Future² Innovation

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Nic Jones, a former executive who made the bold decision to step away from a high-powered career in media to drive buses.Jones, whose past roles spanned influential positions at Moshcam, Pureprofile, Nine, Yahoo, News Corp, Publisis, and Vevo, shares the experiences and reflections that led him to question the corporate world’s relentless pursuit of more.Together, we unpack the value of living in alignment with one’s true nature versus society’s definition of success, inspired by a famous Seneca quote: "Live according to nature and never be poor; live according to opinion and never be rich."Key Discussion Points:Background and Big Decisions: We explore Nic’s previous life, filled with executive roles and startup ventures, including his time as CEO of Pureprofile and his contributions to projects like Vera, a platform supporting people with dementia. Nic reflects on what happened with some of these companies and what ultimately influenced his choice to take a

Introduction:In this episode, we dive into the world of Lean Startup, 13 years on from its inception, and explore the challenges and nuances of applying it within large corporations.While Lean Startup principles are widely taught, executing them in established corporate environments often leads to failure. Our guest, Ben Hafele from Lean Startup Corp, shares his firsthand insights on why this happens and how leaders can overcome these challenges to foster innovation within their organizations.Key Topics Covered:A quick recap of the Lean Startup methodology, focusing on rapid experimentation, validated learning, and customer feedback loops. Why is it still relevant today, and how does it differ from traditional corporate processes?Teaching the Lean Startup approach is one thing, but applying it in a corporate setting is an entirely different challenge. Why does it often fail in large organizations, and what can leaders do to make it successful?Process blockers: How existing systems and bureaucratic hurdles slo

Kevin Novak is the Founder of Rackhouse Venture Capital, a global venture capital firm purpose-built to support early-stage founders and firms at the intersection of AI/ML and the real world. Previously, he served as Uber’s first Head of Data Science, its first Head of Data Science Platform, and invented its surge pricing model.We covered a lot of topics, including:Kevin's time at UBERThe mechanics of investing in startupsThe proliferation of deep fakes and what it means for the worldWhy we’re still so early when it comes to GenAIWhether AI advertising models will destroy Google searchHow AI content licensing might work to reward not just large but independent creatorsKevin’s prediction on which year the world’s first one-person unicorn will emergeShow NotesEmail Kevin: kevin@rackhouse.vcRackhouse Ventures: rackhouse.vcKevin on X: @novakkmConnect with SteveFollow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveglaveski Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter: https://futu

Steve Hughes is an internationally renowned stand up comedian who tells it like it is, refusing to shy away from the confonting and what is often interpreted as controversial. Steve is incredibly observant, bringing with him worldly insights into the bleeding obvious and comes armed with what he says is more issues than an Occupy movement.Steve spent the first half of his career as a heavy metal drummer for bands such as Mortal Sin before burning up the international comedy circuit, which he has been doing for more than 12 years now, having toured throughout Europe, Australia, USA, Canada & New Zealand to rave reviews and mutinous laughter.However, don’t be fooled, this conversation goes way beyond the realm of just comedy and heavy metal and we spend the majority of the two hours exploring topics such as political correctness and identity politics, Steve’s battle with depression, free will, the suppression of freedom of speech, preference falsification, feminism, disidentification with ego, leaning into

My guest today is Preston Troutt, the founder of the innovative crowdfunding platform, Crowdsurf.Preston is a dynamic entrepreneur aiming to transform how we invest in creators, turning the conventional investor model on its head.In this episode, we'll explore how Crowdsurf allows fans and followers to invest directly in their favorite creators, the origin of this groundbreaking idea, and how the model works.We'll dive into the platform's progress, the types of creators raising funds, and share some success stories.Preston will also discuss transparency for investors, including income tracking and investor protections.We'll tackle some challenges creators face in monetizing their content, and discuss how Crowdsurf addresses these issues. Plus, we'll cover who can invest, the minimum investment required, and the criteria used to select creators.Furthermore, Preston will shed light on navigating the regulatory landscape with SEC and FINRA compliance, managing investment risks, and supporting creators to ensure

