January 2024

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.

Embark on an inspiring journey with Tanushree, the Co-founder and CEO of Global Garner Sales Services Limited, as she shares her remarkable transition from a 15-year career at the State Bank of India to becoming an ambitious entrepreneur. 

In this candid interview, Tanushree delves into the motivations that fueled her shift, highlighting the challenges faced, including a pivotal moment when a major corporate partner attempted to reshape their business dynamics. 

Discover the invaluable lessons Tanushree learned about leadership, team dynamics, and resilience, providing practical insights for fellow entrepreneurs navigating their own professional paths. 

Join us for a conversation that goes beyond the success story, offering relatable anecdotes and empowering advice for those ready to take risks and build their own business empires.

You can find Tanushree at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanushree-gg/

In the interview, Tanushree shares

• “Leaving a government job in India is no easy decision, but driven by ambition and the desire to be together, my husband and I transitioned from banking and insurance careers to co-found Global Garner Sales Services Limited.”
• “Our journey from a corporate job to entrepreneurship was fueled by a desire to live together amidst transferable jobs. This decision, born out of ambition and a commitment to each other, led us to build something greater for society.”
• “In the face of challenges, we chose not to abandon our core team, even when a major corporate partner sought to change the terms. Our refusal sparked two tough years, but unwavering dedication and belief in a higher power helped us overcome those trying times.”
• “Leadership, for me, is about creating more leaders. Learning from experiences, especially my husband’s insights from high-profile corporate positions, has shaped my leadership style to focus on identifying and nurturing the strengths of my team.”
• “The vision for Global Garner is not just to be a company but the world’s biggest organization by empowering people. Our mission involves creating a vast network of entrepreneurs and digitally empowered vendors, generating sustainable jobs and benefitting generations to come.”
• “Facing the challenge of finding leaders in our journey, we’re expanding our recruitment drive to build a strong team for Global Garner’s ambitious goals. Identifying individuals who are not only ready to work but also ready to lead remains a significant challenge.”
• “Dealing with the pressures of entrepreneurship requires self-reflection and spending quality time with family. Recognizing that I am my own best friend, I find solace in moments of solitude, allowing me to recharge and tackle challenges with renewed vigor.”
• “To empower our team, we focus on creating strong bonds within our organization. Daily huddles, team outings, and fostering empathy help in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team member, laying the foundation for a collaborative and supportive work culture.”
• “As we venture into the FinTech space, the biggest opportunity lies in the growing industry in India. Leveraging my background in banking and finance, Global Garner aims to capitalize on the potential of FinTech to further enhance our offerings.”
• “If I could wake up with a new skill, it would be the ability to make Global Garner a household name, like Amazon or Flipkart. Understanding human psychology is crucial, and my goal is to connect with people on a deeper level to make our brand universally recognized.”

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.

Embark on an inspiring journey with Jacqueline Samira, the dynamic founder and CEO of Howdy.com, as she shares her entrepreneurial saga in this insightful interview. 

From navigating the aftermath of the 2008 housing crisis to spearheading a tech-driven revolution connecting Latin America with US opportunities, Jacqueline’s story is a testament to resilience and innovation. 

Uncover the secrets behind her unconventional path into sales, a skill she now credits as the backbone of her entrepreneurial success. 

Dive into the intricacies of building a startup, the invaluable lessons learned through Y Combinator, and the transformative power of strategic sales. 

With candid reflections on the highs and lows of leadership, Jacqueline’s wisdom resonates, offering a fresh perspective for leaders seeking authentic guidance in their own journeys.

You can find Jacqueline Samira at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinesamira/
• https://www.instagram.com/howdyjacqueline/

In the interview, Jacqueline Samira shares

• “What I want to be able to do is help connect people with opportunities. That is like my lifelong dream because I struggled so hard for it myself for a year and a half after college.”
• “The first step is talking to people and communicating with potential customers and prospects. Through those early pre-sales activities, I had a really clear picture of the pain points and the solution that people would be happy with.”
• “We ended up spending close to 800,000, which is an insane amount of money in reflection on digital campaigns, on digital marketing. While it did give us customers, it’s just not the path I want to go down.”
• “There has been a problem with separating the fact that I’m still the CEO and I’m still the boss. Sometimes I have to unfortunately remind people, and that’s not a really fun conversation for me to have.”
• “I always see solutions. So if there are problems presented, the first thing I’m doing is solutioning. I think a lot of my sales acumen taught me how to think that way.”
• “I personally had 400 in my checking account. Here I am about to give birth, which babies are very expensive. Everything around that is very expensive. And it was just like this spark came in and they were shooting. Something told me, Jacqueline, go find the hidden money, go find the hidden money from yourself.”
• “Frank is the first person I call anytime I’m frustrated, or if we leave the meeting or if I leave the meeting, so that I don’t react to the teammates. I use him as my sounding board.”
• “If it doesn’t feel easy, and I think about that expression, when I think about all things, when I think about colleagues that I work with, if the relationship is not instantly working, if you don’t feel inspired and you’re both being lifted up, then it’s probably not right.”
• “Because I’m friendly and welcoming and vulnerable, there has been a problem with separating the fact that I’m still the CEO and I’m still the boss. And sometimes I have to unfortunately remind people, and that’s not a really fun conversation for me to have.”
• “I think that the most powerful thing you could do is unlock the world’s information in every single language to be able to understand every perspective.”

