40 Minute Mentor

“If you don't work well with other teams, everyone else's problem will become a product problem.”In today's episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of Product… To do so, we’re joined by Product legend, James Routledge, VP of Product at Converge. James has tons of experience, including helping a NASDAQ business go from 100 million to $250 million revenues and working with 400 person Series B businesses. The role of the CPO has evolved significantly over the last few years, so we loved getting a first-hand account of the past, present and future of Product roles, including: ➡️ His own impressive career in Product [01:08] ➡️ The top 3 skills great Product people need [02:59] ➡️ Scope and responsibilities in your product journey [05:42] ➡️ The power of mentorship in Product roles [08:54] ➡️ The evolution of the CPO and putting customers first [12:28] ➡️ Working cross-functionally as a CPO [17:18] ➡️ UK vs USA Product roles [25:49]  ⛳ Helpful links:➡️ Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesroutledge/➡️ Find out more about Converge: https://www.converge.io/ 🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels... Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced.... 🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆 1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting 2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 3. Job done ✅ Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙 ENTRIES CLOSE 5th SEPTEMBER.  ⭐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 on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“So many people are suffering from a lack of knowing who they are and what their worth is, so they downplay and restrict it to a job role.”Welcome back to 40 Minute Mentor, and a brand new series… Kicking off Series 10, we’re joined by one of the most requested guests on the podcast - the brilliant Andy Ayim, MBE. You may have come across Andy through his DE&I work in tech, or his angel investing training programs at the Angel Investing School, which empowered over 350 new angels. Andy has also invested in over 17 Startups himself, including some of which have been featured on this podcast, such as Patch and Unplugged. In today’s episode, we unpack his own journey to entrepreneurship and demystify angel investing once and for all: ➡️ Shaking off imposter syndrome and backing yourself [04:09] ➡️ How growing up in a multicultural melting pot shaped his path [06:34] ➡️ His path to starting the Angel Investing School [10:24] ➡️ Making angel investing more accessible [14:09]➡️ Who the Angel Investing School is for [16:37]➡️ The biggest driver of wealth creation and beginning your journey in investing [20:02]➡️ Andy’s biggest investment mistake [21:39] ➡️ Angel syndicates and investing with as little as 1k [24:30]➡️ Assessing pitches and controlling your risk [28:31]➡️ Choosing between Angel or VC investment as a Founder [33:24]➡️ Receiving an MBE and driving DE&I in the industry [38:07]➡️ Fundraising advice and common Founder mistakes [41:41]➡️ Audience Questions: Untapped opportunities and emerging trends [44:06] ⛳ Helpful links:➡️ Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyayim/➡️ Sign up to the Angel Investing School: https://angelinvestingschool.com/   🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels... Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced.... 🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆 1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 3. Job done ✅ Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙(You have until 5th Sept!) ⭐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 on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"One doesn't leave the best job in the world for anything less than an opportunity that can genuinely, if we're lucky, save the planet." As we’re kicking off Series 10, we’re also introducing our Monday Startup spotlight series. In our first instalment, we’re joined by a familiar face - Marta Krupinska, Co-Founder and CEO of carbon removal startup, CUR8. Marta has previously come on the podcast, in Series 7, when we talked about her Founder journey and her role with Google for Startups - find a link to the episode below. Since then, Marta has jumped back into the Founder seat and chats to us about: ➡️ The opportunity of a lifetime that made her step down from Google for Startups [01:07] ➡️ Returning to the world of entrepreneurship and the privilege it holds [05:40] ➡️ Building with the scientific community [07:45] ➡️ Fundraising as an experienced entrepreneur [10:21] ➡️ Building the future of carbon removals [13:29] ➡️ Joining the CUR8 mission [15:28] ➡️ What we can all do to save the planet [18:26] ⛳ Helpful links:➡️ Connect with Marta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martakrupinska/➡️ Find out more about CUR8: https://cur8.earth/ ➡️ Listen to Marta’s previous 40 Minute Mentor episode: https://jbmc.co.uk/insights/40-minute-mentor/scaling-lessons-with-google-for-startups-uks-marta-krupinska/🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels... Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced.... 🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆 1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting 2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 3. Job done ✅ Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙 ENTRIES CLOSE 5th SEPTEMBER⭐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 on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Successes, mistakes and lessons learned…We cover all of the above and more in our BRAND NEW series of 40 Minute Mentor…coming to a set of headphones near you, next week!Inspiring conversations with category-defining Founders, CxOs and Investors, who have been through it all…the good, the bad and the in between, along the way.Resilience. Angel Investing. Burnout. Saving the planet. Plus, SO much more....Get a little taster of what's to come this series, in today's trailer.Series 10, we are ready.....are you?🌟 Make sure you hit the 'subscribe' button, to be the first to know about Episode 1 launching next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"She comes to the table with no judgement and all curiosity and allows me to explore in a way that I do my best thinking because I feel safe to do it.”This week is the final episode in our mentorship feature series, and what a four weeks it has been!In this series finale, James and Hannah are joined by the dynamic duo of Tess Cosad and Chloé HC.Tess is the Co-Founder and CEO of Béa Fertility, the ambitious FertilityTech startup, focused on democratising access to safe, affordable fertility treatment.Chloé is an accomplished product leader and coach with over 10 years experience working directly with CEOs and founding teams to shape vision, drive strategy and deliver day to day execution from Seed to Series B.Tess and Chloé have been friends for many years after meeting at University, and although their careers went in different directions, they stay connected with their friendship ultimately evolving into one of mentorship. We can’t wait for you to hear all about their highs and lows, and feel their energy throughout, where we discover:➡️  From uni friendship to tackling loneliness as a Startup Founder [04:07]➡️  Hopping between the friend zone and mentor zone [05:36]➡️  Setting topic boundaries for a smoother mentorship process [08:08]➡️  The beauty of working in different backgrounds and having different perspectives [10:39]➡️  Unlocking business decisions as a mentor, from a bench in New York [14:11]➡️  Putting your ego aside to navigate disagreements [18:15]➡️  A no-judgement, all-curiosity approach to mentorship [22:11]➡️  Finding a connection and being challenged in a safe space [29:56]➡️  How to positively un-couple and move on [34:36]➡️  Helping you find your voice, without being over-mentored as a female Founder [35:51]➡️  Assessing the power dynamic and nature of relationship with a prospective mentor [39:20] ⛳ Helpful links:➡️ Connect with Tess: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-isabelle-cosad/➡️ Connect with Chloe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chlo%C3%A9-hajnal-corob-97a3407b/➡️ More about Béa Fertility: https://beafertility.com/➡️ More about Resonate coaching: https://resonatecoaching.co/about🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something?Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels...Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced....🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting 2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor'3. Job done ✅Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙⭐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 on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"What I try to do is listen to the problem, understand how it fits stuff I've seen before, then relate how I think it'll play out…”In this week's 40 Minute Mentor episode, we're joined by a mentorship duo connected by their love and passion for the startup world. Peter Nixey - serial entrepreneur and OG of the UK Startup scene, joins us together with his mentee, AJ, who has been the CEO of the invite-only community, Foundrs.Peter founded Clcikpass.com which raised investment from YC and several angels, before selling the company to Yola.com. His most recent ventures include Copyin, a platform for progressional communities built entirely in email and Intentional.io - a day planner that focuses you on managing your time, rather than your tasks. AJ has been the CEO of Foundrs for the past two years and is soon moving on to start his own company that will support others looking to build communities like Foundrs. From structuring sessions with pre-set agendas, to