

40 Minute Mentor
JBM, James Mitra
40 Minute Mentor is on a mission to raise aspirations and inspire the next generation of category-defining Founders, through powerful career stories and inspirational mentorship. From purpose-led Founders to Olympic champions; learn first-hand from today’s successful leaders on what it takes to be brilliant, all in just 40 minutes. 40 Minute Mentor is one of the UK’s top Business and Careers podcasts and can be found on all popular podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and Stitcher.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 7, 2025 • 47min
Dr Ben Maruthappu: Saving the UK Government £1 million every day by building Cera - the UK’s largest HealthTech
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Dr Ben Maruthappu, Founder and CEO of Cera - the UK’s largest HealthTech and one of the fastest-growing startups in Europe.
We’ve all come across the headline of increasing pressures on the NHS and especially hospitals.
Cera is revolutionising Healthcare, using technology and AI to shift care from hospitalisation to patients’ homes, creating a more sustainable model for an ageing population.
In today’s episode, you’ll hear all about Cera’s origin story, how they have implemented AI so early on and why they’re still just scratching the surface of what’s possible within Healthcare.
📚 Episode Chapters:
➡️ From Medicine to Entrepreneur [04:45]
➡️ Innovation within the NHS & common misconceptions [08:30]
➡️ The personal origin story behind Cera [12:30]
➡️ Early challenges [17:00]
➡️ More about today’s sponsors [21:50]
➡️ Leveraging AI in Healthcare [23:15]
➡️ Getting more people interested in a career in care [28:30]
➡️ The importance of getting hiring right [33:00]
🔍 Find out more:
✨ Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahibenmaruthappu?originalSubdomain=uk
✨ More about Cera: https://ceracare.co.uk/
📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:
Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses.
Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business.
If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more.
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️
Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
🎧 You may also enjoy:
Dr Sonia Szamocki: The Future of Collaborative Healthcare with 32Co
James Collier: How modern diets are failing us and Huel’s incredible growth journey
Where Are They Now: A Lesson in Resilience & Pivoting with James Lo, Co-Founder of Ethos
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 30, 2025 • 46min
James Collier: How modern diets are failing us and Huel’s incredible growth journey
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by James Collier, a registered Nutritionist, Co-Founder of Huel and author of his brand new book, ‘Well Fed: How modern diets are failing us (and what we can do about it)’’.
In today’s episode, you’ll hear about Huel’s growth journey, James’ new book and plenty of simple nutrition advice for you to implement in your day-to-day, no matter how busy you are.
📚 Episode Chapters:
➡️ From bodybuilding to nutrition [03:30]
➡️ Starting & growing Huel [09:00]
➡️ Health challenges & bouncing back [18:00]
➡️ More about today’s sponsors [24:20]
➡️ Five pillars of nutrition & the benefits of eating together [25:00]
➡️ Debunking diet myths [34:00]
🔍 Find out more:
✨ Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescollierrnutr/?originalSubdomain=uk
✨ More about Huel: https://huel.com/
✨ Grab your copy of ‘Well Fed’: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/well-fed-how-modern-diets-are-failing-us-and-what-we-can-do-about-it-james-collier?variant=53486729855355
📣Learn more about today’s sponsor:
Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses.
Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business.
If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more.
⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️
Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm
🎧 You may also enjoy:
Rhiannon Lambert: The truth about diets & nutrition advice for busy execs
Dr Rupy Aujla: The accidental business that helps millions of people eat healthier every day
Vivien Wong: Building Little Moons from a family business to a viral global brand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28, 2025 • 13min
Bonus: Reinventing expert networks through AI with James Lo & Ethos
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor bonus episode, we’re introducing our brand new partnership with Ethos, the next-generation expert network using AI to match industry leaders with earning opportunities.
Tune in to find out why we decided to partner with Ethos and more about what James Lo is building, who it is for and why this is such an exciting opportunity for experts.
Plus, there’s a special offer up for grabs for you, so you really don’t want to miss it!
