Episodes

  • 01: Growth Mindset Intro - Sam & Jane Harris

    01: Growth Mindset Intro - Sam & Jane Harris
    Aug 20 2017
    The Harris family get excitedWITH SAM AND JANE HARRISThe first introduction episode to the Growth Mindset Podcast. Sam looks back at his life with his mother Jane and explores some of the main events and funny stories that cultured his growth mindset.He comes away with some great advice for anyone to be a happier and more successful person and lays a great base for guests to come.SHOW NOTESJane’s Top Tips:StoicismThe practice of resilience and stepping outside your comfort zone and reduce your fear of losing everything and appreciating what you do have. She actually got this from my nan who was a crazy awesome lady and used to send her kids to the neighbours randomly just so they would be okay if for some reason the parents died which I guess is the ultimate resilience for any child. Which is a practice I haven’t really heard of this day and age.Meditation and focusThis was a really big one for her. The practice of calming your mind and helping to find focus and peace. and from that Try not to do so many things at once so you can apply more focus to the things that are your priorities and ultimately be more successful as a whole. Remember that often less is more.Test your ideas, the earlier the betterDon’t be afraid to start a business at uni if things go tits up your back at home with your parents . and it’s okay to play it safe and try less risky business models that aren’t going to change the world straight away but will help teach you the essentials of launching a business, you can then scale up when you have more time.Basically, think sensibly about what fits your situation the best and then try things that fit the potential market. In general, if you’ve had dreams of running a business but it seems like such a big thing it really not that hard to just start a small side project without sacrificing everything and literally anyone can do it.Jane’s favourite booksThe Secret Diary of Adrian Mole — Age 13 and 3/4 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/140593218X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=140593218X&linkId=d19b656ecd2d5feb7f1f707ebf6d11d5)Possibly one of my favourite and most memorable books I have ever read. All humans should read this book.Harry Potter (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FFMG66A/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00FFMG66A&linkId=3556ee55df6afbad976c86c0124a28b6)It's just great. Jane recommends this highly to anyone who is looking to get into reading moreOf Mice and Men (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0141023570/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0141023570&linkId=4806638e9720030eefcdbcc0d84a8ac0)A true classic and a beautiful if somewhat tragic read.Try a free Audible trial of any book here (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00OPA2XFG?tag=samharris48%E2%80%9321)Sam’s Top tips:Don’t forget about family!The tail end (https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/12/the-tail-end.html) — See this great blog about the ratio of time you spend with family as you get older.SeeYourFolks.com (http://www.seeyourfolks.com/) — If you aren’t worried about a little cry see find out how many times you’ll see your parents before they dieMushroom CoffeeNot as well received as expected. Even a trial pack of ten isn’t cheap. So message me on Twitter @SamHarrisTweets and I’ll send you a free sachet =]CONTACTJane:Twitter — @virtualJane (https://twitter.com/virtualjane)Medium — Jane Harris (https://medium.com/@virtualjane)Sam:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamsnaps/)Quora (https://www.quora.com/profile/Sam-Harris-58)Twitter (https://twitter.com/samharristweets)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Special Guests: Jane Harris and Sam Harris.

