Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers & Thrivers,  In this riveting episode, you’ll meet Moroccan-born 2x founder turned investor, Zakaria Jaiathe. Here’s what you can expect in this episode:  From Dreams to Reality: Zak recounts his childhood dream of flying and how it became a reality when he moved to France for his studies. He discusses the cultural shocks he experienced and the unexpected familiarity he found among the Moroccan community in France. Challenges in Germany: Hear about Zak's battle with the German immigration authorities while facing potential deportation and how he navigated these challenges while building his first company. Building and Scaling Startups: Zak dives into the early days of his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the difficulties he faced in being taken seriously as a founder, especially when pitching a deep tech company in augmented reality and leading a business focused on the African market. Advice for Founders: Zak provides valuable advice for early-stage founders. He emphasizes the importance of doing thorough homework before approaching VCs, avoiding drastic pivots, and being selective with advice. This episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and valuable insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and investment. Tune in to learn from Zak's experiences and get motivated to pursue your own dreams with resilience and strategic planning. – Acknowledgements Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ – Timestamps Zak's Childhood and Dream of Traveling (00:02:14) Zak shares his childhood dream of flying and his journey from a small city in Morocco to France. Adapting to Life in France (00:06:47) Zak discusses his unexpected experience of encountering many Moroccans and familiar cultural elements in France. Motivation to Move to Germany (00:08:04) Zak explains his desire to move to Germany and his analytical approach to choosing the country. Transition from Employment to Entrepreneurship (00:11:16) Zak reflects on his decision to leave a comfortable job at SAP to pursue entrepreneurship and the catalyst for making that choice. Facing Deportation in Germany (00:15:09) Zak recounts the experience of facing deportation in Germany and the stress and uncertainty it caused. Challenges for Foreign Entrepreneurs in Germany (00:26:09) Zak and Janine discuss the difficulties faced by foreign entrepreneurs, particularly in obtaining visas and funding in Germany. Challenges of Being Taken Seriously as a Founder (00:30:30) Zak shares his experience of not being taken seriously as a founder. Pivoting and Fundraising Challenges (00:34:36) Zak discusses the challenges faced while pivoting his company and the difficulties in fundraising, particularly when focusing on African markets. Investor's Perspective on African Markets (00:39:29) Zak sheds light on the lack of understanding and investment in African markets, particularly from the perspective of German investors. Early Mistakes and Founder Pitfalls (00:42:01) Zak provides insights into the early mistakes made in building startups and shares an investor's perspective on common pitfalls for founders. The Dangers of Rushing to Investors (00:50:01) Zak advises founders to thoroughly prepare before approaching VCs, highlighting the common mistakes and wasted time in fundraising due to lack of preparation. Importance of Homework in Fundraising (00:52:56) Zak emphasizes the need for founders to do their homework before speaking to investors, including understanding the investors' focus and being selective in approaching them.

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers & Thrivers, In this special Mother's Day episode of "On the Up & Up," host Janine Vanessa Heinrich engages in a heartfelt conversation with her mother, Sussie. They delve into various topics that showcase their unique mother-daughter relationship. Sussie shares her experiences growing up in Ghana, her journey to American citizenship, and her personal views on motherhood, illustrating the stark contrasts between her life in her 20s and Janine's current experiences. The episode highlights:  Themes of forgiveness The influence of parental support on personal development The power of maintaining a positive outlook through life's challenges Throughout the episode, Janine and Sussie explore their similarities and differences, shedding light on the enduring bond and mutual respect that define their relationship. Curious about their relationship? Listen to their conversation now for all the tea ☕ Happy Listening 🎧 -- Acknowledgments Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ – Timestamps 00:00- 07:35- Happy Mother’s Day and Introduction to Janine’s Mom, Sussie  07:36-20:00- Sussie shares insights into her young adult years, her marriage, the struggles of motherhood, and working for the first time at 35 years old  21:22- 32:00- Exploring the challenges of balancing making ends meet and single parenthood in a foreign country  32:30-41:00- Reflecting on our regrets, changes over the years, and hopes for the years to come

