Founders Unplugged

Welcome back to Founders Unplugged! I'm your host, Greg McCallum. In this second part of my conversation with Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and Breer co-founder and COO, Naman Tekriwal, we dive deeper into the practicalities of building a socially responsible company. Naman explains how Breer partners with bakeries like Maxims—the largest F&B group in Hong Kong—to collect surplus bread and turn it into craft beer. We discuss the challenges of balancing profit with purpose and the importance of entrepreneurship education for future generations. Naman shares his vision for empowering students through financial literacy and fostering an optimistic approach to solving social and environmental issues. Join us as we explore how Breer plans to expand into India, leveraging the country's demographic dividend and growing consumer economy, all while celebrating local flavours and craftsmanship in the brewing industry. Takeaways: Breer obtains surplus bread for free from bakeries by partnering with them and handling the cost of bread disposal. Their collaboration with Maxims has streamlined their supply chain and reduced food waste. Breer is committed to social responsibility, focusing on sustainability, fair wages, and community engagement. Naman believes entrepreneurs can balance profit and purpose to create meaningful change. He advocates for integrating entrepreneurship education into school curriculums to empower students. Addressing social and environmental issues requires optimism and a focus on solutions. India's demographic growth and consumer market offer opportunities for businesses like Breer. Celebrating local flavours can foster patriotism and support for homegrown products. Collaboration and teamwork are essential for solving complex global problems. Episode Highlights: Balancing Profit and Purpose Being a Socially Responsible Company Empowering Students Through Entrepreneurship Education Collaboration: The Key to Solving Complex Problems Chapters: 00:00 The Practicalities of Breer's Supply Chain 03:09 Partnership with Maxims: Streamlining the Supply Chain 05:49 Being a Socially Responsible Company 10:25 Balancing Profit and Purpose 13:41 Entrepreneurship and Creating Meaningful Change 28:43 Providing Entrepreneurial Education to High School Students 34:32 Empowering Students Through Entrepreneurship Education 36:20 Optimism and Action: Addressing Social and Environmental Issues 41:28 India's Demographic Dividend and Growing Consumer Economy 45:36 Celebrating Local Flavors and Craftsmanship in Brewing 53:26 Collaboration: The Key to Solving Complex Problems Follow Naman here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naman-tekriwal/ Check out Breer here: https://www.breer.com.hk/ Want a 1 hour free advisory session with our host Greg McCallum? Use the link on his LinkedIn profile.👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmacuk/

Welcome to Founders Unplugged! I'm your host, Greg McCallum. In this two-part conversation, I sit down with Naman Tekriwal, a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and the co-founder and COO of Breer. Naman shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs in India to creating a sustainable craft beer company in Hong Kong. At just 13 years old, he founded High School Investors to promote financial literacy among students. Later, he launched Rural Invest, providing investment opportunities for India's rural population. Naman emphasizes the importance of solving big problems and making a positive impact through entrepreneurship. In this episode, we delve into how a chance observation of discarded bread led to the birth of Breer. Despite facing challenges like civil protests and the COVID-19 pandemic, Naman's perseverance turned Breer into a success story, now selling in over 400 bars, bottle shops, and restaurants in Hong Kong. Takeaways: Naman comes from a family deeply rooted in entrepreneurship and was raised with a strong focus on business and finance. He founded High School Investors at 13 to promote financial literacy among students. Later, he started Rural Invest to provide investment opportunities for the rural population in India. He stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with people who can provide honest feedback and keep you grounded. Unexpected opportunities, like noticing discarded bread, can lead to innovative solutions. Perseverance is crucial in overcoming challenges and achieving success. Market research and understanding your customers are vital for any business. Episode Highlights: Investing in Rural India: The Rural Invest Project From a Family of Entrepreneurs: Naman Tekriwal's Journey From Discarded Bread to Craft Beer: The Birth of Breer Overcoming Challenges: Civil Protests and the COVID-19 Pandemic Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:05 Entrepreneurship in the Family 04:20 First Company: High School Investors 09:29 Impact of High School Investors 13:27 Entrepreneurial Philosophy 17:45 Building Trust and Overcoming Barriers 20:17 Sales Lessons and Empathy 25:02 Growing Up in a Large Family 30:17 Importance of Deep Relationships 33:14 From Discarded Bread to Craft Beer: The Birth of Breer 41:15 Recognition and Partnerships 45:39 Knowing Your Customer and Market Research 49:23 Maintaining Consistency and Expanding the Breer Model 55:39 Addressing Bread Waste and Creating Demand for Sustainable Products Join us for this insightful conversation that explores Naman's journey, the challenges he overcame, and the lessons he learned along the way. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs around the world! Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation with Naman in the next episode of Founders Unplugged! Follow Naman here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naman-tekriwal/ Check out Breer here: https://www.breer.com.hk/ Want a 1 hour free advisory session with our host Greg McCallum? Use the link on his LinkedIn profile.👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmacuk/