🔍 Find out more:
✨ More about Ethos: https://app.askethos.com/refer/s0k23bl401cb
✨ Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yfjameslo?originalSubdomain=uk
🎧 You may also enjoy:
James Lo: From protesting on the streets of Hong Kong to raising £1.5m pre-seed for Mana
Vivien Wong: Building Little Moons from a family business to a viral global brand
Zeynep Yavuz: Investing in FinTech, Crypto & Emerging Markets with General Catalyst
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 23, 2025 • 42min
Vivien Wong: Building Little Moons from a family business to a viral global brand
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Vivien Wong, Co-Founder of Little Moons, the popular mochi ice cream brand. Vivien started her career in banking before spotting an opportunity in 2010 to bring mochi ice cream to Europe with her brother Howard. Fast-forward to today: Little Moons is a viral brand which launched in big retail brands in the UK and internationally, and has a team of over 200. Tune into this episode to learn about Vivien’s journey from the early days of building Little Moons at the family kitchen table to the global brand it has become today. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ The origin of Little Moons [08:00]➡️ Launching into retail [15:00] ➡️ Tips for entering international markets [19:40] ➡️ Find out more about today’s sponsor [21:00] ➡️ Going viral on TikTok [22:00] ➡️ The biggest leadership lessons [28:30] ➡️ Hiring advice [32:00] 🔍 Find out more: ✨ Connect with Vivien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivien-wong-07804123?originalSubdomain=uk ✨ More about Little Moons: https://littlemoons.com/ 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses. Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business. If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more. ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Adrienne Adhami: How to make decisions in a world of endless choiceSimmy Dhillon: From Google to building the fastest growing healthy meal subscription business with SimmerDeirdre O’Neill: Breaking taboos and transforming women’s health with Hertility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 16, 2025 • 44min
Rafel Jorda Siquier: Solving the Earth’s biggest challenges from space with Open Cosmos
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Rafel Jorda Siquier, Founder and CEO of Open Cosmos, the UK-based satellite company on a mission to monitor and combat climate change. Founded in 2015, Open Cosmos delivered its first satellite in record time with a team of just five people. Since then, the business has scaled to over €100 million in satellite contracts, a team of over 130 employees in Spain, Portugal, Greece and the UK, and $50 million in Series B funding from leading Investors. In today’s episode, you’ll find out more about Rafel’s journey into entrepreneurship, lessons from scaling such a successful business and the important role of satellites in combatting climate change. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ A surprising route into aerospace engineering [03:15] ➡️ The origin story of Open Cosmos [07:30] ➡️ The huge impact of data [11:30] ➡️ The decision not to fundraise straight away [14:15] ➡️ More about today’s episode sponsors [18:30] ➡️ Scaling the team & attracting high-performers [23:40] ➡️ Spotting great talent & Rafel’s secret weapon [31:30] ➡️ Using data to tackle climate change [39:50] 🔍 Find out more: ✨ Connect with Rafel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaeljorda?originalSubdomain=uk ✨ More about Open Cosmos: https://www.open-cosmos.com/ 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses. Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business. If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more. ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Steve Etherton: Building the NASA of the Ocean with DEEPPierre Paslier: Making Packaging Disappear with Earthshot Prize Winners NoplaAdrienne Adhami: How to make decisions in a world of endless choice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 9, 2025 • 50min
Adrienne Adhami: How to make decisions in a world of endless choice
To kick off 40 Minute Mentor’s Season 13, we’re joined by Adrienne Adhami, leading wellbeing coach, podcast host and author. Listed as one of the ‘Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to watch’ by HSBC and UKBBS, Adrienne is a trailblazer inspiring individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. In today’s episode, we won’t just explore Adrienne’s incredible career to date but also discuss her latest book ‘Decision That Matter’ in detail. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ The power of storytelling [04:50] ➡️ Career milestones and pivots [12:00] ➡️ Her new book: Decisions That Matter [21:20] ➡️ Find out more about today’s sponsor [24:40] ➡️ Understanding & unblocking analysis paralysis [25:40] ➡️ Intentional decision making [27:30] ➡️ Overcoming procrastination [34:15] ➡️ Redefining success for every season [41:20] 🔍 Find out more: ✨ More about Adrienne: https://adrienneadhami.com/ ✨ Get a copy of “Decisions That Matter”: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460246/decisions-that-matter-by-adhami-adrienne/9781529925494 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by Capsule, the neo-broker powered by cutting-edge API technology, redefining insurance for high-growth scaling businesses. Capsule streamlines the insurance process, removing manual hassle and delivering tailored solutions that evolve with your business. If you’re a venture-backed startup looking to outsource the buying and management of your insurance, head over to www.capsulecover.com to find out more. ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Raj Kaur Khaira: How ethical AI will change the world Helen Tupper: Building a squiggly careerElizabeth Uviebinené: Building the Headspace for Journaling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 2, 2025 • 7min
Season 13 Trailer
Ahead of launching Season 13 of 40 Minute Mentor next week, we thought we'd give you a preview of some of the pocket-sized mentorship you have to look forward to. Haven't subscribed yet? Make sure you do so now to be the first to hear about our next episode launching! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 26, 2025 • 49min
Pooja Sikka: Launching the first mental health fund in partnership with the NHS
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, our final episode of our VC feature series, we’re joined by Pooja Sikka, General Partner at KHP Ventures. KHP Ventures is a collaboration between King’s College London, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The fund offers equity investments with Healthcare expertise for groundbreaking MedTech and digital startups. In today’s episode, you’ll find out more about Pooja’s squiggly career into Venture, and KHP’s brand new mental health immersion programme. 📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ A career in Healthcare [04:00]➡️ Pooja’s squiggly journey into Venture [08:30] ➡️ Opportunities in Healthcare [14:35] ➡️ Building strong relationships with Founders [20:00] ➡️ The crucial skill of spotting talent [25:00] ➡️ Launching a new Mental Health fund [30:00] ➡️ Advice for Mental Health startup Founders [38:00] ➡️ The importance of authenticity in pitching [44:00] ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Vegard Medbø: Building a portfolio valued at $4.8B with Antler George Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 19, 2025 • 38min
Vegard Medbø: Building a portfolio valued at $4.8B with Antler
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Vegard Medbø, Co-Founder and COO at Antler, the global early-stage fund helping entrepreneurs go from zero to one. Before founding Antler, Vegard spent his early career in the Coastal Ranger Command of the Norwegian Armed Forces and at McKinsey, where he worked with the world’s top energy companies, helping them apply machine learning to renewable and non-renewable energy. Since founding Antler, the team have invested in over 1,000 companies addressing meaningful challenges and opportunities across six continents.📚 Episode Chapters: ➡️ Lessons from the Military [04:00]➡️ The beginnings of Antler [09:00] ➡️ More about Antler’s successful portfolio [12:00] ➡️ Lessons from the beginning of Antler that still hold true today [15:00] ➡️ The perfect Founder for Antler [18:00] ➡️ International expansions [20:00] ➡️ Why you need optimism as a Founder [25:00] ➡️ Predictions for the next decade in Tech [31:30] ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Bonus: Corinne Thompson on preparing for your fundraiseGeorge Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 14, 2025 • 8min
Bonus: The checklist for your next fundraise with Corinne Thompson
In this final 40 Minute Mentor VC bonus episode, we’re joined by Corinne Thompson, Founder of Ecap Financial. Today’s episode follows a slightly different format, with Corinne sharing a quick-fire checklist for you next fundraise. From the key metrics and data points investors really care about, to the biggest red flags and crucial questions Founders should ask their potential investor - this episode will equip you with everything you need to keep in mind as you’re raising your next round. 📣Learn more about today’s sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process. Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time. 💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy 💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🎧 You may also enjoy: Bonus: Corinne Thompson on preparing for your fundraiseGeorge Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25Molly Alter: Starting early in VC & building a transatlantic focus in vertical AI with Northzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


