The Founders Live Podcast

In this conversation, Luis interviews Nick on the transition and how Feature Friday turned into a global movement called Founders Live. Nick details how he intuitively knew this little pitch competition that was happening each month in Seattle was going to grow into something much bigger. Here is the story how one day he opened a Google Document, started typing, and came up with the plan of how to expand to other cities and countries. Nick always says "Never underestimate how an idea can spread... " and the details shared here should give you inspiration of how you too can create something in your city and take it all around the world.  Exploring Greatness Season 1Watch: Episode 8 here - https://youtu.be/G8scll0PodE

In this conversation, Luis interviews Nick all about his experience in Athens, Greece during his 2024 Europe Tour, and filming this specific epsiode of Season 1 of Exploring Greatness. Nick describes what it feels like walking around the historic city, what it was like to tour these anicent ruins, and the story of staying in an Airbnb right at the foot of the Acroplis. We have so much to be thankful for the old Greek society, and how much they have shaped our modern world and economies. Enjoy!  Exploring Greatness Season 1 Athens 2,500 Years of Influence and Greatness - Exploring Greatness: Season 1, Episode 8Watch: Episode 8 here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9oiwtwRC7Y

In this conversation, Nick and Luis dive into Nick's experience interviewing Founders across Europe during his 2024 tour. Out of the gate, Nick shares a surprise insight of where the episode voiceover actually originated. Hint, it was written many years ago, even before Founders Live was created. Then the conversation shifts to the biggest insights and observations resulting from the founder interviews across Lisbon, Zagreb, Florence and Amsterdam. These backstories are fun and paint a picture of what it was like to sit down with the pitching founders before the Founders Live events in these specific cities.   POST: The Agony And Ecstasy of Entrepreneurshiphttps://soentrepreneurial.com/2015/12/22/so-what-is-entrepreneurship-again/Exploring Greatness Season 1The #1 Reason Europeans Choose Entrepreneurship - Exploring Greatness: Season 1, Episode 7Watch: Episode 7 here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RleAm6dLqiY

In this conversation, Nick and Luis get very personal about the beginnings of what eventually became Founders Live.  Luis shares his experience of attending one of the first Feature Friday events (that was the name of the event in the beggining) and why he decidied to check it out. Then Nick discusses his previous startup failures and how they led to starting the fun networking event. Lastly, Nick gets vulnerable in sharing how he lost his relationship, and how it led to him discovering his greatness and the vision of Founders Live.  Exploring Greatness Season 1Welcome to the Journey Across Europe - Exploring Greatness: Season 1, Episode 6Watch: Episode 6 here - https://www.founderslive.com/exploring-greatness-episodes/v/s1-e6-the-day-founders-live-feature-friday-was-born

In this conversation, Nick and Luis chat about the stories and behind the scenes energy of Episode 5 of Exploring Greatness, which is mostly set in Amsterdam, Netherlands. "Wait, you floated around the city?!" Hear the story of how Nick jumped on a boat to catch a unique view of the city from the canals of Amsterdam. Also, Nick shares what he was thinking and feeling when filming these scenes of helpful insights and thoughts on Greatness.If you haven't visited Amsterdam yet, this conversation and episode might just be the push you needed to book that trip! Exploring Greatness Season 1Welcome to the Journey Across Europe - Exploring Greatness: Season 1, Episode 5Watch: Episode 5 here - https://www.founderslive.com/exploring-greatness-episodes/v/s1-e5-greatness-floats-around-amsterdam

In this conversation, Nick and Luis discuss behind the scenes of episode 4 of the new series Exploring Greatness. Nick describes why he climbed to the top of a mountain to watch a sunset and share some emotional words with the viewers. He then goes into more detail about the main topic of Entrepreneurial Equality, why it is important to the global community, and how he came to the concept in the first place. Most of the episiode takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, so Nick and Luis dive into what it was like visiting the Scotish city.   Enjoy! Exploring Greatness Season 1Welcome to the Journey Across Europe - Exploring Greatness: Season 1, Episode 3Watch: Episode 4 here - https://www.founderslive.com/exploring-greatness-episodes/v/s1-e4-entrepreneurial-equality

In this conversation, Nick and Luis talk all about Cambridge, the historic and innovative city in the UK. Nick shares his experience visiting the city during his 2024 Tour, and we go behind the scenes on why he captured so much of the University, what it felt like walking through the city, and the importance of Founders Live Cambridge. When you listen to this, can *feel* Nick's excitement for his experience in England.  Exploring Greatness Season 1Welcome to the Journey Across Europe - Exploring Greatness: Season 1, Episode 3Watch: Episode 3 here - https://www.founderslive.com/exploring-greatness-episodes/v/s1-e3-cambridge-love-from-the-uk

In this discussion, Nick and Luis cover the backstory of Episode 2 of Exploring Greatness including Nick's experience in Tallinn, Estonia, what he thought of the city and why the episdode was titled Carpe Diem. It's fun to hear Nick describe his experience in the small European country. Listen to the end, there are some gems in here! Exploring Greatness Season 1Welcome to the Journey Across Europe - Exploring Greatness: Season 1, Episode 2Watch: Episode 2 here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzqhSL4hIhg