open conversations around personal life challenges, this episode explores the real ins and outs of a solid mentorship relationship, including:➡️  Evolving from community check-ins to full-scale mentorship [04:25] ➡️  The importance of agendas and time management [06:13] ➡️  The power of pushing back AND being open to feedback, as a mentee [09:06] ➡️  Using previous problems to tackle current challenges [12:50] ➡️  Overlapping topics and progression to propel the mentor relationship [14:39]➡️  Allowing space for emotionally charged conversations [20:48]➡️  Opinions vs shared experiences from a serial entrepreneur [23:54] ➡️  From PhD dropout to a mentorship awakening [28:57]➡️  The significance of community in the Startup world [32:02]➡️  Providing value from both sides of the mentor relationship [35:09]➡️  Being a cheerleader and staying inquisitive on your mentorship journey [36:38] ⛳ Helpful links:➡️ Connect with AJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-foundrs/➡️ Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peternixey/➡️ More about Foundrs: https://www.foundrs.co/➡️ More about Intentional.io: https://intentional.io/ ⭐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 on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🤫 P.S Has our podcast ever made you feel something? Like properly made you stop and FEEL the feels... Maybe it has opened your eyes to a new industry? Maybe it has inspired you to start your own venture? Or maybe it has you nodding along as you relate to so many of the challenges that our Founders have faced.... 🤝 Connecting, human to human, with our audience is absolutely paramount to our work behind the scenes at 40 Minute Mentor, which is why we would (shamelessly) love to have your vote in this year's Great British Podcast People's Choice awards. 🏆 1. Click here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting 2. Type in '40 Minute Mentor' 3. Job done ✅ Your nomination would mean the world to us, so thank you in advance! 💙 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“You want someone who's lived that same experience, and hopefully they can pass on what worked for them, but also what didn't work for them.”The golden mentorship moments keep on coming as we head into episode two of our new mentorship feature series. This week, James and Hannah are joined by Ashleigh Tennent, Founder of the coaching platform, More Happi and Lisa Rodwell, the CEO of Daye, the company bridging the gender gap in medical research and innovation. Together, the four discuss how to find your perfect match in a mentor and a coach and how to nurture those relationships, including:  ➡️  Blossoming from colleagues to mentorship and friendship [04:54] ➡️  The value of trust in building a mentor relationship [07:17] ➡️  The art of not wasting time [09:11] ➡️  Balancing a range of roles, as a mentor [10:38] ➡️  Finding common ground to rocket your relationship [13:47] ➡️  Paying it forward and the benefits of ‘reverse’ mentorship [15:26] ➡️  Respecting busy lifestyles and managing expectations [19:00] ➡️  Navigating conflict and misunderstanding [22:11] ➡️  Using missions or problems to hook in a prospective mentor [27:48] ➡️  Mentor vs Coach, what’s the difference? [29:27] ➡️  Reflections and advice for aspiring mentees and mentors [33:23]  ⛳ Helpful links:➡️ Connect with Ashleigh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleightennent/➡️ Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisarodwell/➡️ More about More Happi: https://morehappi.com/➡️ More about Daye: https://www.yourdaye.com/⭐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 on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? Get in touch with our Head of Marketing and Producer, Hannah to find out more about how we can co-produce content that will help you stand out and engage with over 40,000 loyal monthly listeners. You can reach her on hannah@jbmc.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Do it because you care. Find out who you are, where you can be most useful, and how you want to go about it, but only do it if you care.”Mentorship can truly change people’s careers and lives. We’re big believers in the power of mentorship, it’s why we started this podcast! In this brand new feature series, we’ll take a deep dive into the different forms and shapes of mentorship and answer some of your most common questions, e.g. How do you approach a mentor? How do you manage the day to day? When do you know it’s time to part ways? And to change things up even more this series, we’re also not just have one but two hosts. For the first time ever, James, JBM Founder and resident 40 Minute Mentor host, will be joined by our Head of Marketing and Podcast Producer, Hannah Urbanek. In our first episode, we’re joined by Varun Vassanth and his mentor, former 40 Minute Mentor and Founder of Patch, Freddie Fforde. We dig deep into their