

The Millennial Entrepreneur
Sina Sadrzadeh
Leading entrepreneurship podcast following the most inspirational young entrepreneurs and how they started their journeys, along with how they overcame challenges and rejections to get to where they are now. The show is hosted by Sina Sadrzadeh, co-founder of Wing, Great British Entrepreneur Awards: Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 Finalist and the TargetJobs One to Watch Undergraduate of the Year 2019. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 17, 2025 • 26min
What Hip Hop Teaches About Business | Dr.Tori Ellis on Creativity, Self-Publishing & Mompreneurship
Can hip hop culture help you understand entrepreneurship? In this episode of The Millennial Entrepreneur, host Sina sits down with Dr. Tori Ellis - life and business coach, bestselling author, and founder of The Sound of Business -to explore how creativity, identity, and personal growth intersect with building a meaningful business.Tori’s journey began after a life-altering car accident pushed her to leave teaching and start over. From launching her coaching business to writing books that explain entrepreneurship through the lens of hip hop, Tori shares how staying imaginative and adaptable helped her thrive as a solopreneur and mother. She also opens up about self-publishing, creating youth programs, and balancing the realities of hustle culture with self-care and parenting.🔹 Who is this video for?✅ Creatives and entrepreneurs looking to build businesses with soul✅ Parents and mompreneurs navigating work-life balance✅ Coaches, authors, and creators interested in self-publishing or youth empowermentWhat you’ll learn:📌 How hip hop can be used as a framework for teaching entrepreneurship📌 Why creativity and imagination are essential to long-term success📌 How Dr. Tori independently published her books and built her brand📌 The truth about hustle culture and what balance really looks like📌 How becoming a parent can reshape your business vision📌 Why self-compassion is a core tool in business and life📌 How to teach kids entrepreneurship through STEAM and mindfulness👉 Watch to the end for real talk on building a legacy, staying grounded, and using your life story to fuel your business journey.#CreativeEntrepreneur #HipHopAndBusiness #SelfPublishingTips #MompreneurLife #WorkLifeBalance #TheMillennialEntrepreneur #EntrepreneurMindset📸 Connect with Dr. Tori Ellis:Instagram: @always_drtoriiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtorriellis🌐 Website: https://thesoundofbusiness.org📸 Podcast IG: @TheMillennialEntrepreneurPod📬 Blog: https://sinablog.medium.com/💼 My Business (Wing): https://www.wingcard.io/🎧 Podcast Equipment: https://amzn.to/31Os4fV, https://amzn.to/3kul2Fm"

Jun 26, 2025 • 39min
Why Gen Z Is the Loneliest Generation and What We Can Do About It – Nicola Gunby, CLIQ
Is social media making us more connected - or more alone? In this episode of The Millennial Entrepreneur, Sina speaks with Nicola Gunby, serial founder and co-creator of CLIQ, a UK-based community app designed to tackle one of today’s biggest problems: loneliness in the digital age.Nicola shares how technology, changing work patterns, and social media have shaped the way we interact - and why Gen Z is now the loneliest generation. From building beauty tech to launching CLIQ, Nicola opens up about her journey as a purpose-driven founder aiming to help people move off their screens and into real-life experiences through interest-based, community-first events.🔹 Who is this video for?✅ Gen Z founders and impact-led entrepreneurs✅ Creators and product builders interested in mental health & tech✅ Anyone looking to solve real-world problems through communityWhat you’ll learn:📌 Why digital “connection” often leads to more loneliness📌 How CLIQ is building real-life communities through tech📌 The psychology of genuine connection - and how it’s changed📌 How screen addiction is shaping the next generation's social skills📌 Why AI can’t replace real relationships - and how to use it responsibly📌 How to design a community platform that gets people to show up IRL📌 The business case for purpose-driven tech startups👉 Watch to the end to hear Nicola’s vision for reshaping how we connect - and why the future of community might just be offline.#Loneliness #GenZ #DigitalWellbeing #CommunityTech #SocialImpactStartup #MentalHealthInTech #TheMillennialEntrepreneur📱 Download CLIQ: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/cliq/id6451363528📸 Follow CLIQ: @findyourclique💬 Connect with Nicola: @nicolargunby📸 Podcast IG: @TheMillennialEntrepreneurPod💼 My Business (Wing): https://www.wingcard.io/🎧 Podcast Equipment: https://amzn.to/31Os4fV, https://amzn.to/3kul2Fm"

