Ideas Last

Welcome to Ideas Last, the podcast about turning initial sparks into big results. On today’s episode, we have Sam Zimmerman. Sam is currently CEO and co-founder of Sagewell Financial. Sam founded Sagewell because he wanted his parents and the 57,999,996 other Americans like them to feel confident about their financial futures. Confident they are saving as much money as possible. Confident they are getting everything they have earned as seniors. Confident they are safe and protected from scammers who take advantage of folks their age. Confident they are going to be able to pass as much as possible to the next generation. 

Sagewell is an institute that specializes in banking for seniors. Sam shares his journey of how he came up with the idea and has built the company to where it is today. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

• 01:42 How Sam got interested in entrepreneurship and start-ups 
• 12:19 What Sagewell Financial is and how the idea came about 
• 19:16 Building out initial financial prototypes and productions from market research 
• 23:58 Testing a new product in the market
• 41:29 Where most founders typically go wrong 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Sam says, “Pay careful attention to who your primary customers base is. Your customers are the one that guide what products you build and will make your business model function. If you get feedback from the wrong customer segment, you will build the wrong products."

CONNECT WITH SAM 

• Sagewell Financial - www.sagewellfinancial.com/ 
• Twitter - twitter.com/Ferrum_of_omega 
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/sam-zimmerman-35152a22/

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

• Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/
• Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/
• Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net
• Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl
• Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #startupfounders

Jennifer Gomez is a tech founder and public speaker from Brooklyn, NY. Throughout her professional and entrepreneurial career, she’s helped innumerable brands and startups leverage data-led strategy and creative storytelling to launch products and build authentic relationships with their consumers. 

Today, she is Co-Founder & CMO of oneKIN Inc., a mission-driven, retail-tech company powering the future of e-commerce for small businesses. From their award-winning curated e-commerce marketplace for diverse retailers to our soon-to-launch livestream shopping app, oneKIN live, they are hyper-focused on providing small businesses tech-enabled solutions to increase their visibility and grow sustainably. 

In addition to scaling oneKIN, she is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs of color, women, small businesses, and tech professionals around the country via workshops, panels, and various on/off-air speaking engagements. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

• 01:17 How oneKIN came about as a company 
• 12:42 How to get started on your entrepreneurial journey 
• 17:16 Consistently getting feedback from your customers 
• 20:54 Forming a partnership with MasterCard 
• 28:11 Where most founders typically go wrong 
• 35:40 What’s next on the horizon for Jennifer 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Jennifer says, “Most entrepreneurs think that everything has to be perfect when you launch. The first iteration of your product is not going to be perfect. And that's part of the process. The journey of those future optimizations is what's beautiful."

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER 

• oneKIN - www.onekin.co 
• Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gomez-72748224/ 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

• Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/ 
• Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/ 
• Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net 
• Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl 
• Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #startupfounders

Alisha is the co-founder and CEO of Rainstick, a clean technology company committed to cutting residential water usage in half. Rainstick is a high-flow shower system of 3GPM that saves 80% water and 80% energy through point-of-use recirculation and real-time cleansing. Alisha holds an MSc in Climate Change and Development and a Bachelor in International Business, majoring in Sustainability. In 2020, she came first place in the Communitech's Fierce Founder's Competition and is also the recipient of the Caldwell Partner's Future CEO Award, Royals Roads Leadership Award, and the TD Sustainability Award. She has spent time working, studying and living in Kenya, China, The Netherlands, the United States and Canada, where she currently lives today.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE

• 02:20 Alisha explains the circumstances leading to start of RainStick Shower
• 07:14 Alisha explains about RainStick Shower
• 08:37 Entrepreneurs need to maintain a timeframe for their progress in their entrepreneurial journey.
• 10:01 Facing the initial challenges are a part of startups
• 14:28 How to identify the market for your product
• 19:56 Feedbacks help shape the health of your startup
• 25:54 Plans ahead for RainStick Shower

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Alisha says, “Startups can be slow and challenging, however it is important to believe in your startup, build the team and constantly reiterate and update the technology as needed."

CONNECT WITH ALISHA

• RainStick Shower - www.rainstickshower.com
• Email Alisha McFetridge - alisha@rainstickshower.com
• Connect with Alisha on Instagram - Instagram.com/rainstick.shower
• Connect with Alisha on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/rainstickshower

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE

• Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/
• Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/
• Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl
• Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast!