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    34 mins
  • 02: The Startup Bakery - Tomiwa Adey

    02: The Startup Bakery - Tomiwa Adey
    Aug 21 2017
    TOMIWA ADEY, FOUNDER — START-UP BAKERYTomiwa Adey is a young tech entrepreneur who has founded several start-ups, learning a lot from his successes and failures. He grew up in Nigeria where he often had to hustle just to feed himself which in hidsight now leads to some amazing stories to tell.He offers a humorous insight into the trials and tribulations of being a tech entrepreneur and how to develop a positive mindset in the face of any situation.SAM’S TAKE HOME TIPSTip 1 — Do things crazy things that scare youWhether it’s doing crazy projects to get yourself noticed or taking leaps out of your comfort zone, always keep things a little insane. It will help lead to a more varied life that you can look back on with rich memories of contrasting moments. Basically, you’re life will be a series of events that stand-out rather than a blur of monotony. You’ll have more stories to tell the grandkids and it will force you to keep learning and improving in ways you can’t even imagine.Tip 2 — Do something you’re passionate aboutIf you want people to recognise what you’re doing or help you will be much more successful if you can demonstrate clear passion for what you’re doing and show the fact you will go the extra mile you’re much more likely to open more doors for yourself andTip 3 — The power of a networkA great lesson for tech entrepreneurs out there. sitting indoors building your project and perfecting things is great but you’ll never be a success unless you go outside and talk to people. Growing a network you can leverage its just as an important skill as being able to code if you want to be a successful entrepreneur.Tommy teaching me how to use a computerContact UsYou can find out more about us and chat about anything you likeTommy:tomiwaadey.com (https://tomiwaadey.com/)Twitter (https://twitter.com/tomiwaAdey)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomiwaadey/)Sam:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamsnaps/)Quora (https://www.quora.com/profile/Sam-Harris-58)Twitter (https://twitter.com/samharristweets)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)TOMMY’S FAVOURITE BOOKSWe didn’t even get onto books during the episode. But fortunately, Tommy already has a list of his favourite books with his own short summary of why you should read it.Get any of the books free on audible (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00OPA2XFG?tag=samharris48%E2%80%9321)Traction — Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0241242533/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0241242533&linkId=5a26060ca4e773b9a028a32876de0bbf)The key message in this book: Even great products don’t sell themselves. A start-up stands or falls on the customer base it can build. This is why you need to think about traction early and often and build your company’s goals around achieving that traction.4 Hour Work Week — Timothy Ferriss (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0091929113/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0091929113&linkId=910d0edd2947034a1e72f070f230821d)Instead of living the 9–5 life of a desk slave, join the New Rich, create an automated income and enjoy a full life here and now.22 immutable laws of Marketing — Al Ries & Jack Trout (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1861976100/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1861976100&linkId=baefa37c37f669c07eb6480e048f31e6)While having the cash to invest in marketing strategies is important, it’s far more essential to understand the rules by which companies play. Successful marketing deals in perceptions — not products — so follow the laws of marketing to help you craft a strategy that will win every time.Venture Deals — Brad Feld and Jason Medelson (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470929820/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0470929820&linkId=753ccf194fe2964bb541dcce432b9dff)If you want to secure funding for your start-up, then you’ll need to know what your options are and how to make the most of them. When it comes to raising venture capital, that means understanding the interests of investors and assembling the right team to support you at the negotiating table.Start With Why — Simon Sinek (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0241958229/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0241958229&linkId=9c33cd5529e590375b4e85a452e0543b)Businesses, individuals and movements of all kinds should always start with WHY — their reason for doing something. This WHY should be the basis for every decision its leaders make and every message they transmit. By doing so, they will attract loyal supporters and garner long-term success.Think and Grow Rich — Napoleon ...