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers and Thrivers,  In this episode, we take a deep dive with Cosima Richardson, a pioneer in the hair and beauty industry, who is transforming the way we think about and use synthetic hair extensions. Cosima discusses the alarming presence of toxic chemicals in traditional hair products and shares her journey towards creating Kynd Hair, Europe's first plant-based, skin-friendly, and biodegradable hair extension brand. Through her story, listeners will uncover:  The risks associated with common beauty products and learn about the innovative solutions that promise a healthier, more sustainable future for hair care  Personal anecdotes about embracing our natural hair, underscoring the cultural and emotional connections to braids Insights into Cosima’s transition from a "side-preneur" to a full-time solopreneur, highlighting her journey to develop a scientifically-backed, eco-friendly product This episode is a must-listen for hair enthusiasts, (aspiring) entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in beauty, health, and environmental sustainability. Tune in now and join the conversation! Happy Listening! -- Social Media Channels Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyndhair/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyndhair/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kyndhair?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kynd-hair/ -- Acknowledgments Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ -- Timestamps (00:00- 06:42) Meet Cosima Richardson, founder of Kynd Hair! Cosima and Janine discuss their childhood experiences with hair, highlighting the challenges and emotions related to hair care for people of color. (06:42-16:27) Discover the harmful effects of synthetic hair products, dive into the disproportionate impact of beauty products on people of color, explore the lack of innovation in the hair extension market and the absence of sustainable alternatives (16:27-24:13) Understanding synthetic hair vs. human hair, usage, and the global market potential and the cultural significance of braids. (24:14- 36:15) Cosima shares her journey of developing Kynd Hair and the sense of obligation to those who trust in the venture (36:15- 42:41) Discussion about the emotional challenges and pressures of being a solopreneur. Acknowledging personal milestones and the importance of celebrating achievements. (42:41- 49:59) Building a community around Kynd Hair, Cosima's vision for Kynd Hair in the next five years and ways for listeners to support Kynd Hair

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers and Thrivers,  Meet Daniel Hanemann, a growth-driven entrepreneur and business angel. A graduate of WHU, he is currently the CEO of wundertax, the tech startup he co-founded in 2016 and returned to as CEO in 2022. wundertax is an online tax tool to submit your German tax return easily!  In this episode, Daniel takes us on a journey forged by a series of “yes man” decisions, starting from trying out a finance role, which saw him become a CFO at just 23, and later founding and building fast-growing ventures in six countries. Here’s what we cover:  Importance of resilience and saying "yes" to new opportunities Privilege and its role in shaping entrepreneurial paths Dynamics of co-founder relationships and challenges of co-founder splits Building and maintaining relationships in the entrepreneurial journey The discussion also touches on the personal aspects of entrepreneurship, such as dealing with transitions, the role of privilege and mindset, as well as the importance of building and maintaining relationships. Daniel’s story is a testament to the power of embracing opportunities with an open heart and mind, which ultimately shaped his successful career as an entrepreneur and business leader. -- Acknowledgments Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ -- Timestamps Getting Started with wundertax (00:01:22) Daniel talks about the origins of wundertax, starting with student tax returns and its viral success. Early Entrepreneurial Influences (00:06:07) Daniel's upbringing in Hong Kong and the influence of innovation and technology on his early entrepreneurial interests. Moving to Germany for Studies (00:07:32) Daniel's decision to move to Germany for studies and the cultural and personal factors influencing the choice. Pivotal Moments in Career (00:14:47) Daniel reflects on pivotal moments in his career, including saying "yes" to opportunities and the impact of early work experiences. Taking on Finance Role at FoodPanda (00:18:31) Daniel's experience of taking on a finance role at FoodPanda and the opportunities that followed at a young age. Becoming CFO at FoodPanda (00:19:14) Daniel's rapid rise to CFO position at a young age and the chaotic but fun experience at FoodPanda. Privilege and Safety Nets in Germany (00:21:25) Discussion on privilege, safety nets, and government support in Germany for entrepreneurs, and the impact of privilege on mindset. Starting Wonder Tax (00:27:24) Daniel's decision to start wundertax and the initial stages of the company's development. Co-Founder Split and Moving On (00:31:46) Daniel's departure from wundertax, the amicable split with his co-founder, and the commonality of co-founder splits. Transition to a New Venture (00:35:04) Daniel's quick transition to a new venture after leaving wundertax and the urgency of the decision. Maintaining Momentum and Passion for Learning (00:36:18) Daniel's approach to keeping momentum, his fascination with learning new things, and the excitement of understanding new business models. Scaling Spaces and Temporary Move to Amsterdam (00:38:54) Discussion on the challenges of scaling physical spaces and a temporary move to Amsterdam for a new business opportunity. Transition to Freelancing and Reconnecting with Investors (00:42:10) Transitioning to freelancing, reconnecting with old investors, and the eventual return to wundertax. Bringing Wonder Tax Back and Reuniting the Team (00:44:39) Reuniting with former colleagues, reviving wundertax, and the excitement of restarting the business with the original team. Building and Maintaining Relationships (00:45:30) Reflecting on the importance of building and maintaining relationships in business and personal success.

