
The Founder Files
Rated #1 Podcast for Entrepreneurs in South Africa in 2023 by Feedspot.
The Founder Files is where founders come to explore proven growth strategies and real entrepreneurial challenges.
Hosted by Cameron Coutts, each episode unpacks the complex journeys of scaling businesses, delivered by entrepreneurs who've walked the path. No script, no filter – just a fireside chat between growth-driven founders.
If you’re seeking practical advice and relatable stories to fuel your growth journey, this is your go-to resource. Subscribe now!
Latest episodes

May 8, 2023 • 42min
How Wamly Got to 5 Years of Cash Runway in Less than 3 Years - Francois de Wet, Wamly
Most of us know the formula "Strategy + Structure + People = Successful Business".But how many founders lead their teams to have 5 years of cash runway in less than 3 years of activity? I've met one: Francois de Wet, Co-Founder of Wamly. In this episode, we'll cover the topics of Organisational Psychology and Entrepreneurship so that you get to...... Discover the power of structured interviews... Understand the importance of setting a clear vision... Receive practical advice on how to generate more revenue fasterTune in now!This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts who want scaling entrepreneurs like you to succeed 👉 contact our team Do you have a scaling business and valuable insights about your industry? Be our next guest!

Apr 17, 2023 • 39min
When Should You Outsource Your HR Work? - Rose Elcock, Virtue HR Solutions
As a business grows, it's crucial to outsource and insource the right functions at the right time. But seeing HR as a mere compliance necessity is overlooking the value they can bring to your teams.In this episode, Rose Elcock, founder of Virtue HR Solutions shares valuable insights on:- what businesses need from an HR perspective- the dilemma of outsourced VS in-house HR capabilities- healthy practices from recruitment to employee relations and communicationTune in now to learn how to build a successful HR capability that supports the growth of your business.This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts who want scaling entrepreneurs like you to succeed 👉 contact our team Do you have a scaling business and valuable insights about your industry? Be our next guest!

Apr 10, 2023 • 39min
Navigating Cultural Drivers in Business Expansion - Jeremy Leach, Inclusivity Solutions
In this episode, Jeremy Leach, Founder and CEO of Inclusivity Solutions, offers valuable insights on expanding an insurance business into new territories.He'll reveal his secret sauce to:- how to research and analyse market opportunities- how to craft value propositions that resonate with different cultures- a real case study on how cultural drivers can make or break a productTune in now if you are looking to expand your business while keeping things culturally sensitive.This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts who want scaling entrepreneurs like you to succeed 👉 contact our team Do you have a scaling business and valuable insights about your industry? Be our next guest!

Apr 3, 2023 • 40min
Why you should build in public - Renier Lombard, Flance Directive Creators
Building in public could be the game-changer you need!Sharing your entrepreneurial journey openly is the best way for you to: -get feedback on your progress, -receive guidance to solve your challenges, -seize new opportunities to grow your business.But don't take my word for it. This week, I interview Renier Lombard, founder of Flance Directive Creators, about his experience building in public.He'll tell you everything you need to know about: -how to put yourself out there, -how to collect and respond to feedback, -how to attract the best investors for your business.This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts who want scaling entrepreneurs like you to succeed 👉 contact our team Do you have a scaling business and valuable insights about your industry? Be our next guest!

Mar 27, 2023 • 41min
Making the fashion industry more sustainable - Esethu Cenga & Tshepo Bhengu, Rewoven
With textile waste management, Esethu Cenga and Tshepo Bhengu, co-founders of Rewoven are proving that sustainable fashion is not just a trend, it's the future! In this episode, we discuss the nitty-gritty of building a circular economy in the South African fashion industry.Listen now to learn everything about:- how their active listening skills have helped them nail their value proposition and partner with some of the biggest retailers in the country- what are the challenges as a non-tech business when it comes to fundraisingThis episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts who want scaling entrepreneurs like you to succeed 👉 contact our team Do you have a scaling business and valuable insights about your industry? Be our next guest!

Mar 20, 2023 • 45min
How to define your personal brand - Emma Donovan, Become Dapper
Personal branding isn't just for social media influencers and celebrities. As a leader, a founder, a CEO, your personal brand can do wonders for you and your business: establish credibility, attract new opportunities, differentiate from competitors...To discuss the importance of branding yourself, I invited Emma Donovan, co-founder of Become Dapper. In this episode, she shares practical tips and insights on how to develop your brand, from defining your values and voice to leveraging your strengths and accomplishments.Tune in now if you want to stand out from the crowd!This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts who want scaling entrepreneurs like you to succeed 👉 contact our team Do you have a scaling business and valuable insights about your industry? Be our next guest!

Mar 13, 2023 • 40min
How is AI disrupting the Future of Work? - Jonathan Elcock, Comparisure
Get ready to dive deep into the impact of AI on the workforce. In this episode, Cameron Coutts discusses the Future of Work in the age of AI Disruption and ChatGPT with Jonathan Elcock, Co-founder of Comparisure. Together, they explore how AI, Automation and ChatGPT are already changing the job market. Join the conversation to get mind-bending insights that will leave you pondering all the possibilities for the future of your business.This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts who want scaling entrepreneurs like you to succeed 👉 contact our team Do you have a scaling business and valuable insights about your industry? Be our next guest!

Mar 6, 2023 • 47min
How to write copy that sells around the world - Jason Bagley, CopyCheck
You might think that copywriting is an overrated skill, that you don't even need to bother with learning it because you can "ask ChatGPT, it knows everything." Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but even ChatGPT can't turn your soulless copy into a masterpiece without a little effort on your part.That's why I had a chat with Jason Bagley, Founder of CopyCheck. He dropped some truth bombs on the importance of being honest and authentic in your writing. We also talked about:- how to write copy that actually sells,- how to profile your target audience properly,- and how to expand into new markets.Tune in now to take your copywriting game and your business to the next level!This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts who want scaling entrepreneurs like you to succeed 👉 contact our team Do you have a scaling business and valuable insights about your industry? Be our next guest!

Feb 27, 2023 • 37min
How to design your hybrid work policy - Bentolina Nnadi, Mama Money
Struggling to get your people back to the office? Even wondering whether or not you should keep an office and switch to total remote?Get the answer to all your questions in this episode with Bentolina Nnadi, Head of Talent for Mama Money.She shares her best practices on:- how to design a hybrid work policy that meets the needs of both employees and employers- how to maintain company culture and foster team collaboration while working remotely- how to manage resistance when creating a new work policy--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Once you’ve enjoyed the episode, support the podcast for FREE:🔔 Follow The Founder Files ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify🎁 Share your thought on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts who want scaling entrepreneurs like you to succeed 👉 contact our team Do you have a scaling business and valuable insights about your industry? Be our next guest!

Feb 20, 2023 • 35min
How to improve your sales process - Andy Dickens, Virtual Sales Limited
In this episode with Andy Dickens, founder of Virtual Sales Limited, we discuss how to develop a sales capability within a scaling business. We dive deep into the nitty-gritty of sales strategy, from setting clear sales targets to cultivating a culture of excellence.And the best part? Andy's insights are applicable to businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises.But here's the real kicker: by listening to this episode, you're not just getting tips and tricks for building a successful sales team. You're getting a masterclass in entrepreneurship. Because let's face it, without sales, a business can't survive.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Once you’ve enjoyed the episode, support the podcast for FREE:Follow The Founder Files 🔔Leave a review on Apple Podcast or SpotifyShare your learnings on Linkedin--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts who want scaling entrepreneurs like you to succeed 👉 contact our team Do you have a scaling business and valuable insights about your industry? Be our next guest!