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.

Join us in this insightful interview with Oliver, CEO of two thriving companies in the cybersecurity space. 

Oliver shares his journey of transforming a struggling business from eight million to an impressive 11 million in revenue, emphasizing his passion for simplifying and innovating in the cybersecurity industry. 

Discover how he and his chairman, a seasoned entrepreneur, maintained a positive company culture through rapid growth, and hear valuable insights on the challenges of fundraising and building relationships in the business world. 

With a candid approach, Oliver discusses the balance of being a tech enthusiast turned CEO and how vulnerability can be a strength in leadership. 

Tune in for a dose of inspiration and practical advice for navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity and business growth. 

You can find Oliver Pinson-Roxburgh at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/opinson-roxburgh/

In the interview, Oliver Pinson-Roxburgh shares

• “I’ve spent the last six years growing those companies, and the real focus has been taking Bulletproof, especially from eight and decaying revenue to now 11 million in revenue and three million EBITDA.”
• “My real focus and passion are around helping organizations to improve their cybersecurity.”
• “We really wanted to build something that was different; it wasn’t about growing a company to being a huge revenue generator, but about solving problems for people, simplifying, and innovating.”
• “Our chairman is a serial entrepreneur. He’s built many businesses from the ground up. I learned a lot from Mark around just the general business day-to-day and how to grow and scale the businesses.”
• “It’s always about pushing that positivity, promoting it in your values.”
• “Helping them to understand that it’s just good business is part and parcel of the job.”
• “We’ve gone from 30 people like six years ago to now 150 people across the world, a relatively quick growth for a business of our size.”
• “One of the things we really focused on was positivity because, like you say, it’s very negative.”
• “I’m the type of CEO that prefers to roll my sleeves up and lead from the front.”
• “I would say that I definitely, I think the one thing I’ve always been and will always be is that person that is also willing to show vulnerability, to say, ‘Look, I’m bad at this as well, but we can face this thing together.’”

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, Ram Iyer, CEO and founder of Vayana, takes us on a fascinating journey through three decades of entrepreneurship. 

From the birth of Vayana, where the name itself signifies weaving seamless connections in B2B trade financing, to the unconventional approach of running a 450-people company with no HR or appraisals. 

Ram shares insights on the evolution of his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of a ‘live and let live’ philosophy. 

Discover the unique analogy of running a company like steering a train, with defined tracks, individual compartments, and a delicate balance of trust and policies. 

Get ready for an enriching conversation that not only delves into business strategies but also explores the personal principles that drive Ram’s curiosity, kindness, and authenticity, forming the cultural backbone of Vayana. 

You can find Ram Iyer at the below links

• rniyer8@gmail.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramaswamy-iyer-b40aa96/

In the interview, Ram shares

• “Vayana, in Sanskrit, means weaving – reflecting our role in B2B trade financing, seamlessly connecting businesses for efficient and cost-effective transactions.”
• “Embarking on entrepreneurship in ’94, my journey from consulting to founding CashTech, and now Vayana, highlights the organic evolution of startups.”
• “Reflecting on my 30-year journey, I’ve shifted from emotional ties to a more dispassionate view, embracing a ‘live and let live’ philosophy in leadership.”
• “In the startup world, 450 employees, no HR, and no appraisals? Exploring unconventional organizational structures and the philosophy behind it.”
• “Running Vayana is like steering a train – defined tracks, unique compartments, and a balance between a common direction and individual cultures.”
• “Challenges in running a unique culture: questions about tracks, compartments wanting AC, and the constant tension between trust and the need for policies.”
• “Creativity flourishes within constraints – the balance of innovation in financial services while adhering to regulations and building trust.”
• “Trust as a foundation: Defaulting to trust is not just about being a ‘greater human being’; it’s economically lucrative and fosters responsible behavior.”
• “Shifting the salary mindset: Paying for future promises rather than past performance, aligning with annual targets and team contributions.”
• “Beyond the business, my joy and energy come from curiosity, niceness, and authenticity – principles that define me and form the cultural backbone of Vayana.”

