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NAKED by The Future Farm

NAKED by The Future Farm

By The Future Farm

Starting your own business is thrilling. The adventure, the purpose, the ambition, the money, the recognition. But what personal truths are exposed when you start to peel back the layers?

Join The Future Farm's Vladi and Nektarios, in a “naked” conversation with the people who have been through it all. We’ll talk to business founders, investors, life partners and other ecosystem players about the personal challenges that business builders face when pursuing their dreams and passions.

Don’t forget to subscribe and rate NAKED. For more information, visit thefuturefarm.co
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S2: Teaser

NAKED by The Future FarmJan 06, 2021

00:00
03:04
NAKED Podcast Ep 80. Emma Obanye On The Ugly Reality of Exiting a Startup

NAKED Podcast Ep 80. Emma Obanye On The Ugly Reality of Exiting a Startup

In this NAKED podcast episode, our hosts Nektarios, Vladimira, and our guest, Emma, explore the complex emotions and challenges that came up for her after exiting a startup. 


They discuss the importance of addressing unresolved issues from the past, understanding one’s motivations for success, and the role of mental health and self-awareness in navigating post-exit life.


Specific topics covered in the episode include:

  • The unexpected emotional impact and identity crisis following a startup exit.

  • The journey of self-discovery and the importance of reconnecting with personal values, friends, and interests.

  • Strategies and toolkits for rebuilding oneself and integrating self-care and wellness practices into daily life.

  • The significance of acknowledging and addressing mental health struggles that may arise after significant life changes.

  • Reflecting on the entrepreneurial experience and its lessons for personal growth and future endeavors.

Join Nektarios, Vladimira, and Emma as they discuss navigating the aftermath of a startup exit, the path to personal recovery, and the strategies for building a fulfilling life beyond entrepreneurship.

Mar 27, 202401:04:17
NAKED Podcast Ep 79. Lottie Unwin On Breaking Down and Integrating Wellbeing into The Founder Life

NAKED Podcast Ep 79. Lottie Unwin On Breaking Down and Integrating Wellbeing into The Founder Life

In this NAKED podcast episode, our hosts Nektarios, Vladimira, and our guest, Lottie, discuss her breakdown and how it took her by surprise. 


They discuss learning to look out for signals, the importance of introspection and self-awareness and how to get better by integrating wellbeing into one’s life. 


Specific topics covered in the episode include:

  • What does the experience of a breakdown look like?

  • Understanding one’s own needs and starting with small steps to meet those needs.

  • Integrating routines into a busy life and making them non-negotiable.

  • The importance of sleep and exercise 

  • Planning for when you sense it might be happening again

  • The role of a sharing with people for support and accountability

Join Vladimira, Nektarios, and Lottie as they discuss breakdowns, strategies for getting better and integrating wellbeing into the demands of a founder’s life.


#NAKEDPodcast #foundershealth #mentalhealth #empowerment #podcast #entrepreneurship

Feb 28, 202401:09:30
NAKED Podcast Ep 78. Eia Uus on Navigating Neurodiversity & Depression as an Entrepreneur

NAKED Podcast Ep 78. Eia Uus on Navigating Neurodiversity & Depression as an Entrepreneur

In this NAKED podcast episode, our hosts Nektarios, Vladimira, and our guest, Eia, discuss neurodiversity, coping with depression and trauma, and the importance of vulnerability and ongoing growth.


They also discuss tactics for communicating diagnoses of neurodiversity and navigating societal perceptions while operating in a team or co-founding relationship.


Through Eia's experiences and insights, they offer advice for individuals starting their mental health journeys while working in the entrepreneurial space. Specific topics covered in the episode include:

• Neurodiversity and its impact on individuals' lives

• Coping with depression, suicidal ideation, and trauma

• Seeking the right kind of support and being open to new experiences

• The importance of vulnerability and the ongoing process of learning and growth

• Communicating diagnoses of neurodiversity, such as ADHD and autism, with the outside world

• Navigating societal perceptions and self-acceptance of neurodiversity traits

• Strategies for operating in a team or co-founding relationship while being aware of one's mental health needs and neurodiversity traits In addition, they discuss the following questions:

1. How do individuals communicate their diagnoses of neurodiversity, such as ADHD and autism, with the outside world, especially in the context of leadership roles and team dynamics?

2. What are the challenges and strategies for operating in a team or co-founding relationship while being aware of one's mental health needs and neurodiversity traits?

3. What are the experiences of individuals who have been diagnosed with conditions like ADHD and autism, and how do they navigate societal perceptions and self-acceptance?

4. How can individuals use creativity as a tool for self-exploration and personal growth in the context of entrepreneurship?

Join Vladimira, Nektarios, and Eia as they discuss neurodiversity (including ADHD & Autism), coping with depression, trauma, and the challenges of leadership and team dynamics in entrepreneurial settings. #NAKEDPodcast #foundershealth #mentalhealth #empowerment #podcast #entrepreneurship


Jan 18, 202401:05:36
NAKED Podcast Ep 77. Hardi Poder on Entrepreneurial Challenges, Reflections, and Ayahuasca

NAKED Podcast Ep 77. Hardi Poder on Entrepreneurial Challenges, Reflections, and Ayahuasca

In this NAKED podcast episode, serial entrepreneur Hardi shares with us how he would start a company and struggled two years in, each stage spurred by difficulties due to a reluctance to face responsibilities.

The conversation unfolds to reveal Hardi's pivotal moment when burnout, both physically and mentally, led to both his body and his relationships collapsing.

His way to deal with this was to avoid addressing the underlying issues and to numb himself with substances. Vladimira and Nektarios enquire about the signs Hardi ignored, the impact of his behaviour on his team, and his exploration of psychedelic-assisted therapy to comprehend childhood traumas influencing his behaviour.

Specific topics covered in the episode include:

• Starting companies and then leaving them

• Patterns and avoidance of responsibilities

• Experience of burnout

• Coping mechanisms during burnout

• Impact on relationships and team dynamics

• Seeking help through mentorship and coaching

• Exploration of psychedelic-assisted therapy


In addition, they discuss the following questions:

1. What signs of burnout did Hardi recognize as an entrepreneur, and how did they affect him?

2. How did burnout impact his personal and professional relationships?

3. How would he define burnout, and how did it manifest for him?

4. Why did he follow a pattern of leaving businesses and avoiding responsibilities?

5. How was his journey seeking help through mentorship?

6. How did psychedelic-assisted therapy contribute to his personal growth?

7. In what ways did childhood traumas influence his adult behaviours as an entrepreneur and person?


Join Vladimira, Nektarios, and Hardi as they delve into the complexities of entrepreneurship,burnout, and self-discovery in this NAKED podcast episode.


