This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this captivating interview, Catherine Boule, a molecular biologist turned VC investor, shares her journey from the lab to the world of entrepreneurship.

She delves into the valuable lessons she learned during her MBA and the eye-opening experiences that helped her bridge the gap between science and business.

Catherine discusses the unique dynamics and values that drive her investments in early-stage startups, emphasizing the importance of transparency and respect in building successful partnerships.

She also reveals how she navigates the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, offering insights on managing success, setbacks, and the evolving leadership required at different stages of a company’s growth.

This interview is a must-read for anyone looking to gain valuable wisdom and inspiration from a seasoned investor and leader in the healthcare and med tech industry.’

You can find Catherine at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-boule-5039128/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/karistavc/

In the interview, Catherine shares

• “I started in a lab, but the experience wasn’t great for me. So, I pursued an MBA and entered the world of entrepreneurship, joining an incubator during the early days of startups in France.”
• “Karista, an independent VC firm based in Paris, invests in early-stage startups, particularly in healthcare, digital, and deep tech companies. I’ve been leading the healthcare practice at Karista for many years.”
• “From my academic background at Paris Institute Curie to an MBA dedicated to biotech, I discovered the vast difference between the scientific lab and the business world, meeting creators, inventors, and scientists wanting to start their own ventures.”
• “The early days of tech transfer were challenging, but the advice to pursue an MBA opened doors. I joined an incubator and found it energizing, connecting with passionate entrepreneurs from various fields.”
• “Working with entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that visionary leaders with resilience are crucial. They are driven by passion, even if sometimes they’re wrong. It’s impressive to witness their dedication to breakthrough innovations that can save lives.”
• “At Karista, we invest in people and maintain a long-term commitment. Confidence, transparency, and respect are values we hold dear, creating a unique dynamic in our relationships with entrepreneurs.”
• “Success and setbacks bring unique challenges. We actively engage with management, identifying pain points, offering support, and leveraging our network to address issues related to scaling up, production, and organizational structure.”
• “Leadership evolves at different stages. Some companies, like Nanobiotics, undergo changes in management, while others, founded by physicians, seek our support in structuring and organizing the company for growth.”
• “Dealing with difficult conversations requires maturity. Identifying entrepreneurs aware of their weaknesses is crucial. Our position is not to invest if dealing with egos poses too much risk to the company.”
• “The journey to success in the startup world is often glamorized, but true success involves creating innovative products and selling the company at a high price. It’s a challenging, long-term process that only a few startups achieve.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this insightful interview, we sat down with Priska, the co-founder of Techface, a pioneering company in Switzerland dedicated to fostering diversity within the tech industry.

Priska’s journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship is a story of courage and transformation, and her passion for creating change in the tech landscape is truly inspiring.

She shares how she discovered the importance of being authentic and sticking to her principles, even in a male-dominated tech environment.

Her vision for a more inclusive tech industry not only benefits companies but also empowers individuals to bring innovation and positive change to society.

Join us as we delve into Priska’s experiences and leadership insights, offering valuable guidance for anyone facing challenges in their own journey to make a difference.

In the interview, Priska shares

• “I realized that working in a corporate environment meant I had to do what the corporate wanted, and it was a limitation of freedom and decision.”
• “It’s more than just going to the office from nine to five; I was looking for something that gives me more pleasure and purpose in my daily work.”
• “Don’t go into entrepreneurship with no money because it’s going to be tough in the beginning.”
• “My vision is to build an environment that allows everyone to feel part of it, specifically in the tech industry.”
• “I feel like I’m not moving forward fast enough, but I must see much more coming out of it than I do right now.”
• “Sometimes you feel that touching just one person can have a ripple effect and influence and inspire other people.”
• “I don’t want to bend for everything and everyone because I want to stick to my principles. It makes you more authentic.”
• “For me, it’s very important that everybody is aware of what I stand for and what I want to achieve.”
• “I think besides work, what I love to do is going out into the nature. It’s very meditative to walk up a mountain, to hike up a mountain because you get lost in your thoughts, but in a good way.”
• “Being authentic and knowing who you are and what you want is much more important than trying to fit in or comparing yourself to others, especially in a male-dominated tech environment.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this captivating interview, we dive into the world of climate investment with an adventurous entrepreneur who’s been building companies in diverse corners of the globe. 

Discover how growing up as a global citizen shaped their perspective and how it fuels their mission to address climate change. 

Gain valuable insights into the power of a global perspective when tackling today’s climate challenges, and learn how adventure and entrepreneurship intertwine in their career. 

Get ready to explore how they’ve harnessed the roller coaster of entrepreneurship and how they believe that the bigger the climate problem they solve, the greater the value they create – both financially and planetarily. 

Join us in this engaging conversation that promises to inspire and empower leaders facing their own challenges on the path to positive change.

