Niluka Kavanagh left Big 4 consulting with a simple question: Can I work for myself, and can I do it from anywhere?

That question turned into an experiment, then a business, then ImagineThat, a global club for first-time founders who are trying to build something without losing themselves in the process.

We talk about the unsexy realities people don’t plan for: uncertainty, isolation, confidence dips, and the weird moment where you realise “being your own boss” can still mean being owned by customers. Niluka shares the framework she uses with founders to go from “I’ve got skills” to “I’ve got a business,” why you should design your life before you design your model, and why your personal brand is the only asset that survives pivots.

This is a conversation for anyone in corporate with a pull toward independence, and anyone early-stage who wants fewer vibes and more clarity.

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Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
03:08 Finding Purpose and Vision in Business
05:53 Understanding the Risks and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
08:44 Building a Support Network for Founders
11:35 The Importance of Market Validation
14:25 Creating a Founder Brand and Authentic Storytelling
22:27 Building Your Founder Brand
25:41 The Importance of Values in Branding
29:47 The Power of Storytelling in Personal Branding
34:07 Recognizing Your Achievements as a Founder
38:31 The Role of Community in Entrepreneurship
43:20 Creating a Supportive Environment for Founders

Niluka Kavanagh

A founder, executive coach, keynote speaker, and creator focused on the future of work.

She is the Founder of ImagineThat, the global club for new founders, and the creator of The Modern CEO, a leadership program helping companies evolve into next-generation workplaces.

Previously, she worked as a consultant at KPMG with clients like Mastercard, Tesco, and London Stock Exchange, co-founded KPMG FutureThinkers, and led communications for KPMG SheCan.

Niluka has spoken at leading universities, including Oxford, Trinity College Dublin, and Edinburgh University, and her work has been featured in The World Financial Review and Cambridge University Press.

Who Should Listen

New founders transitioning out of corporate roles
Executives leading younger or hybrid teams
Operators building modern leadership cultures
Anyone curious about how careers, ambition, and identity are reshaping entrepreneurship

Music Credit

“Neptuno” – Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

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