#NAKEDPodcast #foundershealth #mentalhealth #empowerment #podcast #entrepreneurship

Dec 22, 202301:10:22
NAKED Podcast Episode 76. Juliette Devillard On Suicidal Ideation Among Entrepreneurs

NAKED Podcast Episode 76. Juliette Devillard On Suicidal Ideation Among Entrepreneurs

*Please be advised that this episode contains content related to suicide.* Suicidal ideation among entrepreneurs: let’s talk about it. In this episode, Vladimira and Nektarios engage in a conversation with their guest, Juliette Devillard, delving into her personal experience with suicidal ideation. The discussion explores common challenges faced by entrepreneurs, such as impostor syndrome, fear of failure, and the constant rejection inherent in startup life.


Juliette shares the steps that helped her navigate these struggles, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and prioritizing mental health. Michael Freeman's insights on mental health being like a sport, requiring practice for improvement, add depth to the conversation. Juliette's wellbeing management strategies, including a checklist for signals and the Beyond Resilience initiative, contribute to her journey toward healing and resilience. Specific topics covered in the episode include: • Juliette's personal experience with suicidal ideation. • The gradual buildup of thoughts and patterns leading to dark moments. • Common challenges faced by entrepreneurs: impostor syndrome, fear of failure, and constant rejection. • Recognizing and prioritizing mental health in the entrepreneurial journey. • Insights from Michael Freeman on treating mental health like a sport. • Juliette's strategies for managing her wellbeing, including a checklist for signals. • Beyond Resilience initiative: Bringing learnings and techniques to the entrepreneurial world. In addition, they discuss the following questions: 1. What were the contributing factors that led to Juliette's suicidal thoughts? 2. How did she recognize the need to prioritize getting better? 3. What small and big steps did Juliette take to navigate her struggles? 4. How does Michael Freeman's perspective on mental health resonate with Juliette's journey? 5. What strategies does Juliette employ to manage her wellbeing and look for signals? 6. How has her experience led to the creation of the Beyond Resilience initiative? Join them in this conversation as they delve into the topic of mental health in entrepreneurship, featuring Juliette Devillard's journey from suicidal ideation to resilience, offering essential insights for prioritizing well-being in the startup landscape. #NAKEDPodcast #foundershealth #mentalhealth #empowerment #podcast #entrepreneurship

Nov 16, 202301:16:33
NAKED Podcast Ep 75. Vladimira & Nektarios On Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics & Thriving Under Stress

NAKED Podcast Ep 75. Vladimira & Nektarios On Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics & Thriving Under Stress

In this episode of the NAKED Podcast, Vladimira and Nektarios focus on co-founder dynamics through the lens of stress research and therapeutic practices. They explore a powerful conflict resolution tool known as "constellations" and emphasize the importance of communication among co-founders. The conversation extends to the impact of stress on entrepreneurs, drawing insights from Dr. Ute Stephan's mental health research specifically on entrepreneurs. The episode also sheds light on the paradox of finding fulfilment amidst entrepreneurial stress and addresses the challenges of social isolation, particularly for solo founders. Specific topics covered in this episode include:

• Co-founder dynamics and unity.

• The constellations exercise for conflict resolution.

• Communication within co-founder teams.

• The impact of stress on entrepreneurs.

• Dr. Ute Stephan's research on mental health.

• The relationship between fulfilment and stress in entrepreneurship.

• Loneliness and social isolation among founders.

• Supportive community building.

In addition, they discuss the following questions: • How can co-founders strengthen their unity?

• What is the constellations exercise, and how does it work?

• What are the implications of stress for entrepreneurs?

• How does Dr. Ute Stephan's research relate to personal entrepreneurship experiences?

• Can entrepreneurs be both fulfilled and stressed simultaneously?

• What challenges do solo founders face in terms of loneliness/isolation?

• How can founders build a supportive community for themselves? Join them in this conversation as they delve into conflict resolution, co-founder dynamics, and the impact of entrepreneurship on mental health.

#NAKEDPodcast #foundershealth #mentalhealth #empowerment #podcast #entrepreneurship

Oct 27, 202334:12
NAKED Podcast Ep 74. Ute Stephan on Research on Entrepreneurs’ Mental Health

NAKED Podcast Ep 74. Ute Stephan on Research on Entrepreneurs’ Mental Health

In this episode of the NAKED Podcast, Vladimira and Nektarios are joined by Ute Stephan, Professor of Entrepreneurship at King's Business School, King's College London, and a renowned expert in the Psychology of Entrepreneurship. Together, they explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, well-being, and societal impact. Specific topics covered in this episode include:

• Setting realistic goals when working with social issues within the bounds of your enterprise

• Overcoming challenges when hitting rock bottom

• The need for support and resources for entrepreneurs in established and emerging economies

• The importance of motivation and inspiration

• How can entrepreneurs address mental health in their businesses and support their employees' well-being?

• What are some specific resources and support systems that can be put in place to help entrepreneurs in emerging vs. developed economies? Join them in this conversation as they explore entrepreneurship, well-being, and social impact.

#NAKEDPodcast #foundershealth #mentalhealth #empowerment #podcast #entrepreneurship

Oct 13, 202359:22
NAKED Podcast Ep 73. Vladimira and Nektarios on navigating power dynamics & conquering entrepreneurial fears

NAKED Podcast Ep 73. Vladimira and Nektarios on navigating power dynamics & conquering entrepreneurial fears

In this candid NAKED episode, Vladimira and Nektarios are back to dive into the world of entrepreneurship. Explore the challenges of fear, uncertainty, and power dynamics with investors as they share personal experiences.


Over the past 3+ years, they've gained valuable insights into the entrepreneurial and investment landscape.


Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • Overcoming fear
  • The intricacies of working with external partners
  • The art of maintaining structure amidst chaos
  • Navigating the rollercoaster of personal growth
  • Understanding power dynamics with investors
  • Delving into the underlying causes of trauma


In addition, they discuss the following questions:

  • How do you conquer your fears as an entrepreneur?
  • What strategies can you employ when working with external partners?
  • How can you maintain order and structure amid entrepreneurial challenges?
  • What insights can you share about personal growth on your entrepreneurial journey?
  • What are the key aspects to consider in power dynamics with investors?
  • How can understanding trauma and its causes benefit entrepreneurs in their pursuit of success?


Join them for this conversation as they uncover essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey and offer valuable strategies for your journey.

Sep 22, 202343:46
Ep 72. On the power of speaking up

Ep 72. On the power of speaking up

Vladi and Nektarios are back together for the first Naked episode of a new year. They discuss a topic that they have touched upon previously: the power of speaking up and feeling empowered to call out someone’s bad behaviour, something that is often difficult to do in a business situation. Vladi shares a recent story of when she felt empowered to speak up on behalf of her business and her colleagues. She also talks about managing the conflict in the aftermath and how they dealt with it as a team. They talked about how it impacted individuals and the bigger topics that arise from an experience like this: what do you go through as an entrepreneur, what is okay and not okay, and what is the role of investors?

Jan 04, 202333:30
Ep 71. On reflection, gratitude and looking ahead

Ep 71. On reflection, gratitude and looking ahead

As we come to the end of another year, Vladi and Nektarios pause and look back on the past 12 months. They talk about how things have changed, particularly in relation to how their respective fintech businesses now occupy most of their time, but that it’s important to remember to take time off and remember that your personal wellbeing matters. We hope you enjoy reflecting on a number of the topics that we’ve covered on the Naked podcast this year, including: imposter syndrome; co-founder conflict; investors and the role they play; neurodiversity; self-awareness; identity, and many more.

Show notes

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts).

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

Follow The Future Farm on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

Dec 14, 202229:32
Ep 70. On self-esteem and ignoring signals with Chris Howard

Ep 70. On self-esteem and ignoring signals with Chris Howard

“My escape was to try and be good at things, for no other reasons than for people to like me… I was seeking validation.” Our next podcast guest is Chris Howard, a reluctant founder and somebody who prefers the term ‘creator’. Chris joins us to talk about how he started building a business to fix things in his life and to seek validation from others. As his marriage fell apart, he started to behave in ways that he now finds troubling, and was ultimately asked to leave the company by his co-founder and board.

Chris talks about the signals he ignored; the difference between self-esteem and confidence; and where to look for help to start looking for the more deeply rooted causes that affect our self-esteem. He talks about how he has become academically obsessed with understanding trauma.

We discuss the following:

  • What does it take for somebody to be kicked out of the business they created?
  • How do you feel when you’re being described as a wrecking ball?
  • Self-esteem and confidence;
  • Signals are there for a reason and how can we recognise and acknowledge them?

Show notes

Connect with Chris: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Web

Resources

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Follow The Future Farm on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

Dec 07, 202201:04:14
Ep 69. On choice, identity and compromise
Nov 23, 202232:53
Ep 68. On authenticity, compromise and choice with Nemo D’Qrill

Ep 68. On authenticity, compromise and choice with Nemo D’Qrill

“Entrepreneurship has definitely been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, forget about the army.” Imagine you show up to a meeting and you can sense that people don’t know what to do with you. Imagine you go for a job interview and you hear “you’re not what we are looking for”.

These experiences open up a lot of questions and our podcast guest, Nemo D’Qrill, has started a business to address them from their own experience. The conversation revolves around the subject of authenticity and the compromises we have to make when one is different, where one doesn’t meet the expectations of their audience. For Nemo, it’s all about looking at their options and recommitting to the cause. Or not, if it no longer feels right.

We discuss the following questions:

  • What does it mean when you are raising money and you have to make a choice on how you show up?
  • How do you deal with that constant conflict between authenticity and the reality of the environment you operate in?
Nov 09, 202259:51
Ep 67. On ‘otherness’, identity and belonging

Ep 67. On ‘otherness’, identity and belonging

Vladi and Nektarios reconnect and share what’s been happening in their working and personal lives over the past few weeks. Nektarios talks about bumping into several former colleagues at an industry conference, hearing from people that appreciate what you do, and feeling overwhelmed by some of the corporate world. They then switch conversation to discuss some of the recent global news and the impact it has on them. Vladi shares more about where her space in the conversation is, how she shows up for herself, and using her voice. They talk about ‘otherness’, identity and belonging, as well as the support systems that people have in place where they can authentically talk about a shared experience.

Oct 19, 202230:53
Ep 66. The dynamic between entrepreneurs & investors, and the impact on mental health

Ep 66. The dynamic between entrepreneurs & investors, and the impact on mental health

In our first LinkedIn Live episode of NAKED, Vladi and Nektarios discuss the dynamic between entrepreneurs and investors, and the impact that relationship can have on an entrepreneur's mental health. Continuing the investor conversation they started a few weeks ago, they start by sharing their own personal experiences; as they are both currently in the middle of fundraising for their respective fintech ventures.  

They talk about the beginning of the entrepreneurial journey. Impostor syndrome, loneliness, co-founder conflict and questions around identity all come into play during the fundraising process. How does this process really impact the individual? How difficult is it to find investors that care and understand about the entrepreneurial pains?

Over the last couple of years, we've seen investors starting to question and redefine their own weaknesses and recognise that healthier founders increase the chances of the success for the business they've invested in. Vladi and Nektarios discuss:

  • What can investors do to support entrepreneurs? 
  • How much should investors care? 
  • How does this blur the lines between being supportive and interfering?
Sep 21, 202245:27
Ep 65. The role of investors on the wellbeing of entrepreneurs, with Lisa Mikkelsen

Ep 65. The role of investors on the wellbeing of entrepreneurs, with Lisa Mikkelsen

We started the NAKED podcast because we wanted to draw attention to the subject of mental wellbeing for entrepreneurs and to share authentic, real stories of founders who ‘have been there’. At the same time, we must acknowledge that the reasons why entrepreneurs experience mental health challenges are still largely unaddressed.

  • Is it all about startup life just being harder than a normal job?
  • Who is contributing to this?
  • What are they doing about it? Are they even aware?

Continuing our conversations with investors, in this episode we are talking to Lisa Mikkelsen, Head of Global Human Capital at Flourish Ventures. Lisa shares how the Fund’s partners lead by example: honesty and vulnerability are key. They start early by trying to understand the leadership team of a business they invest in. Building a relationship of trust is paramount.