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5

Alessandra Henderson is the Co-Founder & CEO of Elektra Health, a next-gen women’s health platform on a mission to smash the menopause taboo. Elektra empowers the 50M women in the US navigating menopause with evidence-based education, virtual care, and a supportive community. Prior to Elektra, Alessandra began her career in technology as the sixth employee at Artsy, where she built the content partner business from the ground up. From there, she went on to found and serve as Executive Director of the MIT NYC Startup Studio, and VP of Network at Human Ventures. She has been featured in leading publications including Fast Company, Forbes, Techcrunch, and more. She has also been a recipient of quite a few laurels like the Martin Trust Community Fellow Award '16 and the Patrick J. McGovern, Jr Entrepreneurship Award '16. Beyond the office, Alessandra is passionate about taboo-smashing, all things art, and supporting & elevating women. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

• 01:26 Alessandra explains the Elektra Health 
• 03:23 Symptoms of Menopause and the challenges faced by women 
• 06:07 Creating safe spaces for women to speak about their health 
• 08:24 Having personal connections to your startup serves as a driving force 
• 15:57 Entrepreneurs need to be in a constant state of evolution 
• 17:03 How to build your team and starting out 
• 23:17 Additional features of Elektra Health 
• 31:29 Investing into your team is essential
• 36:10 Plans ahead for Elektra 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Alessandra says, “Understanding and paying attention to people and the level of interest and curiosity they bring to the table helps to build the right team and culture in any startup." 

CONNECT WITH ALESSANDRA 

• Elektra Health - https://www.elektrahealth.com/ 
• Connect with Alessandra on Twitter - @acphenderson 
• Connect with Alessandra on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandrahenderson/ 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

• Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/ 
• Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/ 
• Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl 
• Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5

Leon is the Co-Founder & CEO of Bloom, the world's first self-guided therapy platform on a mission to empower 1 billion people to be their own therapists. Leon was born in Germany, taught himself design in high school, and became a product designer. He built several businesses from HR tech to Voice Technology and Mobile Apps. His company Bloom builds tools to unlock human potential. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

• 01:23 Leon explains the Bloom online therapy app 
• 07:17 The challenges and obstacles that came with launching Bloom 
• 17:13 Every entrepreneur should understand your product market 
• 19:08 How to sustain your business through challenges 
• 23:09 Innovation is the best way forward 
• 26:53 Covid has caused many positive changes 
• 28:18 The future of mental health in our society 
• 30:32 Developing different perspectives through which we look at life is key 
• 31:41 What every new entrepreneur should be prepared for 
• 35:06 How to recognize trends in the larger market and industry 
• 36:44 Plans ahead for Leon 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Leon says, “It is important to think what we as humans have always done and what can we do even better - making therapy accessible and affordable" 

CONNECT WITH LEON 

• Bloom - https://www.enjoybloom.com/ 
• Connect with Leon on Twitter - @iamleonmueller 
• Connect with Leon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonmueller/ 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

• Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/ 
• Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/ 
• Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl 
• Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #LeonMueller #MentalHealth #Bloom #Therapy

Chris Yeh is the co-author of Blitzscaling, the book that explains how to build world-changing companies like Amazon, Alibaba, and Airbnb in record time. A writer, investor, and entrepreneur, Chris has had a ringside seat in the world of startups and scaleups since 1995. His books help founders, venture capitalists, corporate leaders, policymakers, and everyday people better understand how the internet has changed the way we work together to build amazing organizations. Chris is also the founding partner of Blitzscaling Ventures, which helps rapidly growing companies in winner-take-most markets become global leaders by providing in-depth scaling advice and capital. Hundreds of companies, from garage-dwelling startups to Fortune 50 titans have tapped his knowledge and insights to accelerate and transform their businesses. Chris holds a BS/BA from Stanford University and MBA from Harvard. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

• 01:17 How Chris started off his career 
• 06:41 The value in every entrepreneur having a mentor
• 12:43 How to find the right mentor for you 
• 18:19 Advice for entrepreneurs starting out 
• 20:48 The obstacles to scaling your business 
• 23:10 How to evaluate if your solution is scalable 
• 27:16 The idea behind Blitzscaling Ventures 
• 33:09 Why is the Great Resignation occurring 
• 37:48 Great entrepreneur Chris has mentored 
• 42:09 The Ted Lasso craze 
• 48:14 Plans ahead for Chris 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Chris says, “A key nugget for entrepreneurs is that it's so important to have an orientation towards action. One of the things that holds people back is this belief that they have to get everything right before they do anything, but the most important thing is to just do stuff." 

CONNECT WITH CHRIS 

• Blitzscaling - https://www.blitzscaling.com/ 
• Website - https://chrisyeh.com 
• Connect with Chris on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisyeh/ 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L 
• If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #Danie

Yaniv Kalish is a solar energy veteran, with over 15 years of developing more than $200M valued solar projects. He is the founder & CEO of SolarKal - the largest B2B solar marketplace in the United States. SolarKal streamlines the switch to solar energy for organizations across the U.S. while saving them time, money and internal resources. With dedicated advisory services powered by the largest marketplace of over 125 vetted solar providers across the U.S., SolarKal empowers organizations to go green with ease. Yaniv is a Boston Consulting Group Alum and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School focused in Energy and Entrepreneurship. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

• 01:11 The story behind SolarKal and what it does 
• 04:25 The initial spark into entrepreneurship 
• 07:51 The steps to getting started when launching a company 
• 11:39 Should you bootstrap or raise funding? 
• 14:51 Learning what is beyond your skillset as an entrepreneur 
• 17:12 Building a strong initial team 
• 21:48 The next big thing for Yaniv 
• 27:02 Where most entrepreneurs tend to go wrong and make mistakes 
• 30:41 Advice for young entrepreneurs that are starting out 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Yaniv says, “Every entrepreneur starts off being a "jack of all trades" in the beginning. It is important to transition towards delegating and building your team as you grow so that you don't become a bottleneck to the growth." 