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating and complex world of modern weight loss with Lucas Aoun, an expert in health and performance.In 1980, 15% of Americans were obese; today, it's 42%, with over 70% either overweight or obese. England has seen similar trends.We’ll explore why this epidemic has escalated, focusing on the role of the modern food supply, historical influences like the sugar industry’s impact, and groundbreaking treatments such as Ozempic.What is Ozempic, and how does it work?We'll delve into its benefits, risks, and the societal implications of widespread use.Join us as we discuss the future of weight management, balancing pharmaceutical solutions with lifestyle changes, and learning from cultures with low obesity rates. We also look at the body positivity movement, and ask whether it's doing more harm than good.Timestamps(0:02) - Lucas' return to the show, comparison with Tim Harford.(0:07) - Introduction to obesity statistics and the rise in obesity rates.(0:12) - Causes of obesity: sedent

My guest today is Alex Roslaniec, hes a co-founder of fast-growing skincare company, Hey Bud.Hey Bud was founded just 4.5 years ago, and is today available in 130 countries, boasts 200,000 customers, and is stocked in 400 Priceline stores across Australia.We discussed:How Hey Bud differentiated itself in a saturated cosmetics and skincare marketThe power of online reviewsThe role of influencer marketingHow being beholden to algorithms and pay-per-click ads can be the undoing of a businessHow Hey Bud got a distribution deal with Priceline, marking its move from online into physical retailThe perils of manufacturingThe regulatory landscape for hemp-based productsHow to hire great talentAnd so much more.There are so many actionable tips in this one for anyone building a business so strap yourself in for my conversation with the one and only, Alex Roslaniec.Resources and LinksHey Bud Skincare: https://heybudskincare.com (get 15% off with FUTURESQUARED15)Connect with UsFollow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com

Jason Fried thinks deeply about collaboration, productivity and the nature of work. He's the co-founder of project management platform Basecamp. Founded in 1999, Basecamp has been recognised by Forbes as one of America’s best small businesses. His 2010 TED talk on ‘Why Work Doesn’t Happen At Work’ has been viewed over 5 million times.He’s also the co-author of Rework, which is about new ways to conceptualize working and creating, as well as the brand new ‘It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work’, in which he rejects the prevailing notion that long hours, aggressive hustle, and "whatever it takes" are required to run a successful business today. The Economist called the book funny, well-written and iconoclastic and by far the best thing on management published this year.As somebody who shares many of Jason’s philosophies on work, I really enjoyed this conversation. Organisations are projected to invest US$2T into digital transformation by 2022 to make them more efficient, but they could reap what I would argue are

Julia Krieger is the managing partner of Pari Passu Venture Partners, a network of founders supporting founders. She has been both an operator and a venture investor and so has unique perspectives on all things startups and VCs.In this conversation, we explore:Julia’s time investing over $100M for Insight PartnersHer experience building sharing economy marketplace, VillageLuxeHow Pari Passu invests on an SPV model instead of a fund model, and the benefits of thisOperator-led VC firms v non-operator led VC firms and their respective meritsWhere the venture landscape and valuations are at todayThe impact of AI on capital efficiencyWarm v cold outreachTips for founders looking to raiseHow going through difficult times breeds empathyWe also touched on Scale AI’s meritocratic-based hiring process and how Julia thinks about backing diverse foundersTimestamps(00:02) - Discussion about balancing work and family, and the start of the podcast conversation.(00:07) - Reflection on investing over $100 million in Marketpla

My guest today is Chris Saad, he’s a seasoned product and startup builder, co-host of The Startup Podcast, and former Head of Product at Uber's Developer Platform.He’s been at the forefront of building companies since graduating high school the turn of the millennium, and has spent considerable time in both Australia’s and the United State’s tech and startup ecosystems, giving him a unique perspective on the differences between the two.We discussed:the apparent catch 22 of Australia’s social safety netthe difference in mindset between American and Australian foundersthe underlying geographic, political, and economic realitieswhy Australia’s investment ecosystem is unsophisticatedChris’ provocative thought son social justice activism amongst startup ecosystemsregulatory and tax landscapesand so much moreResources and LinksThe Startup Podcast: https://tsp.showChris Saad's website: https://www.chrissaad.comConnect with UsFollow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/steveglaveskiFollow me on Instagram: https://i