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    43 mins
  • 03: Growing Startup Teams - Dean Hume, CTO at Settled.co.uk

    03: Growing Startup Teams - Dean Hume, CTO at Settled.co.uk
    Aug 24 2017
    Dean is the CTO of Settled.co.uk, a rapidly growing tech start-up in London. They are revolutionising the way people buy and sell homes making the process far more efficient and less of a headache for everyone involved.He is also the author of 3 books and an avid triathlete which are certainly non-trivial things to complete.He shares great insights into running and growing a successful team and of course personal insights on being a human and culturing a growth mindset.SAM’S TAKE HOME TIPS:1 — Write a Non-fiction BookA great way to focus and really understand a topic. It doesn’t last forever and can really help build credibility. (Note from Sam — You can start by just writing a blog and answering Quora questions on topics)2 — Pay it forwardDon’t expect anything for free, just approach things sensibly expecting them to cost you time or money. be nice and genuine to everyone you meet without expecting stuff back. Then anything you do get you can be extra grateful for and will likely end up getting more in the process.3 — Understand the Role of a CTO over timeIn the long-term, a CTO isn’t going to be a coder and needs to have the skills as a manager if he wants to retain that titleBonus — Test your idea first before building it!DEAN’S FAVOURITE BOOKSThe Hard Thing About Hard Things — Ben HorowitzThe tale of starting and growing a business to a billion dollars and losing it all and getting back and then nearly losing it and then starting another billion dollar business. Basically, there is no recipe for success and it is defined by what you do when things are going wrong. Such a good read.Sam’s Review and summary (https://medium.com/@sam_harris/the-hard-thing-about-hard-things-ben-horowitz-summary-and-review-8013261e1b4c)Get the book here (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DQ845EA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00DQ845EA&linkId=86e7d98c4e527bce9d4429a55649a739)Get on audible free (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00OPA2XFG?tag=samharris48%E2%80%9321)The Lean Start Up — Eric RiesThe book that started the whole lean movement. A standard for all cash-strapped entrepreneursBuy on Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0670921602/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0670921602&linkId=2deaa993ab7118ded9644d62681b13f5)Get on audible free (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00OPA2XFG?tag=samharris48%E2%80%9321)Design Sprints — Google VenturesThe steps to design the full idea of your business modelBuy the book (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0593076117/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0593076117&linkId=a028b3ac7d30f12d2d9562ba48415aec)Design Sprint Kit (https://designsprintkit.withgoogle.com/planning/overview)The Five Dysfunctions of a Team — Patrick LencioniAn interesting fictional story used to highlight the main issues that cause teams to become ineffective. The conversations in the book really show how to remedy a bad situation and get buy-in from others.Sam’s review and summary (https://medium.com/@sam_harris/5-dysfunctions-of-a-team-patrick-lencioni-6dbc8cb0fc70)Get the book here (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0787960756/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0787960756&linkId=b016fcc68bb52c2c96f2a55138bc11a9)Get on audible free (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00OPA2XFG?tag=samharris48%E2%80%9321)Bernard CornwellA fantastic fictional writer who focuses on historical-themed novels across the globe. Whenever travelling I love to read a book by Bernard Cornwell if he has written one in that country. His amazing imagery and storytelling really get you into the mindset of the character and they are always a great ride.Dean suggests starting with the Saxon series (renamed “Last Kingdom series” since TV adaption…)Get the book here (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0008139474/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0008139474&linkId=156e57cd224217817c7294d6354dc730)Get on audible free (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00OPA2XFG?tag=samharris48%E2%80%9321)READ DEAN’S BOOKS Building Great Startup TeamsSo many insights on hiring decisions, building the culture and getting the best out of everyone. Great read!Progressive Web AppsA useful book to get into the world of PWAs. Save time on developing native apps you don’t need when you can deliver a better experience through the web.Fast ASP.NET WebsitesI haven’t read this but the summary sounds good if you are a .net developerGET IN TOUCHYou can chat to either of us about the topics covered in the episode or anything of interest =]Dean and...