You can find Jacqueline van den Ende at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlvdende/
• http://www.carbonequity.com/

In the interview, Jacqueline shares

• “I’m one of the co-founders of Carbon Equity, which is a climate investment platform.”
• “We’re trying to mobilize private capital at scale to fund the climate solutions we need for a net-zero future.”
• “Entrepreneurship and adventuring are more or less the same because you go through this roller coaster ride of an experience.”
• “Having a global perspective is super important when thinking about climate challenges on a global scale.”
• “The bigger the problem you solve, the more value you create both planetary and financially.”
• “In your 20s, learn everything, build up your skill base. In your 30s, double down on what you’re particularly good at.”
• “Build a strong feedback culture in the organization, be super open and transparent with feedback.”
• “I am much more introverted than people think. I’m very shy.”
• “I wake up early in the morning around five to have two hours before the day starts to think about things.”
• “After social events, I really need to gift myself the time to recharge.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this engaging interview with Ben Foster, CEO of the SEO Works, we delve into the fascinating journey that led him to the helm of his company and how his leadership style evolved organically over time.

Ben shares his inspiring commitment to hard work and how it has shaped his remarkable success.

He reveals the critical role of mentorship in his growth, highlighting the importance of believing in the potential of your team members.

Ben’s insights into nurturing company culture and his refreshing perspective on balancing work and personal life provide valuable takeaways for any leader facing challenges in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.

Don’t miss this candid conversation with a leader who has truly found balance in the world of business and beyond.

You can find Ben Foster at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfoster99/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/seoworksuk/
• https://www.seoworks.co.uk/

In the interview, Ben shares

• “Our mission as a company is to help our clients grow online, get more exposure, more leads, more business.”
• “I always wanted to work hard because I thought if you work hard, good things will happen, really, and that’s been my mantra all the way through.”
• “My love for computers developed from an Amstrad CPC 464 computer as a kid, which really developed my love for computers, not just games, but also programming.”
• “I never in my head wanted, had a vision of me being a leader. It happened organically over time.”
• “We want to prove we’re experts and share that expertise with people in the market.”
• “Our biggest focus and our biggest worry is we lose that culture as we continue to grow.”
• “We have a chairman who is a great sounding board. By having conversations and working things through, you often get to a good decision.”
• “You’ve got to remain balanced. Success and failure, those impostors both the same.”
• “Maintaining that calmness influences people around you.”
• “I’m outwardly calm and level-headed, and that’s the approach I take to running the business and working with people.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

Dresma is rewriting the rules with their groundbreaking AI-powered innovation – the DoMyShoot App. Say goodbye to costly equipment and the hassle of hiring professional photographers because this app is your go-to for creating mesmerizing product photos effortlessly.

Imagine having an app that automatically perfects your product images with the ideal lighting, color balance, and more. 

But that’s not all! With a treasure trove of unlimited backgrounds and powerful editing tools at your fingertips, your creativity knows no bounds. Best of all, you can have your masterpiece ready for use in an instant.

No more stress, no more limitations – the DoMyShoot App is your friendly sidekick in the world of eCommerce. 

Unleash your potential and transform your Amazon listings and business with an unlimited supply of top-tier product images. It’s time to experience the future of visual content creation!

You can find Abhishek & Nishka at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishka-sinha/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhishekkirti/

In the interview, Abhishek & Nishka shares

• “I learned early that entrepreneurship was in my blood. At seven, I set up a home library, monetizing my love for books—it was the spark for my venture spirit.”
• “Being an entrepreneur was contrary to my family’s background, but growing up internationally exposed me to diverse cultures, fostering adaptability and innovation.”
• “Engineering trained me to solve problems. It was a natural step from addressing local infrastructure issues to founding Drisma to solve global challenges.”
• “Unconventional backgrounds provide an edge. They prepare you to adapt, innovate, and mold yourself to different environments—crucial life skills for any entrepreneur.”
• “Our journey began by recognizing a pain point: the arduous, weeks-long process for product photos. We sought to revolutionize it using AI technology.”
• “The heart of our company lies in being customer-focused. Identifying and addressing their challenges birthed the idea behind Drisma.”
• “It’s easy to miss the bigger picture when immersed in execution. We take time to interact closely with our customers—they guide our vision and validate our steps.”
• “In a tech-based company, the constant challenge is staying ahead of technological evolution. Adapting to market shifts, like the sudden rise of generative AI, is essential.”
• “In startup life, surprises and pressure are routine. Our resilience comes from a steadfast belief in our vision and the support of a passionate, dedicated team.”
• “While entrepreneurship may seem glamorous, the challenges are numerous. Support from family, teams, and a steadfast belief in your vision make the journey worthwhile.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this enlightening interview, we sit down with the dynamic entrepreneur, Gaurav Gandhi, whose journey from an ‘accidental’ entrepreneur to the helm of a thriving enterprise will leave you inspired and informed. 

He shares the secrets behind his unexpected success story, revealing how he transformed his average beginnings into a thriving business empire. 

He delves into the critical shift that COVID brought to his business and how it prompted introspection and a complete overhaul of their company culture. 

Discover how he’s zero-tolerant on integrity breaches and the meticulous steps he’s taken to build a consistent, high-performing culture. 

Join us for an engaging conversation filled with valuable leadership insights that could reshape your approach to business challenges.