We discuss the following questions:

  • How do you manage the delicate balance between investors and startup?
  • What is the power dynamic there?
  • How do more junior team members of the Fund come into this with the right mindset?
  • What support do the heads of people at VCs need?
Aug 17, 202201:03:42
Ep 64. On the investor experience and its impact on entrepreneurial mental health
Aug 10, 202229:23
Ep 63. On conflict and how to deal with it

Ep 63. On conflict and how to deal with it

This week Vladi and Nektarios discuss a topic we’ve talked about a few times on NAKED - co-founder conflict. They talk about the constant work that is required and their relationships with their co-founders. How do you manage yourself after a conflict - whether you’re directly involved or a mediator? How do you find the energy to continue with everyday business activities amid the conflict? And they discuss the importance of reflecting on the triggers - and what their own triggers are - that led to the conflict, in order to move on.

Jul 27, 202233:24
Ep 62. On identity, sexuality and acceptance

Ep 62. On identity, sexuality and acceptance

Vladi and Nektarios reflect on their past conversation with Dame Kelly Holmes after she came out as gay at the age of 52. Nektarios shares his views on how this news impacted him, as well as Pride month and sexuality. They discuss why it still matters when people with a public profile come out as gay - it should be a part of reality for everybody. The work is far from being done. This leads the conversation to focus on identity; and acknowledging that one of the reasons people like to talk about identity is the need to create more relatable stories.

Jun 29, 202236:04
Ep 61: On physical health, mental health and doing things differently this time around, with Drew Graham

Ep 61: On physical health, mental health and doing things differently this time around, with Drew Graham

This week’s guest is no stranger to The Future Farm, and you may have heard his name pop up from time to time in conversation with Nektarios. That’s because Drew Graham is Nektarios’ co-founder. He is also a serial business builder. He joins NAKED to talk about his entrepreneurial life, how he put that on hold and joined a bank, largely because his health was deteriorating.

Drew is incredibly vulnerable and open about the challenges he’s faced and how he continued to build businesses, all while ignoring the signals that were telling him his physical and mental health was in decline. It was only after his fourth startup in a row did he realise how broken he was. That’s when he walked away. We talk about the guilt and the shame one feels when you can no longer perform, when you have a responsibility towards your investors, your co-founders, your clients… that keeps you in the business. How you feel you have no choice but to go on, until the decision to stop is no longer yours.

Having two co-founders present, Vladi used this opportunity to talk more about Drew and Nektarios’ experiences in building a new business together and the impact it has had on their respective mental health. You’ll hear more about what they’re trying to do differently to ensure that each individual has their needs respected.

Specific topics covered in this episode:

  • Guilt and shame when you feel you can no longer perform;
  • Recognising the signals of deteriorating mental and physical health;
  • The role of therapy in recognising behaviours and effecting change;
  • Co-founder dynamics, permission, communication and doing things differently.

In addition, we discuss the following questions:

  • How do you know when it’s the right time to walk away to protect your physical and mental health?
  • How do you create a working environment that gives permission to take time out when things are bad without guilt or shame?
  • What mechanisms or tools are helpful in recognising behaviours and making positive changes?
Jun 15, 202201:04:24
Ep 60. On self-awareness, neurodiversity and the effects of ‘labels’
Jun 08, 202228:41
Ep 59: On the impact of ADHD on an entrepreneur’s life, with Sam Handfield-Jones

Ep 59: On the impact of ADHD on an entrepreneur’s life, with Sam Handfield-Jones

We continue our conversations with neurodivergent entrepreneurs by welcoming Sam Handfield-Jones to NAKED. Sam is an angel investor, builder of things, advocate, and passionate about sharing his experiences of living and working with ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. We talk to Sam about creating safe and inclusive work environments for individuals with ADHD, his own entrepreneurial journey, and the impact ADHD has on his life - positively and in the challenges he’s faced.

Sam is an incredibly positive person, and what is impressive is his openness to share how ADHD manifests in his daily life; how it affected him while building a business; and the vulnerable conversations he has had with his team. He’s not afraid to talk about the difficult moments - loneliness, fear, isolation - all in an effort to help people better understand what living with ADHD means.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and the impact of an entrepreneur’s life;
  • Living with ADHD, the positives and the challenging;
  • Fears including the fear of death and the pointlessness of life;
  • The role of therapy in healing.

In addition, we discuss the following questions:

  • How do you create an inclusive work environment for people with ADHD?
  • How do you talk to people who might not understand?
  • Who do you turn to for support and help?
  • What is the interplay between neurodiversity and entrepreneurship?

Show notes

Connect with Sam: LinkedIn

Resources

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast


May 25, 202201:00:39
Ep 58: ADD is my superpower, with Nick Cavuoto

Ep 58: ADD is my superpower, with Nick Cavuoto

For the first episode in our series of conversations with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, Nick Cavuoto joins NAKED. Nick is a serial entrepreneur who discovered late in life that he has ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder. We talk to Nick about living with ADD and how it translates into his entrepreneurial life. What does he mean when he describes it as his  ‘superpower’?

Nick has been on a rollercoaster over the last few years. He’s experienced incredible highs, and really low lows, including losing $1million overnight, and having clients walk away during the pandemic. Nick very candidly shares how he hit his lowest point when he was about to lose his wife and family, accepting that he was the problem and that he needed help. Nick talks about the help he received from therapy, where he started to understand his behaviours. Add to this his deep spirituality and faith, Nick was able to  get himself to a better place.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • Attention Deficit Disorder and the impact of an entrepreneur’s life;
  • Why ADD isn’t a negative but a superpower;
  • The role of therapy in understanding behaviours, traits and your relationship with your environment;
  • Spirituality and faith in healing.

In addition, we discuss the following questions:

  • How do you deal with your business almost failing overnight?
  • How do you recognise when the time has come to seek help?
  • What is the interplay between neurodiversity and entrepreneurship?