Jun 12, 2025 • 32min
Breaking Into Traditional Markets: Parla's Playbook for Product Innovation & Disruption
Can you really take on billion-dollar brands like Colgate and Oral-B with a sustainable startup? In this episode of The Millennial Entrepreneur, Sina sits down with Hayley Costanzo, co-founder of Parla, a UK-based oral care brand on a mission to eliminate single-use plastic and harsh chemicals from your daily routine.Featured on Dragon’s Den, Parla is shaking up one of the most traditional FMCG markets—replacing palm oil, SLS, and wasteful packaging with stylish, dentist-formulated, planet-friendly products. In this candid conversation, Hayley shares how they went from startup idea to securing shelf space in Boots, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, and Ocado within the same year, all while building a loyal community through organic content, education, and word-of-mouth.🔹 Who is this video for?✅ Founders building sustainable or ethical consumer brands✅ FMCG entrepreneurs navigating retail, DTC, and omnichannel growth✅ Marketers and creatives looking for real-world brand-building case studiesWhat you’ll learn:📌 How Parla is disrupting the oral care market with sustainability at its core📌 What it’s like pitching—and scaling—after Dragon’s Den📌 Why founder-led content is more powerful than paid ads📌 Tips for winning retail shelf space while maintaining strong DTC channels📌 How to educate consumers and shift generational buying habits📌 Why B Corp certification and community feedback are game changers📌 The long-term vision for Parla’s growth and product innovation👉 Watch to the end to learn how Hayley and her team are making sustainable oral care the new normal—without compromising on clinical standards, design, or scale.00:00 Toothpaste Market Monopoly Insights04:10 Challenging Toothpaste Buying Habits09:27 "Plastic-Free Oral Care Challenge"13:06 Direct-to-Consumer Sustainability Model17:20 Changing Consumer Habits18:05 Innovations in Dental Awareness Challenge22:22 "Dragon's Den Boosts Business"24:51 Dragons Den Boosts FMCG Success28:50 UK's Awareness on Plastic Pollution31:43 "Millennial Entrepreneur: Inspiring Stories"#SustainableBusiness #StartupGrowth #DragonsDen #FMCGStartup #DirectToConsumer #MissionLedBrands #TheMillennialEntrepreneur📸 Instagram: @TheMillennialEntrepreneurPod💼 My Business (Wing): https://www.wingcard.io/🎧 Podcast Equipment I Use: https://amzn.to/31Os4fV, https://amzn.to/3kul2Fm🌐 Discover Parla: https://www.parlatoothpastetabs.com/

May 28, 2025 • 33min
The Future of Creativity, Branding, and AI in Startup Culture – Anastasia Vorotnikova
Looking to grow your startup with standout branding or launch a creative agency of your own? In this episode of The Millennial Entrepreneur, we speak with creative founder Anastasia Vorotnikova about building a branding agency in the UK, the power of storytelling in business, and how to future-proof your creative career in the age of AI. Ideal for startup founders, freelance designers, and marketing professionals, this episode offers practical advice on brand strategy, emotional design, and scaling a creative business in today’s fast-changing digital landscape. 🔹 Who is this video for?✅ Creative entrepreneurs and agency founders✅ Startup teams building strong brand foundations✅ Freelancers and designers curious about AI’s future in the creative industryWhat you’ll learn:📌 How Anastasia transitioned from film to founding a UK-based creative agency📌 Why storytelling and simplicity are essential in branding📌 How to attract clients through community, not cold outreach📌 The real impact of AI on average vs standout creatives📌 Why emotional resonance matters more than B2B/B2C labels📌 How Anastasia is redefining creative careers with full-time roles and fair pay👉 Watch to the end to hear Anastasia’s bold vision for the future of creative work - and how you can adapt and lead in a changing industry.#CreativeEntrepreneur #StartupBranding #TheMillennialEntrepreneur #AIInCreativity #AgencyLife #DesignThinking📸 Instagram: @TheMillennialEntrepreneurPod📬 Subscribe to the Blog: https://sinablog.medium.com/💼 My Business (Wing): https://www.wingcard.io/🎧 Podcast Equipment I Use: https://amzn.to/31Os4fV, https://amzn.to/3kul2Fm🌐 Explore Particular Creatives: https://particularcreatives.co.uk