This man needs no introduction but I’m going to give him one anyway.Robert Greene is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law and Mastery.His highly anticipated sixth book, The Laws of Human Nature, explores people's drives and motivations, even when they are unconscious of them themselves. Knowing why people do what they do is the most important tool we can possess, without which our other talents can only take us so far. Having read hundreds of business books myself, perhaps the books that have had the most profound positive impact on how I show up each day and how I conduct myself are books on psychology, behavioural economics, neuroscience and biological evolution. Books that ultimately helped me to understand myself and understand others. As such, I was really excited to read the Laws of Nature and speak with Greene about what is such a fundamental topic. In addition to having a strong following within the bu

In this episode, I sit down with international touring comedian Joe Avati, known for his hilarious takes on Italian-Australian life and its cultural quirks.Joe is currently in the midst of his When I Was Your Age world tour, and I had the pleasure of catching him perform in front of a sold out crowd of 450 people in Melbourne. Joe shares insights on early life, pursuing the arts, how he has dealt with the adversity of bombing, the grit needed to make it in any profession, why comedians shouldn’t get married, raising kids to be resilient in today’s climate, and the impact of political correctness on not just comedy, but on emerging generations of young people. Key Topics DiscussedTour Update: Joe talks about his ongoing tour across the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. He shares anecdotes from his recent shows and reflects on the global reach of his comedy.Early Life: Joe reminisces about growing up in Five Dock, Sydney, as the son of Italian immigrants. He discusses his family's move to Australia a

In this episode of Future Squared, we're joined by Allan Dib, bestselling author of The 1-Page Marketing Plan, to discuss his latest book, Lean Marketing.Allan shares his insights on common marketing mistakes, the power of three force multipliers, and how businesses can leverage tools and tactics to achieve success. We also delve into the world of AI marketing, the seven core commodities of business, and key objections every marketer needs to overcome.Tune in for an enlightening conversation packed with actionable advice and expert perspectives.Topics Discussed:Common Mistakes: Allan identifies typical pitfalls businesses face when implementing Lean Marketing and offers practical advice on how to avoid them.Three Force Multipliers: Learn about the tools, assets, and processes that can exponentially enhance your marketing efforts.Tools and Tactics: Discover the exact tools and tactics Allan recommends for building an effective marketing system.AI Marketing: Explore how AI is revolutionizing the marketing lands

I was thrilled to welcome back Scott H. Young, a renowned writer, programmer, and avid learner. Scott is here to discuss his latest book, "Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery."This book dives deep into the principles of mastering new skills and achieving continuous improvement in any field.Key Topics Discussed:Introduction to "Get Better at Anything": Scott provides an overview of his new book and its structure, highlighting the three main parts: Learning from others (See), Learning from practice (Do), and Learning from experience and feedback (Feedback).Maxim 1 - Learn from the Best: The importance of identifying and learning from top performers in your field. Scott shares practical tips on how to approach and benefit from their expertise.Maxim 2 - Practice Deliberately: Scott explains the concept of deliberate practice and how it differs from regular practice. He offers actionable advice on how to structure your practice sessions for maximum improvement.Maxim 3 - Embrace Feedback: The role of feed

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of social media influence, authentic leadership, and the pursuit of happiness in entrepreneurship. Today's guest is the remarkable Taryn Williams, a veteran entrepreneur who founded Wink Models, The Right Fit (exited), The Influencer Agency (exited), and the innovative gifting service, #Gifted.  In a candid discussion, Taryn talks about the challenges and successes she faced building businesses in her 20s and stepping back into a leadership role, and emphasizes the vital roles of self-care, mentorship, and maintaining genuine team connections.  Taryn shares invaluable insights on navigating the influencer economy, the shift towards micro and nano influencers, and the importance of organic growth and audience engagement. She also reflects on the impact of social media on young people, stressing the need for authenticity over appearance. We weigh in on the dangers of "struggle porn" and the reality behind the pursuit of universal success through social m

