The Sachin and Adam Show

Join four trailblazers in AI: Michelle Gilmore, CEO of Juno, who straddles user research; Dan Palmer of Relevance AI, mastering automation; Xharmagne Carandang from Lorikeet, revolutionizing customer support; and Georgie Healy of Google’s AI accelerator. They tackle the AI VC bubble and the critical role of talent and adaptability in this fast-paced field. Expect insights on AI's potential to reshape industries, the need for a creative education framework, and the balance of innovation with ethical responsibility.

Join John Henderson and Jackie Vullinghs from AirTree as they unveil their groundbreaking $650 million fund aimed at propelling Australian and Kiwi startups into the global arena. They discuss the surge of international interest in Oz’s tech scene, highlighting the emergence of AI-native companies and what founders need to succeed today. The duo shares insights on the shift to faster, conviction-led investing, the critical traits they seek in startups, and the evolving venture capital landscape, making it essential listening for aspiring entrepreneurs.

John Kim, co-founder and CEO of Paraform, is reshaping recruitment with a marketplace that connects companies to top external headhunters. He shares insights into raising a $20M Series A, emphasizing the importance of customer relationships. The conversation dives into using AI to enhance recruiter performance, predictions of 7-figure earnings for recruiters, and the necessity of trusted matches. Kim also reflects on his journey, the challenges of scaling a startup, and the future of hiring as the industry evolves.

Dive into the fascinating world of AI agents as the founders of A1base discuss giving these agents real identities like phone numbers and emails. They emphasize the importance of trust and communication in AI technology. Discover the lessons learned from previous startup experiences, the unique culture of Silicon Valley, and how Y Combinator shapes ambitious founders. The conversation furthers into the crucial need for agility in building AI infrastructures while pondering the balance between innovation and accountability in the rapidly evolving landscape.

Anna Podolsky turned a home-cooked meal for her dog into one of Australia’s fastest-growing startups. In this episode, she shares how Lyka scaled from her kitchen to a 400-person team and hundreds of millions in revenue. We dive into mission-driven leadership, operational complexity, and the mindset behind building a generational company. If you care about startups, pets, or building with purpose - this one’s for you.00:00 Introduction 02:02 Anna's Background and Early Influences03:24 Building and Leading a Team06:54 Operational Complexities and Growth09:23 Vanta Ad12:36 Navigating Supply and Demand16:30 Lessons from Consulting to Entrepreneurship23:04 Empowering Teams for Success24:04 Day-to-Day Life of a CEO25:21 Mission and Culture: Keys to Success27:05 The Importance of Brand and Marketing29:37 Personal Growth and Leadership32:27 Balancing Work and Personal Life36:20 The Drive Behind the Mission38:53 Working with a Partner42:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections--Thanks to Vanta for the episode sponsorship. Our audience gets a special $1,000 off Vanta through our promo: https://www.vanta.com/sachinandadamVanta automates compliance for global frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 and, the latest Australian frameworks like CPS 234 or Essential 8, saving you time and money.Over 8,000 global companies like Atlassian, Handle, FireAnt, and Tactiq.io use Vanta to manage risk and prove security in real time.--JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLinkedIn 🚀: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sachin-and-adam-show🐦 X: https://x.com/Sachin_and_Adam📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sachinandadam/LISTEN TO THE SHOWSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3M29tMFbZ4mtzJbcRNY3N6?si=731f376e2ddf4d34iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-sachin-and-adam-show/id1462522364About usWe are two best friends, trying to build a community around in-depth interviews and short documentaries with the best minds in technology and startups. Through bold storytelling and candid conversations, we explore how visionary thinkers are shaping the future. The best way to support is subscribing, truly it makes all the difference for us 💙

Charlie Gearside, co-founder of Eucalyptus, shares his transformative journey after stepping away from a $560 million healthtech startup. He candidly discusses the personal toll of startup life, burnout, and how therapy helped him rediscover his identity. Charlie dives into Australia’s cost of living crisis, the importance of equity for young Aussies, and how media shapes economic futures. With a vision for innovation and empowerment, he reveals why he’s turned to content creation to bring his ideas to life.

Tom Duffy, Head of Media, shares insights on the emerging 'Design-Founder Era' where taste is becoming a competitive edge in tech. He discusses the growing need for high-quality designers in startups as lowering creation costs intensify brand competition. The podcast highlights the evolution of startup culture, the significance of integrated financial solutions, and the mental hurdles of entrepreneurship. Duffy also sheds light on the recruitment of young talent and the innovative dynamics of working with AI, painting a picture of an exciting future for tech founders.

Jack White, Co-founder of Cuttable with a rich creative background in advertising, teams up with Sam Krindenberg, who sold A Cloud Guru for $2B. They discuss how their contrasting experiences shape their approach to AI-driven advertising. Jack shares poignant advice from his father, while Sam’s journey from risk-averse beginnings to tech success unfolds. The duo explores why most AI ads fall flat and their mission to elevate creativity, believing human artistry remains crucial even in an AI-saturated market.

Mina Radhakrishnan, Uber's first Head of Product and co-founder of Different, shares insights from her tech journey. She discusses the intensity of working with Travis Kalanick and the lessons learned from her startup's collapse. Mina offers her take on how AI is reshaping entrepreneurship and coding, emphasizing the need for a collaborative environment. She also highlights the challenges faced by startups and the importance of resilience, urging Australian startups to cultivate a pay-it-forward culture.

Liam Millward, the 21-year-old co-founder and CEO of Instant, shares his incredible journey from dodging rent to building a $100M startup. He discusses raising $18 million in just 10 days and emphasizes the importance of momentum in overcoming challenges. Liam reveals his unique hiring strategy, leadership style, and obsession with driving revenue. He also talks about expanding into the US market and leveraging AI to transform retail, all while proving doubters wrong and keeping his eyes on future goals.