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.

Embark on a captivating journey with Bernard Chong, an illustrious angel investor and entrepreneur, as he shares his remarkable evolution from the family shoe business to pioneering ventures in animation studios, coffee brands, and tech platforms. 

In this insightful interview, Chong delves into the invaluable lessons he gleaned growing up in a family-run enterprise, where keen observation and interpersonal skills became his secret weapons. 

Uncover the pivotal role of salesmanship in his transition from selling shoes to strategic investing, and how this unconventional path shaped his unique perspective on business. 

Join us as we explore the wisdom gained from Chong’s diverse experiences, offering a treasure trove of inspiration for leaders facing their own entrepreneurial challenges. 

You can find Bernard Chong at the below links

• https://twitter.com/brenchong?lang=en
• https://brenseedfoundation.org/

In the interview, Bernard shares

• “In the bustling business landscape of Manila, I, Bernard Chong, navigate as an angel investor with ventures in animation studios, coffee brands, and tech platforms.”
• “With 53 branches across the Philippines, I’ve ventured beyond the family shoe business, delving into the realms of technology, currency exchange, and the restaurant industry.”
• “Growing up in a family business was a unique training ground, exposing me to every aspect—from manufacturing shoes to managing our own stores.”
• “Observation was key; my father always emphasized the importance of understanding people’s talk, thought processes, and actions. This skill proved invaluable in both guarding our shoe store and designing shoes in the factory.”
• “My journey from selling shoes to investing in various businesses began when I realized I could make more impact and earn more by capitalizing on my connections rather than starting as a fresh engineering graduate.”
• “Salesmanship paved the way for independence. Even when applying for jobs, my proficiency in sales led me to invest capital rather than work for others.”
• “Transitioning from the family business, I invested in animation studios, radio stations, and restaurants, guided by a people-centric approach. It’s always about building connections with those you work with.”
• “Currently, my focus is on supporting education through a coffee shop venture called ‘Mental Coffee’ in California, while also investing in small projects and movies, nurturing relationships with people I can grow old with.”
• “My daily routine involves managing appointments, schedules, and meetings in California, where every interaction becomes a discovery of new businesses and opportunities.”
• “Reflecting on challenges, I’ve learned that seeking advice from knowledgeable mentors is crucial. Surrounding myself with professionals, like lawyers for legal matters, ensures a well-rounded support system.”

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.

Embark on a transformative leadership journey with Allyson Zimmerman, the dynamic CEO of the LEAD Network. 

In this insightful interview, Allyson shares her unconventional path into championing diversity and inclusion after a pivotal experience in the male-dominated financial industry. 

From conquering fears to achieving gender parity, she unravels the threads of her courageous leadership style, emphasizing the power of admitting vulnerability. 

Dive into her wisdom on effective communication, the role of women in the workplace, and the essential art of creating a psychologically safe environment. 

Allyson’s candid reflections and practical advice offer a refreshing perspective for leaders navigating the complexities of today’s professional landscape.

You can find Allyson Zimmermann at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyson-zimmermann-5450b61a/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-network-europe/

In the interview, Allyson shares

• “The LEAD Network focuses on advancing women in the consumer goods and retail industry through education, leadership, and development.” 
• “My journey into diversity, equity, and inclusion wasn’t intentional; it stemmed from a desire to do good in the world after a challenging experience in the financial industry.” 
• “I believe many of us are not conscious of the biases we hold. Gender is not a good predictor of leadership; it’s about skills. The vision is to reach gender parity, a tide that lifts all ships.” 
• “Courage is essential in leadership. Tackling fears and developing oneself can lead to profound personal and professional growth.” 
• “Leadership is about leading from the middle, empowering others, and admitting when you don’t have all the answers. It’s okay to be uncomfortable; that’s where growth happens.” 
• “Communication is key to effective leadership. Creating clarity, engaging stakeholders, and leading by example are crucial aspects of driving progress.”
• “The role of women in the workplace is about progress for everyone. It’s not just about women; it’s about reaching gender parity at all levels for a more inclusive future.” 
• “Reflecting on one’s leadership journey and admitting mistakes are crucial for personal and organizational growth. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable is a sign of growth.” 
• “Leadership is about making the complex simple, creating clarity, and fostering trust. It’s about walking the talk and creating a psychologically safe space for feedback.”
• “Finding breathing space for rest and reflection is essential for effective leadership. It’s a constant negotiation with oneself to prioritize well-being and maintain 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.