Show notes

Connect with Nick: LinkedIn | Website | Twitter

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

Sign up for The Future Farm’s monthly newsletter (Pit-Stop) at https://www.thefuturefarm.co/newsletter

Follow The Future Farm on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

Apr 27, 202249:10
Ep 57. On introvert and extrovert energy in entrepreneurship

Ep 57. On introvert and extrovert energy in entrepreneurship

Vladi and Nektarios are back together after a few weeks away. They reflect on their last NAKED conversation about grief, their current energy levels and recognising behaviours that have an impact on their mental health. Much of the conversation is centred around introverts and extroverts' energy, and how it shows up in entrepreneurs, in anticipation of some upcoming episodes that explore the topic more. They also talk about how they identify themselves and where they might be on the introvert - extrovert spectrum. Stay tuned for more conversation, resources and reading materials on introvert and extrovert personalities in relation to entrepreneurship.

If you have a story to share on the topic, we’d love to hear from you.

Show notes

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts).

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

Sign up for The Future Farm’s monthly newsletter (Pit-Stop) at https://www.thefuturefarm.co/newsletter

Follow The Future Farm on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

Apr 21, 202231:40
Ep 56: On identity, belonging and the corporate to entrepreneur journey, with Andra Sonea

Ep 56: On identity, belonging and the corporate to entrepreneur journey, with Andra Sonea

Andra Sonea is an entrepreneur and currently a Research Fellow with the Oxford Future of Finance and Technology Initiative. She joins the NAKED podcast to talk about the obstacles she faced when she made the leap from a successful corporate career into the world of entrepreneurship. We also talk about imposter syndrome, the sense of belonging and the importance of identity. Andra talks about the immigration process, the challenges this posed, and how it has left an impact on her and her mental health. She talks about having a positive mindset and looks for ways to restore herself emotionally.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • Impact of immigration on mental health and how experiences can shape you;
  • Imposter syndrome and a sense of belonging;
  • Identity and giving yourself permission to explore who you are.

Show notes

Connect with Andra: Twitter | LinkedIn | Saïd Business School

Resources:

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If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

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Apr 14, 202254:55
Ep 55. On masculinity, the effects of patriarchy and how it affects men’s mental health with Jamie Clements

Ep 55. On masculinity, the effects of patriarchy and how it affects men’s mental health with Jamie Clements

Jamie Clements is the founder of the successful podcast Man Down which explores the subject of masculinity and vulnerability. As an entrepreneur and a man who has experienced his own mental health struggles, Jamie Clements discusses with our host Nektarios Liolios how men’s mental health is a complex subject and cannot be seen in isolation but within the wider context of a patriarchal system.

They discuss how, especially looking at business builders, there is an expectation on men having to be successful, resilient and financially savvy - an expectation that makes it difficult for men to acknowledge let alone open up to others about the difficulties of the entrepreneurial life and the mental health challenges that come with it.

This NAKED conversation will allow you to reflect on how society pressures men and how it affects their capabilities to express their feelings, build relationships and seek help.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • Patriarchy:
  • Men’s Mental Health
  • Learning how to open up, communicate struggles and mental health issues.

#ManDown #TheBreathSpace

Show notes

Connect with Jamie: LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | The Breath Space | Twitter

Resources:

How can you support the podcast?

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If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

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Mar 30, 202226:11
Ep 54. “You’re not special, and that’s OK (& your business wasn’t that great anyway)” with Dr. Michael Freeman

Ep 54. “You’re not special, and that’s OK (& your business wasn’t that great anyway)” with Dr. Michael Freeman

Dr. Michael Freeman is the author of one of the only studies on the relationship between entrepreneurship and mental and emotional health. As a psychiatrist, psychologist, researcher and importantly, an entrepreneur himself, he brings authenticity and credibility to the conversation on entrepreneurial wellbeing. These are just some of the reasons why we invited him back to the NAKED podcast, this time to talk about the relationship between grief and entrepreneurs, how personal identity can be wrapped up in your business’ identity, and how they cope during difficult periods.

This conversation follows on from episode 51, where Vladi and Nektarios discussed the topic of grief and the experience of loss, whether that be a personal loss, a business loss or supporting a loved one through their grief.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • Grief and loss;
  • Processing grief and managing emotions;
  • Entrepreneurial learning process to deal with grief & positive coping strategies.

Show notes

Connect with Micahel: LinkedIn | Website

Resources:

How can you support the podcast?

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Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

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If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

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Mar 24, 202201:09:31
Ep 53. On dismantling toxic workplaces and getting better work life integration, with Bjorn Lee

Ep 53. On dismantling toxic workplaces and getting better work life integration, with Bjorn Lee

Bjorn Lee is a serial entrepreneur who successfully exited his previous business and founded MindFi, a mental wellbeing platform for modern workplaces. Bjorn joined the NAKED podcast as part of Audacity’s Permacolony week in Singapore, to share his entrepreneurial journey. He talks about how his friends had to stage an intervention to physically remove him from his toxic, unhealthy life, because he couldn’t see a way out, and learning to recognise compulsive behaviours. Bjorn also discusses the practices that he has found that work for, including journaling and therapy, and the importance of friends.

Towards the end of this episode, you’ll also hear insights and questions from the participants of the Audacity Permacolony week.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • Toxic, compulsive behaviours and an unhealthy lifestyle;
  • Recognising signals;
  • The role of friends as the ‘canaries in the coalmine’;
  • Journaling and finding ways to reflect.

In addition, we discuss the following questions:

  • At what point does fighting for your company’s life start feeling like fighting for your own?
  • How do you recognise the signs and signals?

Show notes

Connect with Bjorn: LinkedIn

Connect with MindFi: Twitter | Instagram

Find out more about Audacity World: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

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Mar 16, 202201:23:14
Ep 52. On conflicting emotions, acceptance and recognising moments to pause

Ep 52. On conflicting emotions, acceptance and recognising moments to pause

In this week’s episode Vladi and Nektarios talk about grief, health and conflicting emotions, amidst the current state of the world. They discuss how to deal with a situation and having a platform and a voice, as well as whether there is a line between business as usual, and an awareness of what is happening. Vladi shares more on radical acceptance, after listening to a podcast with Tara Brach (find the link in the resources), and allowing yourself to connect with deep emotions. They also talk about this in the context of entrepreneurship, and recognising the moments to pause and reflect. Compassion and being kind to yourself are the key things.

Show notes

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

Listening materials:

How can you support the podcast?

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Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts).

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

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Mar 10, 202230:34
Ep 51. On grief and experiencing loss

Ep 51. On grief and experiencing loss

*TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware that this episode covers the topic of grief and loss, which some listeners may find triggering. For more information and support, there are a number of services available via Healthline.