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers and Thrivers,  In this episode, Darya Kamkalova, the founder of the Venturing Woman Lab and Venturing Women Podcast, an incubator for women aspiring to delve into entrepreneurship. Darya, a tech enthusiast and angel investor, discusses her journey from feeling stuck in her corporate career to launching an initiative aimed at supporting women in tech entrepreneurship. The conversation covers:  The challenges and misconceptions surrounding women's roles in the entrepreneurial landscape, Highlights the importance of self-belief, clarity, and creating supportive environments for success, and Her personal experience, the development of her incubator, and her commitment to empowering women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, emphasizing the need for both a business and personal development plan  We touch on themes of creative freedom, the fallacy of job security in employment, and the transformative mindset shift required when transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur. Enjoy the episode and let us know what you think! Happy Listening! -- Acknowledgments Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ -- Timestamps Introduction and Overview (00:17 - 01:16): Introduction to the podcast and guest Darya Kamkalova, focusing on her mission with the Venturing Woman Lab and podcast. Concept and Inspiration Behind Venturing Woman (01:16 - 02:08): Kamkalova discusses the foundation of Venturing Woman Lab as an incubator for aspiring female tech entrepreneurs, sparked by her own experiences and the Venturing Woman podcast. Personal Journey to Entrepreneurship (02:29 - 04:11): Darya shares her transition from a fulfilling career in the tech industry to recognizing the need for change and aspiring towards entrepreneurship. Challenges in the Corporate Environment (04:11 - 08:19): Discussion on limitations within corporate structures, including creative freedom, career progression, and the pursuit of personal growth. Power, Responsibility, and Entrepreneurial Catalysts (08:19 - 12:37): Exploration of motivations behind seeking entrepreneurial ventures, including desires for creative freedom, impact, and confronting the reality of corporate limitations. Transitioning to Entrepreneurship: Financial and Personal Considerations (14:19 - 20:06): Kamkalova talks about the financial and psychological aspects of leaving a secure job for entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of trust in oneself and planning. Entrepreneurship vs. Employment: Risks and Realities (20:06 - 26:42): A comparison between the perceived security of employment and the actual risks and rewards of entrepreneurship. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Social Conditioning (28:00 - 30:48): Addressing the societal and internal barriers that deter women from embracing entrepreneurship. Creating a Supportive Environment and Community (37:11 - 39:20): The importance of crafting a conducive work environment and the role of communities in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. Mindset Shift and the Path Forward (43:55 - 46:37): Reflections on the necessary mindset shifts for successful entrepreneurship, and how to connect with Venturing Woman Lab for support.

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers & Thrivers,  In this episode, we’re diving into a journey of discipline and intention with Sufyan Osamah, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of HonestDog.  Born in Pakistan, Sufyan moved to the UK at the age of 11 and then back to Pakistan at 15. In 2016, he moved to Germany, where he completed a bachelors at ESB Business School, and masters at our alma mater WHU- Otto Beisheim School of Management. Over the years, he has gained a ton of experience in  fast-growing start-ups, consulting, corporate, and venture capital, such as Amazon, McKinsey, and Picus Capital. During our conversation, we:  Explored the notion of increasing ones “luck surface area” through intentional planning and delayed gratification  Debate the importance of education versus experience Discuss Sufyan’s entrepreneurial journey from problem exploration and overcoming rejection to the key to securing a “yes” (hint: it isn’t necessarily being mission driven) Listeners will learn tactics for increasing odds for luck and enjoy an inspiring story of determination.  Happy Listening!

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers & Thrivers,  On this episode, we’re sitting down for an inspiring conversation with DEI expert and founder of Creative Jam Session, Omena Ukeleghe. We discussed:  Omena’s upbringing in a Nigerian household and the example her mother set advocating for herself in the workplace Her personal experience navigating racism and discrimination at work, as well as her mental health journey and how she overcame adversity and channeled it to champion change Where companies are going wrong with DEI strategies and the importance of long-term strategies, involving employee groups, and starting diversity effort early  Janine and Omega also get real about the impacts of microaggressions, generational trauma, and the need for companies to do more than performative allyship. This raw and revealing episode provides valuable insights for organizations and individuals alike. Happy Listening!  -- Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠oussama arichi⁠ from ⁠Pixabay -- Acknowledgments Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠ -- Timestamps 0:00-10:00 - Introduction to Omena's background and founding Creative Jam Sessions  10:00-20:00 - Lack of awareness around racism and microaggressions growing up. Omena's experience with workplace discrimination and bullying that impacted their mental health.  20:00-30:00 - How Omena navigated workplace dynamics and became a diversity advocate. Issues with performative diversity initiatives in companies.   30:00-40:00 - The importance of long-term strategies and leadership buy-in for DEI. Involving Employee Resource Groups for meaningful representation. 40:00-50:00 - Best corporate DEI practices & discussion around quotes 50:00-60:00 - Omena's experience with mental health and desire to help others. Reflections on personal growth and looking to the future of DEI efforts. -- References Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers & Thrivers! We're excited to kick-off season two with an intimate look into the force behind On the Up & Up, Janine Vanessa Heinrich, who is the creator and host. In this episode, Constance Habringer takes the seat as host for the day and asks all the right questions. Together, they explored: Janine's adventurous transition from the US to Germany, highlighting the cultural shifts and adaptability required 🌍🛫The inception of her entrepreneurial journey: why she started, how she navigated the entrepreneurship space, and the lessons learned along the way🚀📈Her motivations and the journey to her current success. We also explore her aspirations for this podcast and the impact she aims to create. 🌟🔍 This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the power of resilience. Enjoy the episode and Happy Listening! -- Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by oussama arichi from Pixabay