Dive into an inspiring conversation with Dr. Rachel O’Connell, Founder and CEO of TrustElevate, as she unveils the journey of solving the seemingly unsolvable challenges of online safety. 

In this engaging interview, Dr. O’Connell shares her experiences from the mid-nineties, delving into the world of forensic psychology, analyzing pedophile activity on the internet. 

Discover the pivotal moments that led her to establish the first UK internet safety program and her subsequent role in a tech startup acquired by AOL. 

Driven by a purpose-led mission, she discusses the intricacies of being a female entrepreneur, facing a mere 2 percent investment rate, and offers valuable advice for those navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. 

Gain insights into the evolving landscape of internet safety, the power of collective action, and the personal challenges faced on the road to creating positive impact. 

You can find Dr Rachel O’Connell at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheloconnell/
• rachel@trustelevate.com

In the interview, Dr Rachel shares

• “We solve the unsolvable problem online of knowing who is a child, who’s a parent, who’s an adult, who is a teen.” 
• “The next era of the internet is age-aware and consent-driven.” 
• “There’s a whole generation that has grown up now, experiencing firsthand the harms of the internet. They are now a very vocal voice in activism to put pressure on for change.” 
• “You have to go all the way back to the mid to late nineties to understand the sheer scale of risks and harms to children’s wellbeing online.” 
• “I want a percentage of our profits to go back into community efforts to protect kids, addressing the huge deficit in support for children harmed online.” 
• “Being a female founder, only 2 percent get investment. It’s a shocking statistic, but it fuels my determination to succeed against the odds.” 
• “Believe in yourself, believe in your mission. Every knockback is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.” 
• “There’s power in the collective when diverse backgrounds, from social work to technologists, come together to address the impact on children globally.” 
• “To lead effectively, it’s essential to lead on the basis of what’s best for your team, creating a corporate culture of respect and support.”
• “Surround yourself with advisors, smart people willing to help. It’s crucial to have perspective and patience; success takes time.” 

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.

Join us in an engaging interview with Sampo Hietanen, the visionary founder and CEO of MassGlobal, renowned for the innovative Mobility as a Service concept. 

Sampo’s journey from a civil engineer to a disruptor in the mobility industry is not just a success story but a roadmap for anyone facing leadership challenges. 

Learn how he navigates the complex landscape of the mobility industry, breaking through the ego-centric mindset to create a true ecosystem. 

Discover the secrets of his leadership style, emphasizing trust, a user-centric approach, and the delicate balance between dreaming big and achieving practical milestones. 

Whether you’re in the mobility sector or any leadership role, Sampo’s insights offer valuable lessons for creating a vision, fostering collaboration, and steering your team toward success.

 

You can find Sampo Hietanen at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampohietanen/
• https://whimapp.com/

In the interview, Sampo shares

• “Mobility represents something much larger in our minds – it’s freedom. We have to preserve the freedom of movement, and make sure people can go just about anywhere, easily and without overengineering the process.”
• “In the world of Mobility as a Service, our goal is to provide people with the feeling of freedom without the burdens of car ownership. It’s about creating a dream of freedom without the troubles embedded in owning a vehicle.”
• “To create a successful mobility ecosystem, we need to focus on the user case. By making the user experience appealing and showing the value users gain, we can pave the way for the future of mobility.”
• “In the short term, our priority is to make access to all forms of mobility extremely easy. The vision is simple – a one-click solution where users can access everything from e-scooters to taxis, car shares, rentals, and public transport seamlessly.”
• “The challenge in the mobility industry is the ego system versus ecosystem dilemma. Breaking through the traditional mindset of each player considering themselves the center of the universe is essential for progress.”
• “Leadership in the mobility industry requires a vision that inspires, coupled with a focus on achievable steps. Balancing big goals with practical, incremental progress is crucial for sustainable growth.”
• “Trust is the foundation of effective leadership. As a leader, it’s vital to show trust in your team’s decisions and capabilities. Trusting your team empowers them to become leaders in their own right.”
• “The biggest struggles in the mobility industry come from the industry’s size and fragmented nature. Integrating various players and overcoming their ego-centric views is a constant challenge.”
• “In leadership, it’s not just about setting the vision but also guiding the team on the next steps. Focusing on achievable milestones is crucial to keep the momentum and avoid spreading efforts too thin.”
• “While disrupting the industry, acknowledging failures and adapting the next steps is the harder part of leadership. It’s about asking, ‘What do we do next?’ and inspiring the team to move forward despite setbacks.”