This week Vladi and Nektarios dedicate the episode to the topic of grief and the experience of loss, whether that be a personal loss, a business loss or supporting a loved one through their grief. They talk about the grief and loss they are currently coping with, and reflect on how they are managing their emotions. They also talk about how entrepreneurs deal with grief, because of the loss of a business or transitioning to the next opportunity. Psychiatrist, entrepreneurship researcher and friend of the podcast, Dr. Michael Freeman has studied this topic and will be joining us to discuss his perspective on NAKED in the coming weeks.

Show notes

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts).

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

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Mar 03, 202242:10
Ep 50. On encountering sexism and racism at every turn, with Anu Shultes

Ep 50. On encountering sexism and racism at every turn, with Anu Shultes

Anu Shultes is the CEO and Founder of Ahead Financials, a digital banking and financial health platform. She is an entrepreneur and Forbes 50 over 50 honoree. She started her career as an engineer in India, before moving to the United States. While she felt welcomed at college in the U.S., upon entering the ‘real world’, she started to face discrimination. This is just the beginning of Anu’s story.

Anu’s career is the red thread of all the ups and downs that many people experience. Anu touches on, how as a woman and an immigrant, she felt that she had to earn her place at the table; juggling the responsibilities of a working mother; what it means to be a woman of colour in business; how her battle with cancer gave her new perspective; and how her story has impacted her mental health. Stay tuned for more from Anu.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • Resilience and acceptance;
  • Sexism, ageism and racism;
  • Faith and deep values-driven belief.


Connect with Anu: LinkedIn

Reading materials:

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

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Feb 23, 202254:41
Ep 49. On mindfulness for the Arab world with Shahira Hemeda

Ep 49. On mindfulness for the Arab world with Shahira Hemeda

Shahira Hemeda is the founder of NŪR, a platform dedicated to mindfulness for the Arab world. It’s mission is to allow you to discover, understand and benefit from the healing process of meditation. But Shahira hasn’t always been an entrepreneur. She had a successful media and advertising career, before experiencing a massive shift in her own wellness and mental health. She was compelled to share her experience with friends and family, but was soon met with confusion and a lack of online support for mental health in the MENA region.

Shahira set out to navigate the lonely struggles of mental health and the toll it can take on the entire family. This motivated her to take on the mission to offer easily accessible tools and mental health support. She joins NAKED to talk about her personal mental health story, her journey to creating NŪR, and mindfulness in the Arab world.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • The lack of mental health support in the Arab world;
  • Multi-generational experiences of mental health;
  • The benefits of self-healing practices and meditation.

Show notes

Connect with Shahira: LinkedIn

For more about NŪR: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Download NŪR on the App Store and Google Play

Reading materials:



Feb 16, 202255:49
Ep 48. On the corporate world, lack of support systems & the funding journey

Ep 48. On the corporate world, lack of support systems & the funding journey

Vladi and Nektarios catch-up to discuss the episode with Lucy Cooper, how she expressed her emotions and experiences, and support systems available to those outside of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Nektarios shares more about his own corporate roles, his mental health and the lack of support systems available. Now that mental health is more openly discussed, is there more support in place?

They also talk about the fundraising journeys they’re currently going through, the challenges they’re facing and how to manage the emotions around the process - rejection on a business level is not the same as rejection on a personal level. They revisit a message from a previous Naked podcast conversation on investors seeing entrepreneurs as people. Entrepreneurs are human too.

Show notes

Who supports mental health in the corporate world?

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts).

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

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Feb 09, 202235:29
Ep 47: On intrapreneurship & not compromising mental health in the corporate jungle, with Lucy Cooper

Ep 47: On intrapreneurship & not compromising mental health in the corporate jungle, with Lucy Cooper

Lucy Cooper has been an entrepreneur, an investor, and is now an intrapreneur within a large corporation, in her role as Head of Innovation Europe at Accenture. Lucy represents a role that faces similar challenges to a ‘traditional founder’, particularly when it comes to mental health. Lucy’s mental health was triggered by a Covid-19 infection in December 2020, but in reality, her mental health struggles go back much further.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • Anxiety, depression and insomnia;
  • How early life experiences should be recognised as trauma;
  • The role of therapy and the importance of vocalising feelings.

In addition, we discuss the following questions:

  • How do you deal with an overwhelming fear of losing the people you love?
  • How do you recognise the signs that could lead to a breakdown?
  • What strategies can you put in place to keep mentally healthy?

Show notes

Connect with Lucy: LinkedIn

Reading materials:

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast



Feb 02, 202252:15
Ep 46. On cultural upbringing, expectation and pressure

Ep 46. On cultural upbringing, expectation and pressure

Vladi and Nektarios are back to reflect on their conversation with Fatima Mazhar, and dig deeper on their own cultural upbringing and impact their families have had on their lives. They share some of the feedback and reactions to the episode they have received, and talk about how expectation and pressure can also come from peers and social media, something that they’re learning to navigate. They contemplate what their lives might have looked like, had they been able to fully choose their own paths, and the motivations for choosing a particular path. What are we trying to prove, and do we really have to?

Show notes

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts).

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

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Jan 26, 202225:60
Ep 45. On not letting society hold you back, with Fatima Mazhar

Ep 45. On not letting society hold you back, with Fatima Mazhar

Fatima Mazhar is an entrepreneur, and in her current role as COO at COLABS, is working to redefine the future of work in Pakistan. Her story is not one of a typical entrepreneur, where we talk about building grand dreams. Fatima’s story is about dealing with the conflict of wanting to do something exciting and impactful, while fighting against her cultural context.

Fatima grew up in a Pakistani family where nearly every decision was made for her, where there was very little room for pursuing her dreams. She started to rebel, to do things that were considered ‘unexpected’, unaccepted and often inappropriate. This eventually led to severe depression and self-neglect. It took Fatima time to acknowledge her mental health challenges, and start to make healthy changes.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • Depression, self-neglect, and withdrawal from society;
  • How our upbringing has a profound impact on the decisions we make in life;
  • The manageable steps Fatima has taken to support her mental health.

In addition, we discuss the following questions:

  • How to deal with the internal conflict of wanting to achieve something when you’re held back;
  • How do you recognise the right time to seek help?
  • How can you equip yourself to manage healthy relationships while running a business?