This is part two of our conversation with Elisabetta. Be sure you have checked out Part one before jumping in here. In the second part of this insightful episode, Greg and Elisabetta dive deeper into personal histories, spirituality, and the cultural impact on their professional lives. They discuss how their working-class backgrounds shaped their drive and independence. Elisabetta emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and career-building for women, highlighting societal expectations and the crucial role of support systems in balancing career and family. The conversation shifts to the influence of religion and spirituality in shaping their work ethics and perspectives. They explore the importance of open-mindedness towards various faiths and the shared desire to leave a lasting, positive legacy through their work. Both express their deep pride in their Italian heritage, reflecting on how it enriches their identity and connections. Takeaways: The critical role of upbringing in shaping values and perspectives. The need for empowering women to pursue careers and maintain family life. The benefits of embracing diverse religions and spiritual beliefs in enhancing personal and professional growth. The importance of leaving a positive legacy and the impact of cultural pride. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Part 2 01:04 The Importance of Independence and Self-Sufficiency 06:14 Balancing Career and Family: Choices and Challenges 13:34 Support Systems and Policies for Women 19:35 Mentorship and Building Diverse Communities 23:09 Religion, Spirituality, and Work Ethics 26:19 Discussing Controversial Views and Common Origins 35:36 The Significance of Legacy and Positive Impact 42:05 Celebrating Italian Heritage and Culture 43:25 Reflections and Conclusions Thank you for watching. Be sure to subscribe for more weekly conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Follow Elisabetta here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabettatorretti/ Check out Mint and Lemon here: https://mintnlemon.com/ Want a 1 hour free advisory session with our host Greg McCallum? Use the link on his LinkedIn profile.👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmacuk/

In this engaging episode, Elisabetta, an Italian entrepreneur thriving in the UK, shares her insightful journey from moving to London to founding a recruitment agency dedicated to startups. Elisabetta discusses her initial challenges in sourcing talent for her own startup, inspiring her to aid fellow founders. She highlights the importance of embracing one's cultural background and accent to enhance relationship building in sales. Elisabetta also reflects on her viral success on LinkedIn, emphasizing authenticity and the power of sharing personal experiences. Join us as she provides valuable tips on hiring in the startup world, advocating for resilience, hunger, and flexibility in potential candidates. Takeaways: Launching a recruitment agency for startups can greatly support founders in their quest for top talent. London's diverse environment fosters both personal and professional growth. Leveraging unique personal qualities like accent and cultural background can be a strategic advantage in building client relationships. Authenticity on platforms like LinkedIn can resonate deeply and attract unforeseen opportunities. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:11 Starting a Recruitment Agency for Startups 09:59 The Allure of London 17:54 Embracing Failure and Personal Growth 25:06 Overcoming Language Barriers 33:04 Transitioning to Sales 35:00 Using Unique Qualities in Sales 38:11 The Power of Authenticity on LinkedIn 42:38 Going Viral on LinkedIn 49:40 Hiring for Startups 58:35 Finding Pride in Your Work Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation with Elisabetta in the next episode of Founders Unplugged! Follow Elisabetta here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabettatorretti/ Check out Mint and Lemon here: https://mintnlemon.com/ Want a 1 hour free advisory session with our host Greg McCallum? Use the link on his LinkedIn profile.👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmacuk/