May 15, 2025 • 39min
The Hidden Reason Startups Fail Isn’t Product - It’s Culture | Natalie Pearce
🚀 How to Build Company Culture That Actually Works | Natalie Pearce on Culture Design for StartupsWant to build a high-performing team - but don’t know where to start with company culture? In this episode of The Millennial Entrepreneur, Sina speaks with Natalie Pearce, a culture design expert and founder of The Future Kind, to unpack what culture really means - and how early-stage startups can build it with intention from day one.Natalie breaks down why culture isn’t all about perks or a fancy office - it’s “the way we do things around here.” From avoiding cultural debt to improving team communication, meeting habits, and values-based leadership, this episode is packed with practical frameworks and sharp insights for founders who want to grow without losing their people - or their purpose.🔹 Who is this video for?✅ Startup founders & entrepreneurs building early-stage teams✅ People & culture leads looking to make work more human✅ Leaders managing remote, hybrid, or asynchronous teamsWhat you’ll learn:📌 Why company culture starts before you hire📌 The hidden cost of “cultural debt” in fast-scaling startups📌 Communication rituals that actually work (and which meetings to ditch)📌 Key culture pillars: psychological safety, inclusion, accountability & more📌 How to design benefits that reflect your values - not just trends📌 Why great culture is a competitive advantage - not a “nice to have”👉 Stick around to the end for practical tips you can apply right now - whether you're building your team or trying to fix what's not working.#StartupCulture #CompanyCulture #TheMillennialEntrepreneur #RemoteWork #CultureDesign #LeadershipTips00:00 Introduction03:17 Culture: Brand and Team Alignment09:38 Early-Stage Startup Retention Challenges13:45 Inclusion, Empowerment, Growth Mindset15:42 Growth and Communication in Startups20:08 Effective Team Gatherings Boost Collaboration24:51 Meeting Overload!30:35 "Culture as a Competitive Advantage"32:55 Authenticity in Workplace Flexibility36:08 Creative Approaches to Vacation Policies🎙 Connect with Natalie: https://www.thefuturekind.co📸 Instagram: @TheMillennialEntrepreneurPod📬 Subscribe to the Blog: https://sinablog.medium.com/💼 My Business (Wing): https://www.wingcard.io/🎧 Podcast Equipment I Use: https://amzn.to/31Os4fV, https://amzn.to/3kul2Fm"

May 1, 2025 • 35min
#148: Just Start Your Business Already! How Action Beats Perfection Every Time - Markus Kaulius
Markus Kaulius, founder of Magnum Nutraceuticals, shares his incredible journey from starting a supplement brand in his bedroom to reaching over 100 countries. He emphasizes that you don't need perfect branding to launch a business and highlights the importance of consistency and integrity. Markus debunks the myth of overnight success, urging entrepreneurs to focus on actionable steps and the value of community support. He also offers insights on navigating misinformation and reinvesting early profits to build a sustainable future.

Apr 17, 2025 • 45min
#147: How to Grow on YouTube While Working 9–5 | Kajool Phadnis on Burnout, Branding & Building Audiences
Kajool Phadnis, a full-time consultant at Deloitte and YouTube content creator, shares her journey of growing a channel during the pandemic while managing a demanding career. She discusses the reality of creator burnout and emphasizes sustainable growth through effective SEO and engaging content strategies. Kajool highlights the importance of building a loyal audience rather than chasing virality. She reveals her aspirations to launch her own strategy consulting firm, *Growth Craft*, as she balances her side hustle and professional life.

