Startup Instinct

In this episode, we delve into Canadian real estate with Amar Nijjar, founder of Finneo, a commercial real estate debt financing platform. We discuss the highly overpriced residential real estate market in Canada and whether or not this is a good time to invest in property. Amar points out that we could be in a bubble that may soon burst. In addition, we discuss why the S&P 500 is not a good indicator of stable growth across all boards, due to the top companies driving the market with their sheer size and growth. Amar discusses his passion for bringing technology into the CRE debt financing industry where business is conducted with old-school approaches and tools, as well as the sheer challenges Finneo faces in disrupting an industry that has long operated with the same standards. 

This episode is part two with Shatha Qaqish-Clavering. Zaeem and Shatha discuss how Canada loses billions of dollars every year through the loss of intellectual property and the inability to commercialize early stage technology. Shatha explains her passion for women in entrepreneurship including the work she's done with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. Shatha also talks motivation and lists some female role models that have been working to help women in entrepreneurship through funding, mentorship, and guidance.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shatha-qaqish-clavering-47a2678

https://cherieblairfoundation.org/

In this episode, we discuss what venture capitalists and angel investors look for before investing in early stage entrepreneurs and the questions you need to ask yourself before raising money. Sometimes, it may be too early to raise money. Our guest on the show, Shatha Qaqish-Clavering has over a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs and startups raise money, grow, and meet milestones. In addition, we dive into the core features and values entrepreneurs must have to rise above heights never imagined before. 

In this episode, we dive into discussions on money, sustainable compliance, and the impacts of money laundering. Today's guest is Shubhradeep Nandi, Founder of PiChain. Which is a sustainable compliance startup that uses AI and Blockchain to provide seamless and effective regulatory compliance to enterprises. We talk about Shub's unique perspectives and experiences as an entrepreneur. Reflecting back on early profound lessons that shaped him. We discuss the impact of money laundering from a GDP level to an individual person and why having regulatory compliance that is streamlined and integrated into the financial infrastructure of the economy is crucial. Shub explains how this will improve the overall health of the economy and allow money to flow in and out faster with less interruptions at no risk of breaking the law. He also discusses an effective strategy when deciding how much to charge customers along with the right questions to ask.

In this episode, we dive deeper into the discussions initiated with Christian Varriale, co-founder of Moralyzer. Zaeem starts the discussion with emphasis on the importance of connecting with a customer or consumer of an entrepreneurs products and/or services. Outlining the devastating events that took place while running his first startup QuadCulture Technologies. Discussing why it may not be a good idea to start a business with friends or family, and why it could also be a great idea that works for many. Christian and Zaeem discuss this thoroughly and leave it to the audience to make a well informed and effective decision when starting a business and choosing folks to work with. Christian discusses the game-plan for Moralyzer and how they plan on solving one of the biggest issues we have in society with regard to social activism and movements created for systemic change. Many societal issues are forgotten before a change occurs due to the lack of information and audience retention because of the way social media algorithms operate. Moralyzer is driven to stop movements for change from losing popularity by allowing people to track and follow movements through the moralyzer platform. 

To start the season off, we delve into the fundamentals of early stage entrepreneurship with the co-founder of Moralyzer, Christian Varriale. Moralyzer is the first social activism platform of its kind, allowing users to take action alongside their friends. Their mission is to make the recent push for systemic change be not just a trend, but a permanent discussion that is not forgotten. Moralyzer was founded during the peak of the George Floyd Protests and Black Lives Matter Movement over the outrageous killing of George Perry Floyd Jr. on the 25th of May where police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck until he was pronounced dead in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Christian discusses his passion and dedication for change throughout the episode. During the era of COVID-19, the necessity for change is stronger than ever.

We discuss the importance of getting out of that comfort zone even though it may seem excruciatingly painful, because success always hangs outside of our comfort zone. Christian talks about some difficulties a technical founder might have when connecting with customers. We discuss important rules to follow when hiring and interacting with employees. Bringing together lessons learned and experiences from past failures, we get into the challenges and hurdles that can make admitting defeat seem like the only option.

This episode concludes season one (E10-19). Entrepreneurship can be tough and the journey is a lifelong process with plenty of room for improvement. The moments chosen in this episode represent the struggles, challenges, and lessons one may face in life and business. The importance of self-reflection and self-care are also displayed throughout this episode. Additionally, mental health is also discussed. Lastly, crucial advice for early stage entrepreneurs along with insight into the startup journey.

The guests featured in this episode:
Andrew Kanapatski, Natalia Wiechowski, Douglas P. Pflug, Rachel Zimmer, Charla Huber, Linden Williamson 

This episode includes selected discussions from season one (E1-E9). The beginning of this episode includes a statement from the host. As he states some critically important aspects of entrepreneurship and life that he has struggled with and learned from along the way. Outlining the importance of accepting that life is full of problems and the more problems one faces, the easier problem solving becomes and the less devastating they can be. Overtime our minds become equipped to solve problems with a higher level of efficiency. Zaeem greatly shows appreciation and gratitude for Startup Instinct's audience stating that this podcast would not exist without its growing audience of extraordinary folks. 

In this episode, we continue discussions with Linden Williamson. He is well known for his YouTube channel called Linden Adventures based out of Dubai. We begin with a short discussion on cars then talk about the process behind the verification process for Instagram accounts. Linden describes how his channel came to fruition along with the positive and negative experiences of being a well known YouTuber. We then delve into the reasons behind Linden taking a break from vlogging on YouTube and focusing on Instagram after the end of his collaboration with Mohamed Beiraghdary, also known as Mo Vlogs. Throughout the episode, we discuss the challenges of losing close friends and overcoming a serious loss of motivation. Along with the importance of strong personal values that undoubtedly benefit relationships and business. Linden mentions how it can be useful to meet new people, and make room for growth especially during moments of adversity. Lastly Linden reflects on the difficulties he had with starting a YouTube channel and gives advice along with tips for those looking to start a channel themselves.

In this episode, we talk about content creation, on YouTube and Instagram specifically. Our guest on the show is Linden Williamson. He is well known for his YouTube channel called Linden Adventures based out of Dubai. We begin by talking about how the United Arab Emirates has dealt with COVID-19 and the World Health Organization's recognition of the highly effective measures the UAE has implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In addition, Linden discusses his own personal struggles and the adversities he has overcome in life. He reflects on the loss of a loved one and how he overcame depression. Moreover, he talks about his exposure to intensive bullying during his childhood. In light of our own experiences, we consider the importance of stricter anti-bullying guidelines for educational institutions and the harsh possibility of youth suicide as a result of bullying. We discuss how Linden has channelled his pain to lead a life filled with strong personal values focused on inspiring and helping others, especially to overcome trauma that results from bullying. He emphasizes that life can change and doesn't have to be ridden with depression and anxiety. Linden went on to build a successful Youtube channel with the support of Mohamed Beiraghdary, also known as Mo Vlogs, and his audience who encouraged Linden to start his own channel.