Founded & Grounded

Jordan Schwarzenberger: The creator economy is a lie, here’s the model that works

7 billion views and counting: the growth secrets of Sidemen's creative mastermind, Jordan Schwarzenberger. Managing one of the world’s biggest creator collectives is no small feat. We dive deep with the man behind Arcade Media and the Sidemen’s explosive rise, blending sharp self-awareness, cultural intuition, and a bold approach to building in public. The creator economy is dead. Jordan reveals why relying on brand deals is outdated and how the Sidemen have built entire business models through strategic partnerships and leveraging their audience. This is a masterclass in staying relevant, building with intention, and growing without losing who you are.Key takeaways🔥 Know yourself to grow yourself. Jordan believes brutal self-awareness and personal branding are essential. When you understand who you truly are and fully embrace it, you unlock clarity, confidence, and business momentum. 📹 Don’t just create. Document. It’s not just about creating content. Jordan shows how documenting your journey with purpose builds trust, drives growth, and keeps your brand aligned with your goals.🤝 You can’t win alone.  Strategic partnerships are the key ingredient to scale. Find operators who complement your strengths and share your vision.Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websitehttps://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/lqtT800N1V6Hit play and discover how to build something that actually lasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

18Sixty: How to create standout podcasts that captivate and keep audiences hooked

What separates a great podcast from the noise? We uncover the secrets of podcasting success with Gareth Evans, founder of 18Sixty, an agency that helps brands connect with their audience through high-quality audio storytelling.From working with Virgin/Absolute Radio and BBC Radio to launching his own agency, Gareth shares his journey through the evolution of podcasting, revealing what it takes to create audio content that really holds the audience's attention. Key TakeawaysKnowing your audience: The key to a successful podcast lies in deeply understanding your listeners and crafting content that serves their needsFinding Balance: Effective time management, habit stacking, and prioritisation are essential for navigating business demands while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.Business growth strategies:  Differentiating yourself, leveraging word-of-mouth, and building strong connections are crucial for scaling your business. Whether you're an early-stage founder, an aspiring podcaster, or just curious about the future of branded podcasts, this episode is packed with practical insights and behind-the-scenes wisdom. Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websitehttps://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/j54mNsooOdH  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Airtasker: From hustle to IPO – the truth about scaling a marketplace

From $0 to $400 Million Valuation: The Incredible Journey of Tim Fung and Airtasker. From humble beginnings to a marketplace giant. But Tim's journey is much more than just success.Through resilience, identifying mutual benefit, and embracing change, he has created a company that has changed the future of work.Tim delves into his upbringing, the inception of Airtasker, and the company's funding journey, offering valuable advice for new founders. Explore the balance between transparency and forward planning, Tim's IPO experience, and the transition from blitzscaling to a lean approach. Learn about the significance of humility, team support, and managing expectations. We conclude the episode by discussing the future of work, embracing AI, and societal changes.Key TakeawaysHigh expectations can undermine resilience, so maintaining realistic goals can help sustain long-term motivation and perseverance.Aligning business strategies and goals among all stakeholders ensures smoother operations and mutual benefits, making it easier to achieve sustainable growth.Adapting to market conditions and being open to changing strategies, even if it means shifting from aggressive expansion to a leaner approach, is crucial for long-term success.Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our websitehttps://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/z0Sw0OlIhm1 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brilliant Labs: How AI glasses are shaping the future

What do Stephen Hawking, AR glasses, and open-source design have in common?Join us as we chat with Bobak Tavangar, co-founder of Brilliant Labs, about his remarkable journey and insights into innovation.From leadership lessons to fundraising advice, this episode is packed with valuable gems for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts.Bobak discusses his career, including a memorable encounter with Stephen Hawking and the role of open-source design in innovation. He explores the challenges of AR adoption, company culture, and hardware startups, offering leadership lessons on humility and communication. Hear Bobak's advice on fundraising, cofounder dynamics, and balancing startup life. Finally, we end with reflections on AI's future, data privacy, and the influence of faith in entrepreneurship.Key Takeaways- AI and AR technologies have the potential to revolutionise memory augmentation, providing perfect recall and proactive insights based on an individual's life experiences.- Building a successful global team requires extreme specificity and over-communication to avoid costly miscommunications, especially in hardware development.- Achieving a balance between openness and data privacy is crucial for tech companies to build trust and positively influence industry standards.Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat nowhttps://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/X7Y6MMrIIzw  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Optimise AI: Spinout success uncovered, strategies that work!

From academia to entrepreneurship: The remarkable story of Nick Tune and the secrets to converting research into commercial success, with his spinout company Optimise AI. Gain valuable insights on the mindset shifts necessary for transitioning from corporate to startup life, the importance of support networks, and how to embrace failures. Uncover the economic impact of Nick's spinout company Optimise AI, their differentiators in the market, and his valuable advice on team growth and work-life balance for early-stage founders.Key Takeaways- Balancing financial management and growth is crucial for startup survival, requiring careful attention to both spending and cash runway.- Utilising fractional experts can provide startups with strategic and operational support without the high costs of full-time roles.- A strong support system and maintaining personal well-being are essential for founders to sustain their passion and resilience in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat nowhttps://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/hLPd1Wv9x0T Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.