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    41 mins
  • 04: Putting the Touch in 'Touchless' Tech! - Tom Carter - Founder & CTO, Ultrahaptics

    04: Putting the Touch in 'Touchless' Tech! - Tom Carter - Founder & CTO, Ultrahaptics
    Aug 30 2017
    TOM CARTER — FOUNDER & CTO — ULTRAHAPTICSTom Carter is the Founder and CTO at Ultrahaptics. A leading technology company making mind-blowing technology that lets users feel the sensation of touch in mid-air. The future is coming and they are at the pinnacle of it.Tom invented the technology behind Ultrahaptics alongside his professor in a research lab at the University of Bristol. They have since grown the idea into one of the UK's most innovative businesses raising multiple rounds of funding with a rapidly growing team. You don’t go through events like this without learning a lot of lessons. On the podcast, he shares some amazing insights into what he has learned along the way. It's an incredible story direct from the front line and I’m sure something all listeners will want to follow updates as their tech gets into the hands of consumers over the coming years.TOM’S TOP TIPS:1. Culture:I love the way he thinks about making a nice culture without trying to take over people’s lives to try and squeeze more work out of them. Just getting more hours out of people doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get more workAllow people more freedom from work, so work 9–5 and they can go home. They can enjoy the money they earn and live their own social lives.Make sure that meal times are utilised as a good way for the team to bond and get some down time, consider this in the layout of your office2. Focus on your strengths:I’ve got a lot of respect for the way he freely accepted taking on an incoming CEO so early on in the business, giving the company the management experience it needed to scale rapidly and allowing Tom to focus on driving innovation .Know your own strengths and limitations and just step backBe willing to get better people to do things you can’t do as well, this can help you achieve far more in the long run and you might learn a thing or two from them in the process.3. HiringHe has a lot of insight from so conducting so many interview conversations in a rapidly scaling company that has experienced barely any turn over of staff.Approach interviews as more open conversations with people rather than a structured process. Aim to just get a good feel for what they would be like and what they could be doing for you. They might even have a role in your company that you weren’t specifically interviewing for. Make a point to ask questions like:What are they proud of doing?What do they enjoy doing?What are they best at doing?When hiring for a top position, screen candidates until you get four people that can do the job and get them all in on the same day. Afterwards, If you can all agree that one can do the definitely do the job don’t waste time overthinking it and just hire them.Bonus — Just do itKeep trying. success isn’t easy but if you have faith in the end goal even if it is a long way off it is worth the effort.Get out and try stuff whilst you’re still young! Don’t wait for life to happen to you because it comes around fast.TOM’S FAVOURITE BOOKSTHE HARD THING ABOUT HARD THINGS — BEN HOROWITZthe tale of starting and growing a business to a billion dollars and losing it all and getting back and then nearly losing it and then starting another billion dollar business. Basically, there is no recipe for success and it is defined by what you do when things are going wrong. Such a good read.Sams Review and summary (https://medium.com/@sam_harris/the-hard-thing-about-hard-things-ben-horowitz-summary-and-review-8013261e1b4c)GETTING THINGS DONE: THE ART OF STRESS-FREE PRODUCTIVITY — DAVID ALLENJust a standardly very useful book about just being an efficient human being and making the most of your time. Find top tips on maximising your time to achieve your goals that you can start implementing from day 1. It might not be the most exciting book but if you’re struggling to keep up with your task list or want to become better at achieving your goals then this should probably be at the top of your list before moving onto anything else.Get the book (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00SHL3V8M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00SHL3V8M&linkId=e4c34a0be2636b47de811c98f2d8ff89)READY PLAYER 1 - ERNEST CLINESince recording the podcast I have now read this book and it is amazing. I listened on audible and literally read the whole thing in 2.5 days whilst travelling in Kazakhstan. I couldn’t stop listening. Such an engaging read. Like Tom says it’s a really interesting perspective view on the future that gives a scary insight into some of the possibilities facing us. It also appeals to the geek in you and has a lot of 70’s and 80’s references so I sort of put it as the Matrix meets Guardians of the Galaxy maybe but based in a more possible reality.Get the book (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0099560437/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=...