Connect with Fatima: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Reading materials:

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

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Jan 19, 202201:00:53
Ep 44. ExtraNAKED: On boundaries, co-founder dynamics & communication

Ep 44. ExtraNAKED: On boundaries, co-founder dynamics & communication

Vladi and Nektarios are back with a special ExtraNAKED episode to kick-off the new year. They discuss the need to take a break and fully switch off; starting a new year in a good mental and emotional place; and spend some time exploring co-founder dynamics, including their own recent experiences. They also touch on boundaries and about learning how others need to be communicated with (through the Process Communication Model).

Show notes

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

For more about the Process Communication Model (PCM), visit: https://processcommodel.com/types-of-personality/ or get in touch.

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

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Jan 12, 202231:55
Ep 43. ExtraNAKED Special: On self-exploration, reflection and goals

Ep 43. ExtraNAKED Special: On self-exploration, reflection and goals

As we come to the end of the year, in this week’s ExtraNAKED episode, Vladi and Nektarios reflect on 2021 and look ahead into the new year. They discuss resolutions and habits; self-exploration and reflection; and what they’ve learnt this year, including addressing the painful moments. They also celebrate their personal highlights and look ahead to 2022.

Show notes

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

Sign up for The Future Farm’s monthly newsletter (Pit-Stop) at https://www.thefuturefarm.co/newsletter

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Dec 16, 202134:35
Ep 42. On Masculinity, Femininity, Vulnerability and Binary Categorisation

Ep 42. On Masculinity, Femininity, Vulnerability and Binary Categorisation

In this week’s ExtraNAKED episode, Vladi and Nektarios reflect on their conversation with Owen Marcus about men’s emotional and mental health. They also discuss how they relate to masculinity and femininity, what these words represent, and how they deal with the constraints of this binary categorisation.

Extra material

  • “In Conversation” with Jamie Clements - rewatch our conversation with Jamie Clements, advocate for men’s mental health and breathwork coach.
  • Man Down Podcast by Jamie Clements - listen to the anti-man-up movement where vulnerability is rooted in strength rather than weakness.
  • Dadditude App - A self-care coaching community for dads.

Show notes

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

Listen to the guest episode with Owen Marcus

Connect with Owen: LinkedIn | Twitter

Connect with Evryman: LinkedIn | Instagram

Reading materials:

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

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Dec 02, 202126:30
Ep 41. Supporting men’s emotional and mental health with Owen Marcus

Ep 41. Supporting men’s emotional and mental health with Owen Marcus

Owen Marcus is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Evryman, an organisation that helps men live successful and fulfilling lives, through greater emotional awareness. After going through a difficult period in his life, where he experienced burnout, triggered by the betrayal of a business partner, Owen turned to other men to see how they experienced similar struggles. He felt safer, but didn’t have a group to discuss openly with. So he created one. The first men’s group, which ultimately evolved into Evryman, dedicated to supporting men’s emotional and mental health was established 17 years ago.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • Burnout, identity and betrayal;
  • How men supporting men is can be transformative & destigmatise men’s vulnerability;
  • The support systems and tools that Owen relies on for his wellbeing;

In addition, we discuss the following questions:

  • Is entrepreneurship a calling?
  • How do we show up authentically, when as men we are not taught to be emotional?
  • How do we create a space for vulnerability in business?

Show notes

Connect with Owen: LinkedIn | Twitter

Connect with Evryman: LinkedIn | Instagram

Reading materials:

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

Sign up for The Future Farm’s monthly newsletter (Pit-Stop) at https://www.thefuturefarm.co/newsletter

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Nov 24, 202101:03:36
Ep 40. ExtraNAKED: On eating disorders, childhood, and trauma

Ep 40. ExtraNAKED: On eating disorders, childhood, and trauma

In this week’s ExtraNAKED episode, Vladi and Nektarios reflect on what’s been going on in their lives (a lot can happen in a week!), and on their conversation with Joshua Haynes, where they talk about his vulnerability and openness. They dedicate the beginning of the discussion to eating disorders and body image, and explore their own childhood experiences related to this, including coping mechanisms and root causes. Both our hosts are incredibly raw in sharing how much their early experiences have had an impact on their lives.

Show notes

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

Listen to the guest episode with Joshua Haynes

Connect with Joshua: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with Masawa: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Reading materials:

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

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Nov 17, 202127:20
Ep 39. How I battled eating disorders & depression, with Joshua Haynes

Ep 39. How I battled eating disorders & depression, with Joshua Haynes

Joshua Haynes is an investor and founding partner of the world’s first mental wellness impact fund, Masawa. After beginning his career in business, innovation and entrepreneurship, and following time working for the Obama administration, Joshua founded Masawa, based on his own mental health journey. We talk about how his childhood poverty led him to develop coping mechanisms that led to unhealthy behaviours as an adult, and how a combination of eating disorders, alcohol abuse, anxiety and depression resulted in his breakdown.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • The signals we get from our body when something is wrong;
  • The tools we can use to understand and cope with the signals, including the role that therapy and antidepressants can play;
  • How Joshua manages his own mental health while running a mental health business;

In addition, we discuss the following questions:

  • What tools are available to help manage mental health?
  • What is the importance of playfulness?
  • What is new on the horizon in the area of mental health support?

Show notes

Connect with Joshua: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with Masawa: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Reading materials:

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

Sign up for The Future Farm’s monthly newsletter (Pit-Stop) at https://www.thefuturefarm.co/newsletter

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Nov 10, 202159:35
Ep 38. ExtraNAKED: On trauma, signals and healing

Ep 38. ExtraNAKED: On trauma, signals and healing

Vladi and Nektarios are back with a new ExtraNAKED episode. They reflect on their conversation with Laura Shook Guzman and the impacts of trauma, both physically and mentally. Our hosts talk about better understanding trauma, what it means, and how trauma has had an affect on their lives. What are the root causes, how does our body signal that something is happening, how do we begin to heal?

