Leading The Way

Numerous global research tells us that female founders only get about 2% of VC money. While experts are trying to figure out why, well, every female founder can tell you why. Shame that nobody is really asking us.While I don't want to be negative, I also don't want to sugarcoat something that I see as a plague for female entrepreneurs. In this episode, I will talk about- why female entrepreneurs don't get funded- my own experiences raising money- facing unsavory questions- how to stay positive when facing bias and prejudiceThis is such an important and big topic and it will be covered in two-part, so watch this space for the next episode, coming in two weeks!Support the showYou can learn more about how to support this podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226683/supportAre you enjoying the podcast? Subscribe here for podcast news https://nikolina-finska.ck.page/6e065ef3c3

We hear so much about how entrepreneurship takes time, that you must be committed to your company 24/7. That hustle culture is the standard and a necessity to be even remotely successful.I fell into the trap of #grindset myself. Even if I'm geographically far from Silicon Valley, toxic working culture and even more toxic advice traveled wide and far. Luckily, I learned my lessons and now, I'm sharing them with you. In this episode, you can hear more abouthow much time it really takes to run a startupis there any truth in rise-and-grind culture?how startup work is different from corporate lifemy journey from overworking to putting myself firsttips on creating more balanced and healthier workIf you are looking for a more sustainable and human-centric journey to success, this episode is a "must-listen" for you.If you like our content, make sure you subscribe and be first to know when a new episode is out https://nikolina-finska.ck.page/6e065ef3c3The new episode coming in a week, 27th of December!Support the showYou can learn more about how to support this podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226683/supportAre you enjoying the podcast? Subscribe here for podcast news https://nikolina-finska.ck.page/6e065ef3c3

You might wonder why am I talking about the immigrant entrepreneur.  Wasn't this podcast supposed to be about female entrepreneurs?I have been an immigrant most of my professional life. This lived experience heavily affected my career, my business, and my life choices. I can't talk about being an entrepreneur without talking about what it means to be an immigrant woman too.As it happens, my experience is from Finland and the story is mine. But, who knows, it might have happened somewhere else too. Or it might happen completely differently for someone else.In this episode, I talk about:how my immigrant identity affected my businesspersonal experience dealing with immigration-based biaschallenges of being a foreign entrepreneur in Finlandhow does it compare to be an immigrant entrepreneur in Finland vs CroatiaThere are many immigrant stories out there, some more positive and sadly, some more negative than mine. I'm openly sharing my own, not to judge the country or get sympathy. We can't fix what we ignore and raising awareness of the issues immigrants sometimes face, is a step forward to fixing them, together.It's the start of the holiday season, no better time than now to ask for your support! If you like the show, you can support it with as little as $3 per month and make sure that it keeps going. Check the link below for more info!Support the showYou can learn more about how to support this podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226683/supportAre you enjoying the podcast? Subscribe here for podcast news https://nikolina-finska.ck.page/6e065ef3c3

In today's episode, I tackle yet another uncomfortable topic - money. Women have serious challenges talking about money and this makes our lives and businesses unnecessarily harder. But, there is a good (and bad) reason for that. In this insightful episode, I talk about:why is important for men to know more about women's discomfort about moneyare we really so uncomfortable about it?my journey with moneywhy do we need to change ithow to build better relationships with money and get what we are worthUnderstanding our relationship and discomfort around money is the first step to empowering ourselves financially. While there are still so many obstacles in front of women to reach financial equality, talking about money openly is a good start. Sharing my story, I hope to normalize conversations around money, fight bias, and help women get a more positive attitude towards it.As this show is all about money, no better time than now to ask for your support! If you like the show, you can support it with as little as $3 per month and make sure that it keeps going. Check the support link for more info!Support the showYou can learn more about how to support this podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226683/supportAre you enjoying the podcast? Subscribe here for podcast news https://nikolina-finska.ck.page/6e065ef3c3