Apr 3, 2025 • 32min
#146: What Running a Model Agency is Really Like – Amber May Barrington
"Ever wondered what it’s *really* like to grow up in the modeling world—and then run the show yourself? In this episode of *The Millennial Entrepreneur*, we sit down with **Amber Mae Barrington**, who took over the reins at Bristol-based commercial modeling agency *Gingersnap*. Amber opens up about being introduced to the industry through her supermodel mother, the emotional resilience needed to survive both software sales and modeling, and the misconceptions she’s faced running a family business. 🔹 *Who is this video for?* ✅ Creatives curious about the behind-the-scenes of the modeling world ✅ Aspiring entrepreneurs stepping into family-run businesses ✅ Anyone navigating career transitions and dealing with imposter syndrome *What you’ll learn:* 📌 The realities of growing up in the modeling industry 📌 How Amber navigated a career in tech before returning to her roots 📌 Misconceptions around nepotism—and what it *really* takes to earn respect 📌 The major differences between commercial and fashion modeling 📌 How Amber is reshaping Gingersnap with a focus on *safety, inclusion, and dignity* 👉 *Stick around until the end* to hear Amber’s advice for anyone trying to build something meaningful in a legacy industry.#ModelingIndustry #WomenInBusiness #CreativeEntrepreneurs #FamilyBusiness #GingersnapModels ---FREE SHARE WORTH UPTO £200: https://magic.freetrade.io/join/sina/5778b9e3Instagram Page: @TheMillennialEntrepreneurPodMicrophone/Equipment Used: https://amzn.to/31Os4fV, https://amzn.to/3kul2FmSubscribe to my blog: https://sinablog.medium.com/My Business (Wing): https://www.wingcard.io/

Mar 20, 2025 • 39min
#145: How to Make $10K/Month on LinkedIn in 2025 – Ethan Golding
🚀 *How to Build a LinkedIn Personal Brand That Converts into Sales | LinkedIn Growth Tips for Entrepreneurs*Struggling to turn your LinkedIn profile into a sales machine? In this episode of *The Millennial Entrepreneur, we dive deep into LinkedIn personal branding strategies* with Ethan Golding, a LinkedIn growth expert and founder of *The Blueprint. Ethan shares how he scaled his business to $50K/month* by leveraging LinkedIn’s organic reach—without paid ads. 🔹 *Who is this video for?* ✅ Entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants looking to attract high-paying clients on LinkedIn ✅ Business owners who want to optimize their LinkedIn profile for visibility & sales ✅ Anyone struggling to grow their LinkedIn presence in 2025 *What you’ll learn:*📌 How Ethan transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship 📌 The *best LinkedIn growth & monetization strategies* for 2025 📌 How to *optimize your LinkedIn profile* to attract clients & sales 📌 Why personal branding on LinkedIn is more powerful than ever 📌 The *biggest opportunities* LinkedIn offers right now 👉 *Watch till the end* for actionable LinkedIn strategies you can implement today! 00:00 Introduction01:42 Ethan's LinkedIn Strategy03:30 Challenges and Misconceptions04:25 The Reality of Social Media Success05:12 Effective LinkedIn Strategies11:43 The Formula for Client Success19:00 The Struggles of Starting Out19:45 The Turning Point: First Social Media Contract20:22 The Importance of Patience and Persistence22:58 Balancing Emotion and Logic in Business Decisions24:53 Navigating Financial Challenges26:22 The Reality of Running a Business33:32 Client Relationships and Personal Fulfillment37:00 Final Thoughts and Future Goals#LinkedInMarketing #PersonalBranding #Entrepreneurship #LinkedInGrowth #BusinessTips ---FREE SHARE WORTH UPTO £200: https://magic.freetrade.io/join/sina/5778b9e3Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): https://www.fsb.org.uk/Instagram Page: @TheMillennialEntrepreneurPodMicrophone/Equipment Used: https://amzn.to/31Os4fV, https://amzn.to/3kul2FmSubscribe to my blog: https://sinablog.medium.com/My Business (Wing): https://www.wingcard.io/

Mar 6, 2025 • 32min
#144: Master LinkedIn Personal Branding in 2025 – Mariam Gogidze
Mariam Gogidze, a LinkedIn personal brand strategist, shares her journey of building a powerful online presence. She discusses the significance of authentic connections and how LinkedIn can transform career opportunities. Mariam offers strategies for effective content creation and growing your network in 2024. She highlights the importance of personal branding and discusses leveraging experiences to monetize LinkedIn. Listeners will enjoy her insights on balancing entrepreneurial freedom with professional commitments while making meaningful connections.