In this episode of Peer Effect, we explore the intriguing intersection of human interaction and artificial intelligence with Chuck Rinker, co-founder and CEO of PRSONAS.

From his roots as a cattle farmer to his leadership in tech innovation, Chuck's diverse background includes pivotal roles in battle management software, military simulations, and even directing EA Sports franchises like Madden NFL and NCAA.

Today, his mission at PRSONAS is to seamlessly integrate AI into daily human interactions without the eerie edge of human replication or the "uncanny valley."

In this episode, we explore:
• How Personas is shaping the future of AI with avatars that foster empathetic trust
• The influence of visionary leaders like Walt Disney, who pioneered the art of building trust and emotional connections through animated characters
• Redefining the role of AI in the workplace, not as a replacement but as the ultimate productivity tool that can become your hardest-working team member, freeing up human counterparts to engage in more creative and impactful work.
• Chuck’s personal philosophy of how following one’s passion, leads to the most significant innovations and fulfilling successes.

For more insights follow Chuck on LinkedIn!

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Jeremy Parker, co-founder of Swag.com and the innovative mind behind Swag Space, joins us on "Peer Effect" to share his journey of reshaping the promotional products industry. With a knack for pivoting and scaling businesses strategically, Jeremy has navigated Swag.com from its inception to its acquisition by Custom Ink, and beyond into new ventures.

His approach to understanding customer needs and adapting to market demands exemplifies the agility required in today’s fast-paced business environment.

In this episode, we delve into:

• Jeremy's experiences in scaling Swag.com and his strategic insights into customer engagement and market penetration.
• The evolution of his role from a hands-on startup founder to CEO, and his recent shift back to founder with Swagspace.
• Practical advice for entrepreneurs on maintaining resilience, adapting strategies, and truly listening to what customers need.

Discover more about Jeremy Parker’s work at Swag Space or follow him on LinkedIn for more exciting insights.

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This week, we’re joined by Rob Volk, founder of Foxbox Digital, a leader in tech consultancy and digital transformation.

Rob shares profound insights on the shift from hands-on founder to strategic CEO and the crucial strategies that drive sustainable business growth.

In this episode, we explore:

• The art of letting go of control as to empower and build trust within your team.
• Managing your energy as a founder for sustainable growth.
• Cultivating a culture of deep focus to promote productivity and autonomy.

Rob's experience illustrates the challenges and triumphs of expanding a startup into a thriving business. His strategies for fostering a culture of empowerment and focusing on scalable growth are invaluable for any entrepreneur stepping into a CEO role.

Discover more about Rob Volk’s work at Foxbox Digital or follow him on LinkedIn for more exciting insights.

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In this episode of Peer Effect, Nigel Thomas, founder of David to Goliath, shares his profound journey of transformation from facing life's darkest moments to rising with a new vision; turning personal challenges into a source of inspiration for others facing their own "Goliaths."

Together, we dive into:

• Nigel's decision to leave a secure corporate job to pursue a risky but rewarding entrepreneurial path.
• The profound impact of meaningful relationships on happiness and resilience.
• Leadership insights and encouraging personal and professional growth among teams through relationship building.

Explore how Nigel is not only documenting his growth but also helping others navigate their challenges through the strength of vulnerability and the power of community.

For more about Nigel Thomas's journey and insights, follow him on LinkedIn.

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Dean Seddon, founder and CEO of MAVERRIK, steps into the Peer Effect spotlight to share his innovative approach to marketing and the undeniable power of personal branding.

With a decade of steering MAVERRIK to success, Dean has mastered the art of utilising his personal brand to propel his business forward. His journey reveals the critical role of a founder in not only shaping a company's strategy but also its public perception and internal culture.

In this episode, we delve into:

• Dean's strategic insights on using personal branding as a tool for business growth and customer engagement.
• The balance required to transition from hands-on involvement to strategic leadership without losing the personal touch that characterises founder-driven businesses.
• Practical advice for founders on maintaining their role as a central figure in their companies without risking burnout.

For more on how Dean Seddon harnesses personal branding for business success, follow him on LinkedIn and discover how MAVERRIK is redefining marketing strategies.

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Daniel Solomon, co-founder and CEO of OMNINGAGE, steps into the Peer Effect spotlight to share his journey of transitioning from a corporate role to the thrilling uncertainties of startup life.

With his rich experience, Daniel brings to the table deep insights on fostering innovation, scaling operations, and managing a globally dispersed team effectively.

In this episode, we explore:

• Daniel's strategic move from a secure position at Cisco to identifying market gaps and launching OMNINGAGE, a SaaS solution revolutionising contact centres.
• Strategies for bootstrapping a startup, leveraging offshore development for cost efficiency, and securing anchor customers.
• Building and nurturing a global team, from the practicalities of remote management to cultivating a shared vision and culture.

For further insights and inspiration, follow Dan on LinkedIn and explore how OMNINGAGE is making waves as the world’s most innovative customer engagement platform for Amazon Connect!

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Kirsten Lum, CTO and co-founder of Storytellers.ai, brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship.

With a background as unique as starting with an English literature degree and transitioning into a leader in the tech industry, Kirsten's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Before co-founding Storytellers.ai, her experience spanned significant roles at Amazon, where she led data science, econometrics, software engineers, data scientists and business intelligence, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of machine learning and AI within small business segments.

Today, Kirsten joins "Peer Effect" to unfold her narrative and discuss the democratisation of AI and machine learning for startups and small businesses. We covered:

• Kirsten's unconventional path into data science and AI, and how these technologies are not just for the elite tech companies
• The value of leveraging your distinctive experiences to innovate and navigate the challenges of your industry.
• Tips and strategies for finding balance amidst the hustle of startup life to sustain creativity and productivity.

Discover more about Kirsten Lum’s work at Storytellers.ai or follow her on LinkedIn for more exciting insights.

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As 2023 is coming to an end, so is season 2 of Future Fit Founder Podcast.

Today, I am taking a moment to reflect on what I learned from the guests on this podcast.

Ultimately, it all starts with you as a founder.

Here are my top 5 ways to help yourself:

1. Be patient with yourself, as a founder, the journey you are embarking on will be longer than you are planning for
2. Be kind to yourself, the pressure you are feeling is often self-inflicted.
3. Be fair to yourself, comparison is the thief of joy and grass is always greener on the other side. Water and take care of your garden first.
4. Prioritise yourself, you will survive longer and enjoy the journey more.
5. Trust yourself, your gut instinct will serve you more than listening to outside opinions.

Tune in and listen to the last episode of 2023, as I share my thoughts on how you can get more out of your business and create more sustainability in your day-to-day life, as a founder.

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