I had a bad burnout.Even today, it's still painful to talk about it. But, we don't talk enough about burnout. There is still a lot of shame around it. Even if so many professionals had it, you always get a piece of advice to better keep it for yourself. I say, let's not.In today's episode, join us on my personal odyssey through burnout. This story is a raw and honest account of the mental, emotional, and physical challenges I encountered, ones that many women in similar positions can relate to.Discover how to recognize the warning signs and, more importantly, how I took decisive action to reclaim my well-being. I share the strategies, insights, and resilience that guided me out of the burnout abyss and onto a path of renewed purpose and balance.If you've ever questioned the cost of success and what it truly means to thrive in both career and life, this episode is a must-listen. So grab your favorite beverage, settle into a comfy spot, and join us for this illuminating conversation on reclaiming balance and well-being, one woman's story at a time.Support the showYou can learn more about how to support this podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226683/supportAre you enjoying the podcast? Subscribe here for podcast news https://nikolina-finska.ck.page/6e065ef3c3

Welcome to the fourth episode of Leading the Way! In this one, I'm even more honest and straightforward than in any previous episodes.Talking about mistakes is tough. It reminds us of the time when we failed and had to face unpleasant consequences. But, I'm a firm believer that we learn the most from our failures. With every mistake we make we are wiser, better, and stronger. In this outspoken episode, I talk about:why hiring mistakes are so dangerous in a startupis it even feasible to scale up so quicklywhy is it a bad idea to make yourself indispensableconsequences of losing sight of company financesand a few other mistakes I made along the wayThese are neither absolute truth nor all mistakes I made - different leaders might make different mistakes. But, I do believe we should speak more often and be more frank about it!If you liked the show, now we have an option to support it directly and keep it going! Follow this link for support https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226683/supportSupport the showYou can learn more about how to support this podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226683/supportAre you enjoying the podcast? Subscribe here for podcast news https://nikolina-finska.ck.page/6e065ef3c3

In this podcast episode, we are diving into an unavoidable part of the startup world: co-founders.In this energetic and peppery episode, we will talk about:should you even have a co-founderwho makes a good co-founderhow to find a well-matched co-founderwhat happens when the co-founders' relationship doesn't workwhat kind of co-founders our host wouldn't choose (but you might)As usual, there will be plenty of real-world examples and personal stories. Maybe even a bit of drama...We hope you enjoy this episode and that you find it insightful and entertaining. If you like it, we would appreciate it if you recommend it and share it with your network. Don't forget to subscribe and be first to know when new episode is out!Support the showYou can learn more about how to support this podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226683/supportAre you enjoying the podcast? Subscribe here for podcast news https://nikolina-finska.ck.page/6e065ef3c3

There are tons of advice out there telling us what we need to do before we become entrepreneurs. Actually, there is so much of it out there that can leave you totally blinded and even push you to give up on your dreams. In this episode, as a four-time founder, I talk about what I learned is needed before you found the business. I wished I had this list ready when I was starting the first time, but now I'm gladly listening to my own advice.As usual, this is another candid and straightforward episode, where I openly talk about mistakes I made, so you don't have to repeat them. If you plan to open a business or even if you already have one,  this episode will give you a fresh view of where to start and a positive boost to go ahead with your entrepreneurial plans!Support the showYou can learn more about how to support this podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226683/supportAre you enjoying the podcast? Subscribe here for podcast news https://nikolina-finska.ck.page/6e065ef3c3

Did you ever dream about being an entrepreneur? Having your own start-up, changing the world, traveling from event to event, making an impact, and making a buck? But, you are not sure if you can make it?You are not alone. Meet your host, Nikolina Finska, the most unusual entrepreneur. Immigrant women in her 40’s, starting an entrepreneurial journey in the tech industry. In the first episode, we will learn more about what inspired her to become an entrepreneur and what entrepreneurship looked like for her family in communism and war times.This honest and heartfelt story sets the tone for this podcast series that will focus on female entrepreneurship and leadership. Every other Wednesday, you can hear more about the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field and actionable tips on how to make it work for you. Besides Nikolina’s own experiences, we will also feature other women leaders and learn about their journeys. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and check our webpage, ⁠www.nikolinawork.com⁠ for more information and access to transcripts.Thank you for listening!Support the showYou can learn more about how to support this podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226683/supportAre you enjoying the podcast? Subscribe here for podcast news https://nikolina-finska.ck.page/6e065ef3c3