CONNECT WITH YANIV 

SolarKal - www.solarkal.com 

Connect with Yaniv on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanivkalish/ 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/ 

Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/ 

Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net 

Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl 

Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101 

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #Entrepreneurship #YanivKalish #SolarKal

Jason Sherman is TapRm’s Founder & CEO. TapRm is a platform for everything beer. By collapsing the supply chain, TapRm enables beer brands to sell to their consumers more directly through licensing that allows them to act as the wholesaler, retailer, delivery courier, and marketer. Prior to TapRm, Jason managed investments and acquisitions decisions into a host of beverage businesses including e-commerce, CPG, technology and logistics startups at Zx Ventures, the global incubator and venture capital team funded by Anheuser Busch InBev, the leading global brewer. Jason also holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. from Harvard in economics. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

• 01:27 The idea behind TapRm
• 05:43 Growing from the beta solution 
• 12:12 Managing the hyper growth
• 15:58 Getting investment through crowdfunding
• 21:18 Advice to startup entrepreneurs
• 26:43 Developing focus for effective problem solving

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Jason says, “The best advice I received while rapidly growing my business "Focus on a key issue that you are facing, solving that, and then move on to the next problem. Don't try to solve everything at the same time." 

CONNECT WITH JASON 

• TapRm - https://taprm.com 
• Connect with Jason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondsherman/ 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

• Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/ 
• Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/ 
• Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net 
• Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl 
• Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #JasonSherman #TapRm

Nicos Vekiarides is the Chief Executive Officer & co-founder of Attestiv. He has spent the past 20+ years in enterprise IT and cloud, as a CEO & entrepreneur, bringing innovative new technologies to market. His previous startup, TwinStrata, an innovative cloud storage company where he pioneered cloud-integrated storage for the enterprise, was acquired by EMC in 2014. Before that, he brought to market the industry’s first storage virtualization appliance for StorageApps, a company later acquired by HP. Nicos holds 6 technology patents in storage, networking and cloud technology and has published numerous articles on new technologies. Nicos is a partner at Mentors Fund, an early-stage venture fund, a mentor at Founder Institute Boston, where he coaches first-time entrepreneurs, and an advisor to several companies. Nicos holds degrees from MIT and Carnegie Mellon University. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

• 01:20 The idea spark that created Attestiv to address the problem of fake information 
• 05:31 Entering into the insurance market 
• 10:36 Creating the beta version for Attestiv 
• 14:33 Finding the right talent for your team 
• 17:45 The differentiating factor in the journey of Attestiv
• 20:33 The road ahead for startups 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Nicos says, “Passion is what drives the entrepreneur, but it's also what can push them off a cliff as well. You can become too passionate about the product and forget that you're supposed to be building a business." 

CONNECT WITH NICOS 

• Attestiv Inc - https://attestiv.com 
• Connect with Nicos on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicos-vekiarides-4574723/ 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

• Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/ 
• Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/ 
• Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net 
• Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl 
• Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #NicosVekiarides #Attestiv

James Herbert is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Hastee, the financial wellbeing benefit that helps employers get the best from their workers and workers get the most from their money. James set up his first business, Brightsparks, while studying Economics at Durham University. Connecting students with work opportunities through Brightsparks, James was inspired to find a fairer way for people to access their pay so they don’t have to miss out on life’s opportunities or get into debt when unexpected bills pop up. Hastee was founded in 2017 in an attempt to reduce financial stress and empower individuals. He figured out a way to use technology to distribute money to workers in real time so they wouldn't have to wait for a paycheck. What he didn’t realize was how much effort it would take to educate people that this was possible and important. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 

• 01:25 How James started Hastee as a financial support 
• 05:23 Managing workforces in the service and hospitality industry 
• 18:48 Pivoting through different business models 
• 22:49 Using data and feedback to develop insights into the business 
• 32:27 Brainstorming product development 
• 34:15 Building a dream team for your company 

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

James says, “One of the hardest things to do as a growing startup is maintaining balance. The best decision-making is usually done with the lens of opportunity cost." 

CONNECT WITH JAMES 

• Hastee - https://www.hastee.com 
• Connect with James on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbertjames/ 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 

• Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/ 
• Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/ 
• Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net 
• Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl 
• Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101 
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L 

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ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 #IdeasLast 

#DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #JamesHerbert #Hastee