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers and Thrivers! Welcome to the last episode of season one and I couldn't be happier to introduce you to our outstanding guest, Archita Fritz! She is a formidable force  in the business world with over two decades of experience steering Fortune 500 companies and founding experience through endeavors such as Ready Set Bold, The Embracing Only Podcast, and the Speak Out Revolution. In this episode, we discussed: Her outstanding career that started back in the USA as an Electrical Engineering Intern to Director of Global MarketHer challenges with workplace bullying and being an "only" to embracing her only journey by finding her voice and advocating for herself and other Her decision to take a bet on herself by leaving the workforce to concentrate on her entrepreneurial pursuits Also, if you're considering leaving the workforce to pursue your own endeavors, take a look at her guide, Empowered Transitions. Want to get in touch with Archita? Reach out to her via LinkedIn! Enjoy the episode and be sure to share what you think!

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers and Thrivers! I’m really excited to introduce you to the first guest of this podcast Alhaji Allie Bangura. Together, we’re going to explore:   The pivotal moments in his life that took him to where he is todayHis experiences navigating and trying to find a place in society where he rarely saw others like himself and the importance of representation And how he is using entrepreneurship to create the change he wants to see in society Enjoy the episode and be sure to let me know what you think!

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers and Thrivers! I’m really excited to introduce you to Jaclyn Siu, who is a 3x founder, mentor, educator, and angel investor with deep expertise in the culture, creative, and tech industry. With over 12 years of experience as a growth operator and brand marketer across three continents, she has spearheaded disruptive innovative campaigns and brands for the likes of JAY-Z and Rihanna. Together, we’re going to explore:   Her return to entrepreneurship after a 10 year hiatus to follow “a more conventional” career path How she identified her North Star and how she uses it as her guide And failure… more specifically, how she coped with a sense of failure during her entrepreneurial journey  Enjoy the episode and be sure to let me know what you think!

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers & Thrivers,  You’re in for a good one! In this episode, you’ll meet the remarkable Ana Álvarez, who is the co-founder and CEO of Migrapreneur and Managing Director of Bureucrazy. Together, we unpacked:  Ana’s integration and parallel entrepreneurial journey in Germany  The fundamental issues of German bureaucracy and the country’s need for migrant labor  The power of community to get back up when you’re down and how we can uplift one another for a better future This is a profoundly vital conversation! Enjoy the episode and be sure to let me know what you think! Your voice matters ;)

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers & Thrivers,  In this episode, you’ll meet founder extraordinar Richy Ugwu, who is the Founder and CEO of unea and 2023 Google Black Founders Fund recipient. He possesses a wealth of knowledge in early stage venture building and, in this episode, he doesn’t shy away from giving the inside scoop to help you avoid easy rookie mistakes. You’ll learn: About Richy’s entrepreneurial journey and how he raised over 2m in pre-seed funding with just a PowerPoint The essential for challenging your business model and thinking from an investor perspective The power of cold outreach and how he secured his largest investor via a LinkedIn Message Make sure to have your pends and notebooks ready and enjoy this masterclass in early-stage venture building 📝

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- Hey there Risers and Thrivers, Using a practical business case, the Pitch Doctor himself, Christoph Sollich, breaks down the essentials for crafting a captivating pitch to draw your target audience in. This episode was recorded live at #PAKCon2023. If you're listening over Spotify, you can also watch the video directly in the app ;) Happy Listening! P.s. The main content starts from min. 3:36.

Stay in touch & up-to-date via our social: https://linkin.bio/ontheupandup-io -- If you’re reading this, this is your sign to get started 😉 On this episode, Jonas Ngoenha, co-founder and CEO of Beazy, shares his journey from dropping out of high school at 17 to serendipitously stumbling into entrepreneurship through his passion for photography. Under his leadership, Beazy has worked with outstanding companies such as H&M, created a community of creatives active in 150+ cities in 50+ countries, built an incredible fully-remote team,  and raised multiple successful rounds of funding from great investors! Together, we are going to discuss:  How he turned his passion into a business in his teens  The “Just Do It” mindset and why you should just get started And, useful tips for aspiring and early-stage founders Enjoy the episode and be sure to let me know what you think!

What is On the Up & Up? What is the mission? What can you expect?