Join host Greg McCallum in part two of this enlightening episode of Founders Unplugged as he continues his conversation with Eisha Armstrong, co-founder and executive chair of Vecteris. Not seen Part One? Catch it here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gregory-mccallum/episodes/Mastering-Productization-Strategies-for-B2B-Service-Providers-w-Eisha-Armstrong---S3-E6-P1-e2nsa42 In this segment, they dive into the challenges and strategies of building a strong company culture in a remote world, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and adaptability. Eisha shares her insights on how to maintain team cohesion while working remotely, the significance of fostering a supportive environment, and the necessity of embracing flexibility in today’s work landscape. They also discuss the mindset shifts required for effective leadership and the role of technology in scaling services. Key Highlights: - The importance of building an inclusive company culture in a remote setting - Strategies for maintaining team connection and collaboration - How to navigate the challenges of remote work as a parent and business owner - The impact of mindset shifts on leadership effectiveness - Insights on productization and its role in business growth Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply interested in the evolving dynamics of remote work, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice. Don’t miss Eisha's unique insights and Greg's engaging questions that make this conversation a must-watch for anyone looking to thrive in the modern workplace. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Building an Inclusive Culture Remotely 08:45 Navigating Remote Work as a Parent 15:30 Mindset Shifts for Effective Leadership 22:10 The Role of Technology in Scaling Services 30:00 Insights on Productization Thanks for watching part two of this conversation with Eisha. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. Your support means the world to us! Enjoy the episode and see you next time! Follow Eisha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eishatierneyarmstrong/ Check out Vecteris here: https://www.vecteris.com/ Want a 1 hour free advisory session with our host Greg McCallum? Use the link on his LinkedIn profile.👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmacuk/

Join host Greg McCallum in part one of this engaging episode of Founders Unplugged as he converses with Eisha Armstrong, co-founder and executive chair of Vecteris. Dive into the world of productization and learn how B2B service companies can transform their offerings into scalable, standardized products.In this segment, Eisha shares her journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and rewards of building a company focused on helping businesses productize their services. Gain insights into the mindset shifts required for successful productization and the importance of overcoming fear in business leadership.Key Highlights:The concept of productization and its benefits for B2B servicesEisha's transition from corporate life to entrepreneurshipThe role of fear in business decision-makingBuilding a company culture that aligns with personal valuesThe importance of self-reflection and personal growth for leadersWhether you're a service provider looking to scale, an entrepreneur seeking to build a more efficient business model, or simply curious about the intersection of services and products, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice. Don't miss Eisha's unique insights and Greg's thought-provoking questions that make this conversation a must-watch for anyone interested in business transformation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:52 Defining Productization15:29 Mindset Shifts for Productization28:04 Books on Productization34:35 Building Company Culture46:33 Overcoming Fear in BusinessThanks for watching part one of this conversation with Eisha. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on part two. Your support means the world to us! Enjoy the episode and see you next time!Follow Eisha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eishatierneyarmstrong/Check out Vecteris here: https://www.vecteris.com/Want a 1 hour free advisory session with our host Greg McCallum?Use the link on his LinkedIn profile.👇👇👇👇👇👇👇https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmacuk/

Join host Greg McCallum in part two of this engaging episode of Founders Unplugged as he continues his conversation with Gareth Hawkins, investor and co-founder of BizCrunch. Dive deeper into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship through acquisition and gain insights into the due diligence process that can make or break a deal.In this segment, Gareth discusses the common pitfalls in due diligence, the importance of a well-structured data room, and how BizCrunch is preparing business owners for successful exits. Learn about the challenges of succession planning and the innovative solutions BizCrunch offers to streamline the acquisition process. Gareth also shares his experiences with BlockDojo, a Web3 incubator, and the exciting potential of blockchain technologies beyond cryptocurrencies and NFTs.Key Highlights:-The impact of due diligence on startup valuations-How BizCrunch helps businesses prepare for sale-The role of BlockDojo in nurturing Web3 startups-Insights into the angel investing landscape-Common mistakes founders make with investorsWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply curious about the world of business acquisitions, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice. Don't miss Gareth's unique insights and Greg's thought-provoking questions that make this conversation a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of entrepreneurship.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:08 Due Diligence Pitfalls06:42 Preparing for Business Exits14:57 BlockDojo and Web3 Innovations29:37 Future of Blockchain Technologies37:43 Insights into Angel InvestingThanks for watching part two of this conversation with Gareth. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. Your support means the world to us! Enjoy the episode and see you next time!Follow Gareth here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-hawkins/Check out Block Dojo here: https://blockdojo.io/and BizCrunch here: https://www.bizcrunch.co/Want a 1 hour free advisory session with our host Greg Mccallum?Use the link on his LinkedIn profile.👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmacuk/