mentorship relationship and uncover: ➡️  Naturally falling into the mentor-mentee relationship [03:54] ➡️  The impact of an informal approach to mentorship [06:12] ➡️  What mentorship can mean to different people [09:09]➡️  Crafting a virtual board of stellar advisors [12:35] ➡️  Separating mentorship from management and respecting boundaries [14:55] ➡️  Building mutual respect for effective mentorship [17:52] ➡️  Instilling mentorship to drive your company culture [21:50] ➡️  Parting ways [28:53] ➡️  The do’s and don’ts of mentorship [31:40] ➡️  Being selective about the advice you’re giving as a mentor [36:06]  ⛳ Helpful links:➡️ Connect with Freddie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddiefforde/➡️ Connect with Varun: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varunvassanth/➡️ More about Patch: https://www.patch.work/➡️ Check out Freddie’s previous episode: https://jbmc.co.uk/insights/40-minute-mentor/feature-series-freddie-fforde/ ⭐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 on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? Get in touch with our Head of Marketing and Producer, Hannah to find out more about how we can co-produce content that will help you stand out and engage with over 40,000 loyal monthly listeners. You can reach her on hannah@jbmc.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If you can be very clear in articulating what you are trying to do, why the world needs it and why you are the best person to work on it, the money will follow.”And just like that, we come to the end of our 40 Minute Mentor VC feature series. BUT, before we kick off our next series, we have one more VC mentorship packed episode in store for you…. Today, we’re joined by Yvonne Bajela, Partner at LocalGlobe and Latitude, and Venture Partner at Impact X Capital. Yvonne talks about her journey from Goldman Sachs to VC, her first investment and the formative influence her father had on her career. Having invested over £200m across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Yvonne has backed some of the most category-defining Founders, including the teams behind Unicorn InsurTech, Marshmallow and OG FinTech Unicorn, Wise. Tune in to discover: ➡️ The influence her late father had on her career [03:28] ➡️ The success story of her investment in Marshmallow [09:04] ➡️ Local Globe’s investment thesis [13:07] ➡️ Building a founder-investor relationship for the long-haul [14:07] ➡️ Characteristics she looks for in Founders she invests in [16:18] ➡️ Common mistakes she sees Founders make [18:21] ➡️ Closing the funding gap for under-represented Founders [20:58]➡️ Navigating the current fundraising climate [22:45] ➡️ Building a successful board of advisors [24:57] ➡️ Motherhood and returning to VC [27:28]  ⛳ Helpful links:➡️ Connect with Yvonne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonnebajela/➡️ More about LocalGlobe: https://localglobe.vc/➡️ More about Latitude: https://latitudeventures.vc/➡️ More about Impact X Capital: https://www.impactxcapital.com/ ⭐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 on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm 🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? Get in touch with our Head of Marketing and Producer, Hannah to find out more about how we can co-produce content that will help you stand out and engage with over 40,000 loyal monthly listeners. You can reach her on hannah@jbmc.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It’s a really great time if you want to learn how to be a disciplined Investor and to really be able to hunt down the best Founders and best opportunities.” In the final part of our bite-sized VC feature series, Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures, talks to us about navigating the current landscape and shares tangible advice for any Founders, looking to fundraise. This episode is jam packed with advice - no matter, if you’re a Founder looking for investment or an aspiring VC, looking to get a foot in the door. Have your notebooks ready and if you haven’t already, make sure you catch up on the previous 3 parts of this feature series.  ⛳ Helpful links:➡️ More about Rosie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-barnett-672329134/➡️ Check out Delin Ventures: https://www.delinventures.com/ ⭐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 on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm🏆 Want to partner with us? Do you want to get your brand in front of leading Startup Founders, Investors and C-Suite decision-makers, and attract some of the sharpest talent in the Startup/Scaleup scene? Get in touch with our Head of Marketing and Producer, Hannah to find out more about how we can co-produce content that will help you stand out and engage with over 40,000 loyal monthly listeners. You can reach her on hannah@jbmc.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices