Climate activism failed to inspire hope, can founders fill the void? Discover why the next cultural revolution won’t be led by politicians, but by startup leaders.

Episode Summary

In this solo episode, Marina Schmidt dissects how startup founders have become some of the most powerful public communicators of our time—and why that power matters. She explores the rise of founder evangelism, the cultural shift from corporate branding to personal leadership, and the urgent need for integrity-driven voices in an era of polarization and information overload.

Drawing on her decade of experience across media, startups, and communications, Marina outlines six theses that map the transformation of founders from company builders to narrative shapers—people who influence culture, policy, and public trust. She argues that after the failure of fear-based climate activism, the responsibility to offer hope, direction, and credible optimism now falls to founders who are building tangible solutions for a better future.

• The rise of founder evangelism and the decentralization of influence

• How social media and podcasts transformed CEOs into cultural figures

• The power shift from institutions to individuals

• Founders as lighthouses: signaling hope, direction, and vision

• The dark side of influence—when founders mislead or polarize

• Why climate activism failed and what founders can learn from it

• The “Hope–Hook–Opportunity–Path–Excitement” framework for storytelling

• The role of founders in restoring public trust and building new role models

  
  

The role of founders is no longer limited to business leadership. In an age where voices travel faster than institutions, founders shape how society sees the future. They can deepen divides—or illuminate the path forward. The question is not whether to speak, but what kind of lighthouse you want to be.

Key Words

founder branding, founder influence, startup communication, leadership storytelling, public narrative, media influence, hope-based communication, climate activism, decentralization of media, founder evangelism, science communication, tech founders, responsible leadership, thought leadership, narrative framing, communication strategy, startup culture, future builders, social impact founders, trust and influence

The food tech and biotech podcast Red to Green is becoming Scaling Nerds: the communications podcast for science & tech founders.

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Connect with Marina Schmidt on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmidt-marina/

Need help with comms as a startup founder?

Check out https://www.wearekinetik.com/

Find out all the details about micro fermentation. Discover how Formo is using this process to churn out Koji protein-based cheese alternatives that are hitting over 2000 stores in the DACH region.

The episode breaks down the differences between micro and precision fermentation and why micro fermentation's quicker market route is so exciting.

Learn about the sustainability perks and the cool science behind cheese without cows. Whether you're into biotech, sustainable food, or just love cheese, this deep dive offers a taste of the future.

LINKS / Mentions

The Bright Green Partners overview on different types of fermentation https://brightgreenpartners.com/precision-fermentation/

Formo - https://formo.bio/https://formo.bio/

Raffa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffael-wohlgensinger/

Connect with Marina - https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmidt-marina/

Check out R2G Media - https://www.r2g.media/

Turtle Tree - https://www.turtletree.com/

Flora Ventures - https://www.floravc.com/

Foodlabs - https://www.foodlabs.com/

00:00 Introduction to Micro Fermentation

04:11 Product Launches

05:32 Deep Dive Micro Fermentation

17:31 Product Development and Consumer Testing

20:56 PF vs. MF in detail

27:24 Benefits of Koji

29:23 Regulatory Landscape

31:47 Fundraising Perks

34:44 Sustainability Impact

42:50 Partnering with Traditional Dairy Manufacturers

46:06 Go to market

47:08 Future Innovations