How do the most recognizable brands find their voice and establish an unforgettable brand experience? Brian Button of Your Business Needs a Brand joined us to walk through the steps the best brands in the world take to identify their unique value propisition, as well as build out the full scope of their brand experience. He's here to help you and your startup do the sameYou will learn:- What is a brand?- Why your brand is your most powerful asset- Crafting a powerful brand message- Finding your brand voice & tone- Turning features into emotional benefits- and any other questions you may have.https://www.yourbusinessneedsabrand.com/

In this discussion, Nick and Luis talk about how they concieved of the idea for the travel show, Nick's experience as he and professional videographers shot scenes across the 23 cities in 17 countries during 2024 Europe Tour. They also touch on what to expect from the 25+ episodes during Season 1 of Exploring Greatness. Exploring Greatness Season 1Welcome to the Journey Across Europe - Exploring Greatness: Season 1, Episode 1Watch: Episode 1 here - https://youtu.be/Gqj_piV9dK8

During his Exploring Greatness tour stop in Dublin, Ireland sat down with local founder Saransh Hasija of Envo. Nick and Saransh discuss his background, interest in entrepreneurship, why he started Envo, the biggest challenges in sustainability, what we can do about it, and his advice to early-stage founders. It's a fun conversation which we hope helps you today!Envo is a B2B software solution that helps companies track and reward their employees' sustainable actions. It includes a mobile app for employees and a web dashboard for HR and Sustainability Managers. Employees can learn about climate action and sustainable lifestyle choices in small, easy steps, and they can earn and redeem rewards with eco-friendly brands.https://www.envo.club/

Hosted by Nick Hughes and Matt Luensmann from MJL Recruiting & Consulting, this conversation covers the basics of how to think about your recruiting and hiring process, what to look for in early candidates, and how to land high-quality talent for your early-stage stage startup.You will learn:- Matt's approach to the talent industry- What things to consider when you are creating job descriptions- How to best incentive your early employees- The Do's and Dont's of attracting talent in today's social media landscape- What tools and AI products might help or hurt the process- How and when should startups think about working with a recruiting agency- and much more

In this Founders Live Conversations episode, Nick Hughes interviews Bohdan Yatsyna of Stane, in Edinburgh, Scotland during Nick's 2024 Europe Tour for the new show Exploring Greatness.https://stane.io/

In this Founders Live Conversations episode, Nick Hughes interviews Alexander Fahie of Taisk, in Edinburgh, Scotland during Nick's 2024 Europe Tour for the new show Exploring Greatness.https://taisk.com/

This Founders Live Conversations was Hosted by Keith Harrison “Coach K” from CF Closers, and the conversation covers the basics of how to think about sales, and how your sales process directly impacts your close rate, aka the amount of business you win!You will learnWhat is a Sales Process and why does it matter?The Sales Process Formulae to Win More BusinessWhere you can multiply your Close RateSales Processes vs Sales SkillsHow your Sales Process can be used to Recruit Top ClosersAI for Sales TeamsLearn more About CF Closers “Come Find Closers”

During his visit to Amsterdam, Nick sat down with local founder Joël Wurtz of Venture Pals who is building a unique startup that provides a system where people can find and connect with partners that become accountability pals. Nick and  Joël discuss his background, interest in entrepreneurship, why he started Venture Pals, the biggest challenges early-stage startup founders face, and what they can do about it. It's a fun conversation and we hope it helps you today!https://www.venture-pals.com/

In this Founders Live Conversations discussion, Nick Hughes and Thane Ringler talk about the main skill of emotional intelligence and how it will elevate any leader and your team. They also touch on quality communications, healthy organizational cultures, and leadership through influence. We hope this conversation helps you today!https://www.appellopartners.com/

In this conversation, Gary Malcolm and Cyrus Richardson of 12 Stones Productions talk about his startup journey, as well as what he is building in Columbus, Ohio. You will hear more about his experience at Founders Live, as well as his advice to early-stage founders.  We hope you enjoy the conversation!12 Stones Productions is a film production company that provides services for producing ad content, commercials, producing films, event videos, and editing.https://cyfly.com/

Hosted by NOW CFO, this online conversation covers financial tips, strategies, and best practices for startups looking to evaluate their year so far and tips on how to adjust mid-year.You will learn:How to utilize a year-long financial projections approachHow to compare the first 6 months' results to your projectionsSteps and measures to re-align and recalibrate if you are off paceHow to approach your startup's accounting practicesAdvice when preparing to raise money in 2024Any of your questions...You can ask any financial or fundraising questions in this interactive session.https://nowcfo.com/

Weston Baker of Morphic joined us for a discussion about how founders can use the latest tools and resources to create awe-inspiring websites and apps.You will learn:Trends in low and no-code apps to build new websitesWhat does a great website need to include?What do visitors really care about in today's world?Which AI tools help with automation?How early-stage startup founders get a new website started quickly and affordablyYour questions about creating apps and websites quickly and efficientlyhttps://www.getmorphic.com/