You can find Gaurav Gandhi at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurav-gandhi-eisi/
• gauravgandhi2@gmail.com

In the interview, Gaurav shares

• “I started my business at the age of 25. I found a gap in the telco space and decided to start solving those problems.” 
• “My journey began accidentally with a vision to create a successful enterprise.” 
• “I was an average student, but that average performance drove me to excel in my career.” 
• “I realized that my intent was to create a business that solved problems, not just a technical job.” 
• “We became complacent for a few years until COVID forced us to reevaluate and change our strategy.” 
• “The biggest challenge we face is establishing a consistent and strong company culture.” 
• “Culture is not convenience; it’s about creating a consistent and right behavior.” 
• “We have defined values such as integrity and efficiency, and we are zero-tolerant when it comes to integrity breaches.” 
• “I’ve learned to accept my mistakes and continuously work on improving myself.”
• “Exercise, good food habits, and my passion for golf help me stay calm and balanced in my entrepreneurial journey.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this captivating interview, we delve into the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of Harsh Sethi, a seasoned expert who has mastered the art of thriving in challenging circumstances. 

From a modest background to navigating the turbulent world of entrepreneurship, Harsh shares his inspiring story of resilience and determination. 

He offers invaluable lessons on the importance of cash flow, the multifaceted aspects that determine entrepreneurial success, and the pivotal role of marketing in taking a product to market. 

Furthermore, we explore Harsh’s latest venture, Trinano Technologies, and their groundbreaking solid-state nano coatings that are revolutionizing the solar energy industry. 

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or a budding entrepreneur, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights and motivation to fuel your own journey to success.

You can find Harsh Sethi at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsh-sethi-7ab77110/
• harsh_sethi@neoninfotech.com

In the interview, Harsh shares

• “I had the passion that I wanted to do something on my own.”
• “I don’t have to put up any money; I just have to run the plant, and that’s how the entrepreneurship started.”
• “Cashflow is important; you must know each of them.”
• “Even though the product could be good, there are a lot of other factors that decide the success of entrepreneurship.”
• “It’s thinner than human hair, and it increases energy generation from day one.”
• “Cleaning frequency, cleaning costs, and especially in countries like India, the use of water is quite reduced.”
• “The first challenge is to convince the customer. Most customers take their own testing.”
• “Technology is very fast-moving, and you can never guess what the next moment will bring.”
• “You have to believe in yourself, your invention, your creation, your idea, then only you can take it forward.”
• “You have to make sure that none of those corners gets chipped off; you have to make balance.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this captivating interview, we delve into the fascinating journey of Gabriele, CEO and co-founder of CoinRule, a fintech disruptor.

Gabriele’s story is one of seamless transitions from a pure design background to a thriving entrepreneur, and he shares how his early ventures prepared him for the world of startups.

His unique blend of design thinking and business acumen offers invaluable insights for those navigating their own entrepreneurial path.

Gabriele’s journey is one of relentless innovation and adaptability, where he applies lessons from underwater hockey to the boardroom, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.

You can find Gabriele Musella at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielemusella/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/coinrule/

In the interview, Gabriele shares

• “My career has always been about design and business –  adding value to digital products, especially in the fintech space”
• “Most of the entrepreneurs I know are unemployable”
• “Be intolerant about your present; that creates your future”
• “By changing interfaces and new technologies, you actually change the world”
• “Coinrule is trying to level up the playing field between big institutions and retail investors”
• “The job of a CEO in a startup is to over communicate the strategy, the mission, and the vision.”
• “It’s challenging to balance the role of a Designer CEO, from the pixel to the vision.”
• “Matching people in a team determines the success of your experience with that specific team.”
• “I play underwater hockey, and I also obsess over tennis. It makes me a better entrepreneur and leader.”

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this insightful interview, we dive into the remarkable journey of Rachit Ahuja, a Delhi native whose path from a coder in a banking software company to a thriving entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. 

Rachit shares candidly about his early career confusion and how he discovered his true calling on the business development side. 
He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the need for role models in navigating one’s career. 

Rachit’s story is a testament to the power of introspection, mentorship, and adaptability, offering valuable leadership lessons for those looking to create a workplace where they genuinely love what they do. 

Join us for an engaging conversation that’s bound to motivate and resonate with your own leadership challenges.

You can find Rachit Ahuja at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachitchannelpartnershipsexpert/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/keka-hr/

In the interview, Rachit shares

• “My name is Rachit Ahuja, brought up in Delhi.”
• “I realized that my inclination, my bank of mind wasn’t really towards the coding or the software development.”
• “I took the call, worked with a few companies.”
• “I think another key element is that we don’t have role models, so we don’t have that awareness to so that even somebody can help us.”
• “A platform to introspect and to go a little deeper inside me.”
• “I wanted to create a place where I liked working.”
• “So if you don’t have it, then you create it.”
• “The most important thing is to leave them on their own.”
• “We limit ourselves by thinking we can or cannot do this.”
• “You got to do something every day to be able to fit again. Be fully present in what you are doing.”