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    55 mins
  • 05: Scaling Software Teams - Harsh Sinha - Transferwise VP Engineering

    05: Scaling Software Teams - Harsh Sinha - Transferwise VP Engineering
    Oct 8 2017
    Harsh is the VP of Engineering at TransferWise. On the podcast, he shares his wealth of experience leading software teams at scale.Prior to joining TransferWise, Harsh was Director of Product at PayPal leading product strategy and development of PayPal’s mobile apps and SDKs enabling third parties to build mobile wallet experiences. He also led eBay’s Local initiatives as Director of Engineering where he owned the vision and development of eBay’s Click & Collect platform globally, including launching eBay’s Click & Collect integration with Argos in the UK.He has a LOT of experience working with products at scale and managing teams through tough challenges and disasters.TRANSFERWISETransferWise is a leading low-cost currency exchange online currency exchange allowing you to easily send money across the globe.You can sign up here to send your first transaction for free. (https://transferwise.com/register?utmSource=url&utmMedium=invite&utmContent=&utmCampaign=3for50&referralCode=samh26&referralToken=samh26&profileType=PERSONAL#/)Borderless Bank AccountTheir new Borderless Bank Account is possibly my favourite product of 2017. You can register your own bank account with a physical address and bank account numbers so you can store legit money, pay people and be paid in several currencies. For anyone that travels frequently, enjoys currency speculation or supplies digital work across borders this is the most amazingly useful thing ever.You can sign up for an account here (https://transferwise.com/register?utmSource=url&utmMedium=invite&utmContent=&utmCampaign=3for50&referralCode=samh26&referralToken=samh26&profileType=PERSONAL#/)SAM’S TOP TIPS FROM THE EPISODEWhen building a team that scales, so called 10x engineers can be toxic and not worth the risk. Check that someone is a team-player first and has the right alignment with the company, then assess on how good they are.Take risks early in life and try wearing some different hats. See what suits you and commit to big idea’s before life gets in the way.In tech it is inevitable that things will break at some point. Don’t be so sure of yourself that good processes will prevent any failures occurring. Always keep in place good monitoring to ensure you catch it early and can diagnose and roll back or fix the problem quickly.FAVOURITE BOOKSThe Lean Start Up — Eric Ries (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0670921602/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0670921602&linkId=2deaa993ab7118ded9644d62681b13f5)The book that started the whole lean movement. A standard for all cash strapped entrepreneurs. The Lean Startup is about learning what your customers really want. It’s about testing your vision continuously, adapting and adjusting before it’s too late.Four steps to epiphany — Steve Blank (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Four-Steps-Epiphany-Successful-Strategies/dp/0989200507/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25PWXZA3LW37N&keywords=four+steps+to+epiphany&qid=1580020897&s=books&sprefix=four+steps+to+%2Cstripbooks%2C467&sr=1-1)The Four Steps to the Epiphany launched the Lean Startup approach to new ventures. It was the first book to offer that startups are not smaller versions of large companies and that new ventures are different than existing ones. Startups search for business models while existing companies execute them.The book offers the practical and proven four-step Customer Development process for search and offers insight into what makes some startups successful and leaves others selling off their furniture.Start Up owners manual — Steve Blank (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0984999302/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0984999302&linkId=845a53471aace47bcaed4c642ff0e7b3)It s been called the bible for startups and the best $40 investment a startup can make (on sale at Amazon for far less)! A startup without customers is like a day without oxygen, and the Startup Owner s Manual helps founders get it right and shows you how to get, keep, and grow customers, literally every step of the way.Bill Bryson (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0035OC7VI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=samharris48-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0035OC7VI&linkId=9b345b4d56ea237214b7bfc4a27e5c60)A travel writer who creates ight-hearted yet insightful thought pieces on the world around him. A great read to understand a lot more about different cultures and what is going on across the globe all form teh comfort of your armchair.PODCASTSPLANET MONEYAn informative and often humorous insight into the world of money and the way economics shapes the world around us.50 THINGS THAT CHANGED THE MODERN ECONOMYShort 10 minute episodes on things you might never have thought of but perhaps play a huge role in your life or the modern world. Nice thought bites to listen to on the train to make you a little bit wiser.CONTACT ...
