Fifteen Seconds Podcast

Markus Jandrinitsch, an Investment Manager at aws Gründerfonds in Vienna, shares his expertise on startup investments and innovation. He discusses the rarity of truly radical ideas and what makes a business genuinely innovative. Jandrinitsch emphasizes the importance of strong founding teams over mere ideas and offers insights into crafting compelling pitches. Furthermore, he highlights the due diligence process and the evolving entrepreneurial scene in Austria, where social responsibility is gaining traction among startups.

Georg Konjovic, CEO of karriere.at, shares his expertise on navigating the complexities of the job market post-COVID. He reveals the ongoing evolution of work structures, emphasizing the shift to flexible models that prioritize employee engagement. The conversation dives into the findings of a groundbreaking 30-hour work week study and its positive outcomes on productivity and well-being. Konjovic also discusses the importance of work-life balance for younger generations and the need for empowering passionate teams to drive success in modern workplaces.

Axel Meyer, a renowned evolutionary biologist, shares fascinating insights on the intricate connections between lungfish and land animals, shedding light on their evolutionary significance. He discusses the nuanced roles of genetics and environment in shaping traits and talents, such as in chess mastery. Meyer also delves into the implications of maternal immune responses and explores humanity's future evolution, including ethical considerations around genetic technology. His passion for evolutionary biology reveals the joy of unraveling nature's mysteries.

In this engaging discussion, bestselling author John Strelecky, known for his 'Big Five' concept, inspires with insights on personal growth and purpose. He encourages listeners to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for transformation, sharing his own career shift from aspiring pilot to successful writer. Exploring themes of gratitude, he highlights the power of perspective in overcoming adversity. With an emphasis on aligning passions with careers, Strelecky advocates for proactive happiness over conventional success, creating a compelling call to action for personal fulfillment.

Join co-founders Eric Demuth and Paul Klanschek of Bitpanda, Austria's first unicorn, as they dive into the thrilling world of crypto-fintech. They discuss how Bitpanda achieved a valuation of 1.2 billion euros, exploring the risks and opportunities in cryptocurrency investing. The duo shares insights about the evolving Austrian startup scene and the significance of company culture during rapid growth. They also reveal their innovative index approach to simplify crypto investments, making the digital asset space more accessible for new investors.

Carsten Dippelt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Österreich, shares insights from his diverse career in the automotive industry. He describes balancing innovation with family dynamics, especially how kids influence perceptions of premium brands. Dippelt emphasizes the importance of digital transformation in response to challenges like COVID-19. He explores the future of mobility, discussing the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, he offers inspiring advice for youth on following their passions in their careers.

In this lively discussion, strategic consultant Peter Husted Sylvest teams up with brand strategists Wolf Schaefer and JP Kuehlwein, who also co-host. They explore the art of brand elevation, sharing insights on creating strong emotional connections, with standout examples like Apple and Patagonia. Peter reveals how he transformed a small Danish candy brand into a global sensation. They also delve into the phases of brand elevation and the importance of authentic customer interactions, illustrated by a personal story from Starbucks that highlights community and loyalty.

Niko Resch, founder of 21MED and a former competitive sailor with world championship medals, shares his journey into the health industry. He discusses the innovative Lollipop Test, designed to make COVID-19 testing less invasive for children. Niko emphasizes the importance of accessibility in schools and explores broader public health implications during the pandemic. He also reflects on the challenges of launching a startup focused on health management and the unique parenting obstacles faced in these times.

Andreas Fürlinger, founder of the innovative Austrian startup Apeleon, discusses his vision to revolutionize commuting with new air-based architecture. He delves into Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) technology and the future of urban air mobility, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure like VertiPorts. Andreas also shares insights on his Apeleon X prototype, designed for individual transport, and the complexities of integrating aerial vehicles into existing air traffic systems, ultimately aiming to connect rural and urban areas more effectively.

In this engaging discussion, Pia Wildfellner, a dietologist and nurse therapist from Linz, offers her expertise on modern nutrition myths. She shares insights on balancing health and pleasure in diets while navigating various trends like veganism and paleo. The conversation highlights the necessity of personalized nutrition, especially for plant-based diets, and addresses crucial supplementation. Pia also dives into the significance of nutrition therapy in oncology care, emphasizing its role in supporting patients emotionally and physically during treatment.