Startups Decoded S2E17: Nervous to Become a Founder? Start Here (Before You Quit) — With Niluka Kavanagh
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.
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
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)
Access All Areas.
Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTube
Subscribe: Substack
Community & Events: Founders Circle
Connect: LinkedIn
Socials: TikTok || Instagram || X
Web: startupsdecoded.com