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    50 mins
  • 06: Happiness and Achievement - Edward Broadhurst

    06: Happiness and Achievement - Edward Broadhurst
    Oct 19 2017
    Edward Broadhurst is a solicitor for local government and a member of the Territorial Army.A relaxed podcast where we explore his accidental launch and sale of his business and strategies to achieve more happiness and content in our lives. Some great tips covered and an interesting break from tech.If you want to get in touch with Ed it'll have to be via me:Sam:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamsnaps/)Quora (https://www.quora.com/profile/Sam-Harris-58)Twitter (https://twitter.com/samharristweets)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends!

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    51 mins
  • 07: Make Your Passion Your Work - Travel Writing - Helena Smith

    07: Make Your Passion Your Work - Travel Writing - Helena Smith
    Nov 16 2017
    HELENA SMITH — WRITER FOR LONELY PLANET AND ROUGH GUIDES AND AUTHOR OF HACKNEY GUIDESHelena Smith is a travel writer and book author. She writes for the ‘Lonely Planet’ and ‘Rough Guides’ publications whilst exploring the world, and has self-published her own books ‘Inside Hackney’ and ‘Eat Hackney’ in which she shares her insights travelling just a few miles from her doorstep.She shares her insights into travelling and how she worked her way into a dream job being paid to follow her passions.TOP TIPS1. Pack minimallyThe less stuff you have the better your trip will be. trust me. baggage drags you down, there is more stuff to lose, more stuff to carry. more stuff to unpack and repack every stop and it literally is a huge drain on your energy and attitude to do fun stuff and ties you down. having just a tiny backpack with everything you need is the most liberating thing you can do for a good travel experience! This can also be applied as a general life strategy to keep you freer and able to take new opportunities without being so entrenched in stuff2. Want to have a job as a writer — Just start writing.Actually pretty obvious in hindsight. to get good at writing you need to do it. By showing initiative and interest in writing about travel or local insights is the only way to get started in the world of travel writing. Just self-publish on a personal blog or submit to online magazines and grow from there. You can also review things on TripAdvisor and answer questions and give advice on Quora. In this modern age also things like an Instagram wouldn’t hurt…3. Bananas are awesomeYou can do lots of healthy alternatives to things with them and keep all your vegan friends happy. And you can basically buy them anywhere in the world cheaply. So no excuses.HELENA’S BOOKSInside Hackney (http://insidehackney.com/)If you’re in London or plan to visit the inside Hackney is a great resource beyond the average guidebook or using TripAdvisor. So many cool things she’s put in the book.Eat Hackney (http://eathackney.com/)For culinary travellers, Eat Hackney is your chance to get hold of and recreate the best food available in Hackney from the comfort of your own home. I’m already keen to try the Mung-bean curry she mentions and excited to see what other gems she has inside.HELENA’S FAVOURITE BOOKSTrue History of the Kelly Gang (https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=true+history+of+the+ned&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss) by Peter CareyHer absolute favourite book. It sounds pretty interesting and as I’m about to visit Australia I’m lining it up on my next books to read.Daunt BookshopA great shop in London, it pairs travel books with novels about the country. So you can read a nice story about where you are going.SAM’S FAVOURITE TRAVEL BOOK PAIRINGS‘The Shadow of the Wind (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Wind-Cemetery-Forgotten-Books/dp/1474609880/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LC8F5WMPKP13&keywords=the+shadow+of+the+wind&qid=1580045060&s=books&sprefix=the+shadow%2Cstripbooks%2C484&sr=1-1)’ — Carlos Ruiz Zafón — Barcelona, SpainA beautiful captivating tale from early 20th century Barcelona, it’s one of my absolute favourite books also so a great read to lose yourself in.The Caesar (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conn-Iggulden-Emperor-Books-Collection/dp/B00JBAJV6E/ref=sr_1_17?crid=2J6Z5DCSEF4LQ&keywords=conn+iggulden&qid=1580045555&s=books&sprefix=conn+%2Cstripbooks%2C371&sr=1-17) —  A Series of 5 Books by Conn Iggulden — Rome, Italy, EuropeJust an epic account of the great man. All about Julius Caesar, Rome, Italy and also his conquests across Europe in general.