Join host Greg McCallum in part one of this engaging episode of Founders Unplugged as he sits down with Gareth Hawkins, Investor, and co-founder of BizCrunch, to explore the dynamic world of entrepreneurship through acquisition. In this conversation, Gareth shares his journey from the metal fabrication industry to becoming a pivotal figure in the entrepreneurship space. Discover the intricacies of acquiring businesses, the challenges of succession planning, and the innovative solutions BizCrunch offers to streamline the acquisition process.Key Highlights:-Gareth's career evolution from sales director to co-founder of BizCrunch.-The concept of entrepreneurship through acquisition and its growing importance in the UK.-Challenges faced by small and medium businesses in succession planning and the potential economic impact.-The role of business schools and government schemes in promoting entrepreneurship through acquisition.-Insights into the dynamics of team building and the importance of diverse skill sets in successful ventures.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply curious about the world of business acquisitions, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice. Don't miss Gareth's unique insights and Greg's thought-provoking questions that make this conversation a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of entrepreneurship.Subscribe to our channel for more episodes of Founders Unplugged and stay updated on the latest trends and insights from industry leaders.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:09 Gareth's Journey and Career Background06:14 Understanding Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition12:26 Challenges in the UK Market21:07 The Role of Business Education29:10 Turnaround Opportunities in Business36:51 Team Dynamics and LeadershipThanks for watching part one of this conversation with Gareth. Part two will be out in a few days. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. Your support means the world to us! Enjoy the episode and see you in Part Two!Follow Gareth here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-hawkins/Check out Block Dojo here: https://blockdojo.io/and BizCrunch here: https://www.bizcrunch.co/Want a 1 hour free advisory session with our host Greg Mccallum?Use the link on his LinkedIn profile.👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmacuk/

Founders Unplugged: Part Two with Ollie Tiramuragan CollardCheck out part One here: https://youtu.be/qcGxs7IjnKIWelcome back to Part Two of this insightful episode of Founders Unplugged! Our host, Greg McCallum, continues his deep dive with the inspiring Ollie Tiramuragan Collard, an experienced entrepreneur and podcaster. In this segment, they explore more about Ollie's journey, the realities of entrepreneurship, and valuable insights for founders.Episode Breakdown and Chapters00:00 - Introduction02:00 - The Evolution of Founded and Grounded05:00 - The Challenges of Entrepreneurship08:00 - Mental Health and Support Systems12:00 - Collaboration Over Competition15:00 - Future Plans for Founded and Grounded18:00 - The Reality of Business Support22:00 - The Importance of Practical Advice25:00 - The Power of Consistency30:00 - Personal Stories and Struggles35:00 - The Intersection of Sales and Marketing40:00 - Advice for Aspiring Podcasters45:00 - Closing ThoughtsThank you for tuning in to Part Two of this enlightening episode of Founders Unplugged with Ollie Tiramuragan Collard. We hope you found this conversation as inspiring and insightful as we did. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. Your support means the world to us! Enjoy the episode and see you next time!Follow Ollie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivercollard/Check out the Founded and Grounded podcast hosted by Ollie here: https://www.enterpriseorchard.co.uk/podcastWant a 1 hour free advisory session with our host Greg Mccallum?Use the link on his LinkedIn profile.👇👇👇👇👇👇👇https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmacuk/

Founders Unplugged: Part One with Ollie Tiramuragan CollardWelcome to Part One of this exciting episode of Founders Unplugged! In this series, our charismatic host, Greg McCallum, dives deep into the journeys of inspiring entrepreneurs, uncovering the raw and unfiltered realities of startup life. This episode features the dynamic Ollie Tiramuragan Collard, a seasoned entrepreneur and podcaster with over 14 years of experience in the startup ecosystem.Episode Breakdown and Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:30 - Ollie's Background04:00 - Early Influences06:30 - The Podcasting Journey10:00 - The Power of Storytelling12:00 - Podcast Format and Evolution15:00 - Collaboration Over Competition18:00 - The Reality of Entrepreneurship20:00 - The Importance of Mental Health25:00 - Future Plans30:00 - Closing ThoughtsThank you for tuning in to Part One of this enlightening episode of Founders Unplugged with Ollie Tiramuragan Collard. Stay tuned for Part Two, where we dive even deeper into Ollie's insights and experiences. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. Your support means the world to us! Enjoy the episode and see you in Part Two!Follow Ollie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivercollard/Check out the Founded and Grounded podcast hosted by Ollie here: https://www.enterpriseorchard.co.uk/podcastWant a 1 hour free advisory session with our host Greg Mccallum?Use the link on his LinkedIn profile.👇👇👇👇👇👇👇https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmacuk/