The Sonder Podcast

Why do quick fixes never work in entrepreneurship? In the final episode of Season 1, we’re joined by Arina Kuzmina, CEO and co-founder of RawQ Foods, a brand that’s redefining sports nutrition with its long-lasting energy bars made from natural, plant-based ingredients, with buckwheat as the superstar ingredient.Originally developed for tennis champion Daniil Medvedev, now an ambassador of the brand, Arina’s journey to launching these energy bars was anything but easy — spanning 2.5 years of intense product development, 87 factory rejections, and 12 failed trials.In this episode, we explore the challenges behind building RawQ Foods, Arina’s philosophy of “no quick fixes,” and her vision for creating lasting impact in the health and nutrition space. Arina also shares her journey to becoming a certified health and integrative nutrition coach, explaining how her experience in holistic health shaped her entrepreneurial path.Connect with Arina: LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/arina-kuzmina-b68017150Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arinakuzmina/RawQ Foods: https://rawqfoods.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to stay calm and composed in high-pressure scenarios? In Part 2 of our conversation with Simon Morgan, a former Close Royal Protection Officer, we delve deeper into the complexities of his career. He talks about his role during Prince William and Kate Middleton's 2011 royal wedding, managing the security of the Royal Family, state officials, and senior military leaders, all in one place at the same time.Simon also opens up about how security teams prepare for major threats, including incidents like the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump. He explains how he scans his environment for potential dangers and the methods he uses to assess situations.We discuss the impact of social media on celebrity security, drawing lessons from Kim Kardashian’s robbery in Paris, and the challenges paparazzi present to personal safety. Simon talks about the launch of his own security consultancy and shares practical advice for ensuring personal and home security.Connect with Simon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-morgan-bsc-hons-msyl-masc-365a0b7a/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trojancon/Trojan Consultancy website: https://trojanconsultancy.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it really like to protect the British Royal Family?In this episode, we’re joined by Simon Morgan, a former Close Royal Protection Officer with over three decades of experience in the public and private security sectors.In Part 1 of our conversation, Simon explains the specific training he underwent to become a Royal Protection Officer and how that prepared him for the unique challenges of the role. He also shares the most dangerous situations he's faced, how he handled them, and the often misunderstood aspects of his profession.Simon reflects on his personal experience working with the Royal Family, and discusses the psychological techniques he uses to build rapport with high-profile individuals, ensuring trust and effective communication in demanding situations.Connect with Simon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-morgan-bsc-hons-msyl-masc-365a0b7a/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trojancon/Trojan Consultancy website: https://trojanconsultancy.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the best colour to wear after a tough night? This week, we welcome Richard Harvie, Managing Director of Harvie and Hudson, the last remaining family-owned shirtmakers on London’s iconic Jermyn Street. Marking 75 years of heritage, Harvie and Hudson shirts have been worn by icons like Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, and Princess Diana.Join us as Richard shares the story of how Harvie and Hudson has evolved, navigating the challenges of preserving tradition in a competitive market and adapting to the influence of e-commerce since launching their first website in 1999. We explore essential topics such as suit etiquette and the psychology of colour, uncovering how these elements influence gentlemen's fashion choices. Richard offers practical tips for building a versatile wardrobe, highlighting the importance of a slow fashion approach and how to adapt your attire for different seasons.Learn more about Harvie annd Hudson:Website: https://www.harvieandhudson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvieandhudson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to identify and leverage your own unfair advantage for success? This week, we welcome Hasan Kubba, an award-winning author, business coach, and keynote speaker. His debut book, The Unfair Advantage, became an instant bestseller, with its refreshing concept going viral and inspiring millions.Hasan reflects on his journey as an “unnatural entrepreneur,” transitioning from building an online business that allowed him to work as little as one hour a week to becoming a business coach for aspiring authors and content creators. He addresses the biggest misconceptions about being an author and explores the similarities between writing a book and seeking VC investment.Drawing on the thesis of his book, he explains that hard work alone is not enough and unpacks how to identify your own "unfair advantage" using the MILES framework (Money, Intelligence, Location, Education, and Status). He reveals how what may initially appear as a disadvantage can, in fact, become a distinctive advantage.Connect with Hasan: Personal website: https://www.hasankubba.com/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startuphasan/LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/startuphasanBook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unfair-Advantage-Startup-Success-Starts/dp/1788163311The Unfair Academy: https://www.theunfairacademy.com/about Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why conform to a conventional career path when you can shape your future on your own terms? In this week's episode, we welcome Erifili Gounari, a 24-year-old author, public speaker, and founder of The Z Link, the first Gen Z social media consultancy. Launched earlier this month, her book ''Design Your Life: Your Career, Your Way'' explores the unconventional career paths available to Gen Z.Erifili reveals the biggest mistakes brands make when targeting this generation of digital natives, what young consumers truly want, and how brands can effectively connect with them. She explains why traditional work models are outdated and shares how to build a career on your own terms, achieving freedom, flexibility, and ownership.Throughout our conversation, Erifili emphasises why cultivating high agency, a bias for action, and choosing optimism remain central to her work and success.Connect with Erifili:Personal website: https://www.erifili.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erifilii/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erif.iliBook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Design-Your-Life-Career-Way/dp/1398617156The Z Link: https://www.thezlink.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 1 is here! In the first episode of The Sonder Podcast, we welcome Howard Angus MBE, a champion of both rackets and real tennis - one of several games known as "the sport of kings" and the original racquet sport from which modern tennis is derived.Howard shares his journey from childhood influences to falling in love with both sports, balancing a demanding career in business with athletic dedication. He discusses his win-win philosophy in life, addresses misconceptions about real tennis, and shares valuable lessons learned over more than 60 years in the sport.Join us for an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and the unique world of rackets and real tennis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What shapes a person? Is it their upbringing, the era they were born into, their intrinsic character - or perhaps a mix of it all?This profound question lies at the heart of The Sonder Podcast. We dive into the lives of extraordinary individuals, uncovering the experiences that have shaped their journeys. Through candid personal stories of triumph and adversity, we explore the forces that influence who they’ve become. Join us as we explore the highs, lows, and lessons learned, with each guest sharing wisdom and insights to inspire you, our listener. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.