance varies across cultures, and discuss why community support is crucial for navigating significant change.

Whether you’re exploring a career shift, building a company, or simply questioning what's next, this episode will help you rethink your path with greater clarity, courage, and compassion.

🔑 In this episode, we talk about:

• Ann-Sophie’s multicultural upbringing and early entrepreneurial influences
• Her journey up the corporate ladder — and what triggered her transition
• Why career crises often start with subtle emotional signals
• The role of mental health in career satisfaction
• How work-life balance differs across European cultures
• The origin story of ChangePath and its mission
• How AI and self-reflection combine to deliver personalised career guidance
• Real client stories and the psychology behind career decisions
• Why networking and community matter during periods of transition
• The realities of startup life: co-founders, scaling, and resilience
• Remote work, founder dynamics, and the pressures of being “on”
• Celebrating small wins to maintain motivation as a founder

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Self-discovery is the foundation of career clarity. You can’t choose the right path without understanding yourself first.
• “Change is super hard.” But it becomes easier with community, reflection, and support.
• AI can enhance—not replace—the human side of career orientation. Insight + technology = powerful guidance.
• Work-life balance is cultural. Where you live shapes how you work, rest, and thrive.
• Resilience is essential in entrepreneurship. The lows teach as much as the highs.
• Celebrate small wins. Progress becomes visible only when you acknowledge it.

📍 Chapter Highlights:

00:00 – Introduction to Ann-Sophie Czech and ChangePath

02:52 – Early influences and entrepreneurial sparks

05:47 – Climbing the corporate ladder: lessons from global brands

08:34 – The pivotal moment: transitioning to ChangePath

11:42 – Understanding career crises and mental health

14:39 – Work-life balance and cultural differences

17:17 – ChangePath: A digital solution for career orientation

20:17 – The role of self-reflection in career development

23:09 – Ikigai: finding joy and purpose at work

25:45 – Success stories and real-world applications

50:14 – Understanding workplace realities

53:04 – The Career Path Simulator

58:34 – Celebrating achievements in the workplace

01:00:54 – Navigating co-founder...

🎙️ Building Lasting Companies with Sharon Klaver: Data, Design, and the Human Side of Venture Building

How do you build enduring startups that balance structure and freedom—while staying true to your humanity?

In this episode, we sit down with Sharon Klaver, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Builders, a Rotterdam-based venture studio that turns early ideas into impactful, scalable companies. With over 17 years of experience across diverse tech ventures, Sharon shares how she’s mastered the art of blending data-driven precision with deep human insight to create startups that truly last.

From launching her first company at 16 to building Builders into a thriving ecosystem for founders, Sharon’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and authenticity. She opens up about the lessons learned from both successes and missteps, offering a raw look at the realities of entrepreneurship—from navigating partnerships to balancing motherhood with leadership.

Together, we explore what it really takes to create companies with purpose—why validation should come before building, how founders can design structure without stifling creativity, and why authenticity remains the strongest foundation of all.

🔑 In this episode, we talk about:

• Sharon’s journey from teenage founder to serial entrepreneur
• The origins and vision behind Builders, and what makes its venture model unique
• Why data-driven decision-making is vital for startup success
• Balancing creativity and structure in fast-moving ventures
• The importance of celebrating small wins along the entrepreneurial path
• How motherhood reshaped Sharon’s approach to leadership and work-life integration
• Building “mini brands” to establish early trust and validation
• Rethinking unicorn culture—why lasting companies matter more than hype
• The Builders model: working in-house with founders to accelerate quality and impact
• Lessons on collaboration, curiosity, and staying grounded through the journey

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• “First sell, then build.” Validation is the most powerful form of focus.
• Lasting beats unicorn. True success is building something sustainable and meaningful.
• Structure fuels creativity. Boundaries empower founders to innovate with clarity.
• Personal brand = trust. Every founder is also the face of their venture.
• Celebrate small wins. Progress compounds through appreciation and reflection.
• Authenticity builds connection. The best brands start from genuine human stories.

📍 Chapter Highlights:

00:00 – The Journey of a Serial Entrepreneur

08:54 – Building Lasting Startups

15:49 – Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

22:44 – Childhood Influences on Entrepreneurship

29:46 – Diversity in Business Ventures

31:06 – The Spark of Entrepreneurship

35:30 – Data-Driven Decision Making

39:20 – The Crowdfunding Experience

45:44 – From Spark to Champagne: The Journey

48:58 – Finding the Right Founders

53:17 – Creating a Mini Brand

57:44 – Ongoing Brand Development

01:02:23 – The Importance of Marketing in Startups

01:08:33 – Understanding the Builders Model vs. Traditional Accelerators

01:17:08 – The Role of Founders and Team Dynamics

01:23:53 – Lessons Learned and Recommendations for Founders

🔗 Links & Resources:

🌍 Builders → builders.studio

📚 Related themes: entrepreneurship, startups, venture building, branding, motherhood, data-driven...

🎙️ Bridging Beauty and Healthcare: The Story of This Place with Laura Simonow

What happens when a medical doctor decides that true healing begins not in the clinic—but in everyday rituals of care?

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Simonow, founder and CEO of This Place, a Berlin-based wellness brand redefining the boundaries between beauty and healthcare. Drawing from her background in medicine and inspired by her mother’s illness, Laura embarked on a mission to create natural products that heal the body while nurturing the mind.

Through our conversation, Laura shares how her scientific curiosity and compassion converged to form a philosophy of preventive self-care—one that emphasises mindfulness, healing plants, and simplicity over quick fixes. We explore the personal journey that led her to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned in building a team of “builders,” and why trusting yourself may be the most powerful business strategy of all.

Whether you’re a founder, wellness enthusiast, or someone seeking balance in a demanding world, this episode offers a grounded, inspiring take on how science, nature, and self-trust can shape a new era of holistic well-being.

• How Laura’s experience caring for her mother inspired This Place
• Bridging the gap between beauty and healthcare through holistic products
• The importance of preventive self-care in an anxious, fast-paced society
• The role of healing plants in promoting balance and wellness
• Transitioning from medicine to entrepreneurship
• Building a team grounded in trust, curiosity, and shared purpose
• Educating consumers on holistic benefits and mindful rituals
• How self-care can become a space for simplicity—not another task on your list

• “Self-care shouldn’t be a quick fix.” It’s about creating space, not pressure.
• Preventive self-care is a vital antidote to modern stress and burnout.
• Healing plants offer both scientific and spiritual pathways to wellness.
• Entrepreneurship requires deep trust in oneself amidst uncertainty.
• Building a team of curious, proactive “builders” drives sustainable growth.
• Listening to your customers helps transform feedback into innovation.
• The future of self-care lies in holistic, functional products that nurture both body and mind.

00:00 – Introduction to This Place and Laura Simono

01:49 – Early influences and childhood reflections

04:49 – The inspiration behind This Place

15:43 – Healing plants and the science of self-care

25:18 – Navigating entrepreneurship and maintaining vision

30:50 – Educating consumers on holistic health benefits

49:47 – The future of self-care and preventive health

52:33 – Understanding what true self-care means

56:35 – Advice to her younger self and embracing uncertainty

🌿 This Place → this.place

This conversation invites you to rethink self-care not as indulgence, but as intentional healing. Laura reminds us that wellness isn’t about doing more—it’s about being present, listening to your body, and allowing simplicity to guide you toward balance.

Her story bridges science and soul, offering a rare glimpse into what happens when medicine, nature, and entrepreneurship meet in the service of human well-being.

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