Michael Thomsen is a freelancer writer, author, and UFC tragic from New York.   He is the author of Cage Kings: How an Unlikely Group of Moguls, Champions & Hustlers Transformed the UFC into a $10 Billion Industry, which unpacks the rapid rise of the UFC an mixed martial arts, the UFC’s business model and economics, the one man tour de force that is longtime UFC president Dana White, the role of the UFC’s owners over time - SEG, Zuffa and Ari Emanuel, and the organization’s anti-competitive behaviors and adversarial relationship with its fighters, which aren’t employees, but independent contractors - most of whom would earn more working a run of the mill admin job in the public sector.   Thomsen’s work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Slate, Vanity Fair, The Daily Beast, Aeon, Forbes, Al Jazeera America, Adult, Talking Points Memo, Los Angeles Review of Books, Complex, The Paris Review n+1, Bookforum, The Believer, The New Republic,

Originally published: 2017 Jason Calacanis is a tech entrepreneur, wildly successful angel investor, and the host of the popular weekly podcast This Week in Startups. He's the founder of a series of conferences that bring entrepreneurs together with potential investors. As a “scout” for top-tier Silicon Valley venture capital firm Sequoia Capital and later as an angel investor, Jason has invested in 150 early-stage startups including four that have achieved billion-dollar valuations (so far) such as Uber, Evernote and Tumblr. Jason's newly released book "Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups: Timeless Advice from an Angel Investor Who Turned $100,000 into $100,000,000" puts readers inside the minds of successful angel investors, helping to understand how they prioritize and make the decisions that have resulted in phenomenal profits. Jason provides a step by step roadmap, revealing how leading investors evaluate new ventures, calculating the risks and rewards, and explains how the best startups leverage

Oliver Burkeman is a British author and journalist who has written for The Guardian and other publications. He was born in 1975 and has authored several books on topics such as time management, productivity, happiness, and self-help culture. His works include "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals," "The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking,", "Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done", and his most recent book, "Four Thousand Weeks," is a philosophical and practical exploration of time management and how to make the most of our finite lives. Show Notes: Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliverburkeman  Web: https://oliverburkeman.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Niki Scevak is co-founder of Startmate, and founder and partner at Blackbird VC, Australia’s largest venture capital fund, with its 5th fund having raised AUD$1B (US$640M). Blackbird was an early investor in Canva, SafetyCulture, CultureAmp, BugCrowd, RedBubble, and many more, and has to date generated a net internal rate of return of 56%.    Niki joined me today to discuss: His life before Blackbird Successfully raising his first fund back in 2012, without having a network or any startup successes of his own  Getting beyond the trough of disillusionment How Australian superannuation funds are opening their wallets to VC Scaling culture Generating deal flow Advice for founders and budding VCs on raising capital in a down market The AI investment landscape The battle between AI-powered indie hackers and venture-backed startups Whether sophisticated investor rules preventing retail investors from getting direct exposure to venture capital is just increasing the wealth gap 

Mick Wall has spent over four decades interviewing rockstars and chronicling their amazing stories, and today, we're turning the tables on Mick Wall and unpacking his story in this marathon 3-hour and 40-minute, Joe Rogan-esque interview.   Our conversation focuses on the early years, taking in Mick’s childhood all the way through to Sounds magazine, Heavy Publicity, and the inception of the world-famous magazine Kerrang! magazine.   We touch on ghostwriting, his feud with Axl Rose, and revelations about the rock 'n roll lifestyle.   As you might expect, there’s plenty of sex, drugs n rock n roll, and some valuable life lessons.   So strap yourself in for my chat with Mick Wall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.