‘Memoirs of a Geisha (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Memoirs-Geisha-Arthur-Golden/dp/0099771519/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2KKKZAVWYEOTG&keywords=geisha&qid=1580045283&s=books&sprefix=geisha%2Cstripbooks%2C365&sr=1-1)’ by Arthur Golden. — JapanA stunningly beautiful book all about the last true geisha’s of Japan that follows the story of a young girl who goes to Geisha school to try help her family in a troubled age and goes on to be a leading geisha but during a time when Japan was catching up with the modern world.It’s just a really interesting book into a crazy country and a crazy life that doesn’t really exist anymore but with many poignant life lessons about how to succeed and stay relevant in a changing world around you.‘Nothing To Envy (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nothing-Envy-Lives-North-Korea/dp/184708141X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6RNWPP9AAZMN&keywords=nothing+to+envy&qid=1580045243&s=books&sprefix=nothing+to+en%2Cstripbooks%2C490&sr=1-1)’ by Barbara Demick, North KoreaThis book blew my mind. I literally had no idea about what has been going on in North Korea and it is a truly fascinating and shocking book about the crazy world of an entire country ran in a big brother state. it follows the tale of several families and characters and the effects that politics, famine and desperation has on them and the amazing resilience...
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    58 mins
  • 08: Raising Finance and Entrepreneur Fundamentals - Nick Miller

    08: Raising Finance and Entrepreneur Fundamentals - Nick Miller
    Nov 25 2017
    Nick Miller is the CEO of Buzzhire, an on-demand staffing agency for the hospitality industry in London. Their app provides a modern solution to staffing issues and empowers users to work when they want at a price that suits them.Nick has also launched several other businesses including EatFirst and Jumia whilst working for RocketInternet.We discuss the best strategies for raising finance, creating a successful team and some amazing insights on being an entrepreneur.TOP TIPS1. Be Sensible About EquityRaising a large amount of money always seems like a good idea but ask yourself if you really need it straight away or if you can do without and retain a bigger holding and thus more control of your company. VC’s are often put off by companies where the founders don’t have a controlling share in the company.Equally, don’t be greedy and try to retain too much of your business. Selling at an inflated valuation can be damaging and limit your ability to raise further finance. So be realistic about your value and give out shares accordingly.2. Enjoy your commutePlan your living and working situation in a way that you enjoy your commute. It is one of the single biggest contributors to well being and happiness much more than most material items. So before taking on that higher paying job, ask your self will the commute make me happy, rather than will the money.3. Interview StrategyAsk Oddball questions to gauge more personality. If you think the candidate is a fit are worthwhile to spend time in the interview to make sure they really understand your business. Ensure that they have everything they need to make the decision to work for you.4. Have clear distinctions of roles for founders.CEO — to raise money and drive the visionCOO — to run the business and keep things togetherCTO — to build the techEach person should have ownership of their area and be trusted by the others that they will deliver. Of course, you need to meet regularly to be sure your all working towards the same goal. But each in their different area and then stop getting in each other’s way.5. Plan realistically — Don’t take on too muchExpect all of your plans to take twice as long and ensure to take on a minimal amount of stuff at any point in time so that you do it properly. And then you don’t get stressed out and deliver what you say will the way you want to!Give yourself time to focus on being awesome at minimal stuff instead of being poor at everything.BOOKS:Quiet Leadership: Winning Hearts, Minds and Matches  (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quiet-Leadership-Winning-Hearts-Matches/dp/0241244943/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1A1R99SRGAT7Q&keywords=quiet+leadership&qid=1580046475&s=books&sprefix=quie%2Cstripbooks%2C486&sr=1-1)— Carlo AncelottiA thoughtful insight into managing people and getting buy-in from others, it sounds like a great read and happy to add to my ever-growing list. Nick mentions a great quote._‘People don’t care how much you know, till they know how much you care.’ _

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    56 mins