Show notes

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

Listen to the guest episode with Laura Shook Guzman

Connect with Laura: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Reading materials:

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

Sign up for The Future Farm’s monthly newsletter (Pit-Stop) at https://www.thefuturefarm.co/newsletter

Follow The Future Farm on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

Nov 03, 202132:24
Ep 37. Our bodies, trauma and entrepreneurship, with Laura Shook Guzman

Ep 37. Our bodies, trauma and entrepreneurship, with Laura Shook Guzman

Laura Shook Guzman is a psychotherapist specialising in trauma. She is also a business founder, and is perfectly equipped to talk about the interplay between trauma and entrepreneurship. We talk about the importance of signals, and how our brain is good at rationalising things even when our body disagrees. We discuss the impact trauma can have on how we respond to situations, especially in the world of entrepreneurship; and how Laura’s own traumatic moments have played a pivotal role in her life.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • The signs we see or feel on an entrepreneurial journey, and where we need to look for them;
  • How trauma can be stored in our bodies and the impact it has on our lives;
  • Laura’s reflection on how her own trauma is linked closely to moments in her career;
  • The relationship between trauma and entrepreneurship.

In addition, we discuss the following questions:

  • Where do we need to look for the signals?
  • How do we learn to find compassion for the way the nervous system responds?
  • How do you manage psychological problems when you ‘know the tricks’ and the importance of peer support and mentors?

Show notes

Connect with Laura: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Reading materials:

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

Sign up for The Future Farm’s monthly newsletter (Pit-Stop) at https://www.thefuturefarm.co/newsletter

Follow The Future Farm on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

Oct 27, 202158:49
Ep 36. ExtraNAKED: On authentic relationships, identity and validation

Ep 36. ExtraNAKED: On authentic relationships, identity and validation

Vladi and Nektarios are back with a new ExtraNAKED episode. They reflect on their conversation with Yves Cornu and the high pressure environment that is the world of fashion. They talk about the parallels between the startup world and Yves’ world; identity and where validation comes from; and authentic relationships.

Show notes

Share your questions with Vladi and Nektarios at hello@thefuturefarm.co

Listen to the guest episode with Yves Cornu

Connect with Yves: LinkedIn

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments and subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Don’t forget to sign up for more!

Sign up for The Future Farm’s monthly newsletter (Pit-Stop) at https://www.thefuturefarm.co/newsletter

Follow The Future Farm on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

Oct 20, 202128:23
Ep 35. How working in Fashion led to my breakdown, with Yves Cornu

Ep 35. How working in Fashion led to my breakdown, with Yves Cornu

TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware that this episode covers sensitive topics including suicide. If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting themselves, contact a hotline: Global Suicide Hotline Resources

Yves Cornu started off following his passion studying Russian Literature, but ended up in the high stakes environment of Haute Couture. He opens a window into a world where everything is about appearance and perception. Where everything is a performance.  We learn how Yves’ desire to belong and the pressure to fit in and keep up slowly sent him spiralling - hanging out with the biggest names in fashion was an easy escape from reality.

Specific topics covered in this episode include:

  • The high-pressure stakes in the fashion world and the impact it has on your health;
  • What led to Yves’ breaking point and ultimately his breakdown;
  • Burnout, identity, purpose and suicidal thoughts;
  • Yves’ reflection on his former life, what saved him and how he lives his life today.

In addition, we discuss the following questions:

  • How do you recover from a breakdown and remove yourself from a toxic environment?
  • How do you rebuild your life?
  • How do you walk back into the business you left behind or get up and start something new?

Show notes

Connect with Yves: LinkedIn

Reading materials:

How can you support the podcast?

Tell your friends and share online.

Subscribe & review: Please make sure to review, share comments & subscribe to the show on the various platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Google Podcasts)

Spread the word: Help grow our reach by sharing your enthusiasm for the podcast and/or your favourite episodes by posting it on social media.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 60 seconds and it really makes a difference in helping to convince future guests to share their stories!

For show notes and past guests, visit https://www.thefuturefarm.co/naked-podcast

Sign up for The Future Farm’s monthly newsletter (Pit-Stop) at https://www.thefuturefarm.co/newsletter

Follow The Future Farm on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

Oct 13, 202155:32
Ep 34. Best of the NAKED Podcast 2021
Sep 15, 202101:08:04
Ep 33. ExtraNAKED: On warning signs, nutrition and mental health

Ep 33. ExtraNAKED: On warning signs, nutrition and mental health

On this week’s episode, Vladi and Nektarios discuss the current state of their own mental health, personal challenges they’ve faced this week, and reflect on their conversation with Dan Murray-Serter. They talk about the variety of symptoms of poor mental health that entrepreneurs recognise but ignore; ego and where validation comes from; and the importance of good nutrition.

Share your questions and thoughts with us and if you enjoyed the conversation, please leave us a review.

Jun 09, 202127:34
Ep 32. The relationship between brain care and mental health with Dan Murray-Serter

Ep 32. The relationship between brain care and mental health with Dan Murray-Serter

  • Why do we as entrepreneurs tell ourselves stories to normalise the mental health challenges we are facing?
  • How much of this is influenced by the image of entrepreneurship portrayed by the media, that we adopt unchallenged?
  • How does ego and masculinity play into it?

“Your body is giving you an alarm signal that what you’re doing to yourself is not good and you need to make sure you’re looking after yourself.” As host of Europe’s top business podcast and founder of a brain care company, Dan Murray-Serter has long been an advocate for better mental health. He uses his platforms to share a candid account of his own mental health struggles, which have included burnout, chronic anxiety and insomnia.

Dan joins Vladi and Nektarios for the final episode of Series 2, where he talks about his mental health journey and how he overcame the challenges he faced. Dan shares that he ignored all the signs his body was sending. He put a lot of effort into pretending that everything was fine, all while struggling under the surface. He tried different avenues of support, before a friend recommended a nutritionist, who recognised that his problem, rather than psychological, was linked to his brain and his plant-based lifestyle. Dan says that making changes to his diet transformed his life: the right nutrition and regular movement are key to good mental health.

You can follow Dan Murray-Serter on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. For more about Dan and his business, Heights, visit https://www.yourheights.com/

Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, rate and review NAKED. To learn more about The Future Farm, follow us on social media or visit thefuturefarm.co

Jun 02, 202147:49
Ep 31. ExtraNAKED: On entrepreneurial traits and mental health

Ep 31. ExtraNAKED: On entrepreneurial traits and mental health

On this week’s episode, Vladi and Nektarios continue the conversation on the practices that they have in their lives to manage their mental health, and reflect on their discussion with Dr. Michael Freeman. They go into depth on caring about entrepreneurs as people - if you care about entrepreneurs as people, then you care about a lot of the things that we talk about; the personality traits of an entrepreneur and their own backgrounds in relation to this.

Share your questions and thoughts with us and leave us a review.

May 26, 202122:56