Startups Decoded
Startups Decoded
Podcast Description
Startups Decoded is a podcast that provides real-world insights into startup strategy and growth, featuring expert-led content, insider stories, and actionable takeaways for founders and investors. We bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering practical lessons to help entrepreneurs thrive in today’s fast-paced ecosystem. More than just a podcast, it's a resource for innovators who dive deep into the strategies behind building and scaling successful startups.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on essential startup themes such as scaling operations, hiring strategies, and the impact of climate tech. Episodes include practical discussions like how founders can build high-performance teams and strategies for hiring the right marketers at critical times, as well as examining the perception and branding of climate tech in the investment community.
Startups Decoded is a podcast that provides real-world insights into startup strategy and growth, featuring expert-led content, insider stories, and actionable takeaways for founders and investors. We bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering practical lessons to help entrepreneurs thrive in today’s fast-paced ecosystem. More than just a podcast, it’s a resource for innovators who dive deep into the strategies behind building and scaling successful startups.
Niluka Kavanagh left Big 4 consulting with a simple question: Can I work for myself, and can I do it from anywhere?
That question turned into an experiment, then a business, then ImagineThat, a global club for first-time founders who are trying to build something without losing themselves in the process.
We talk about the unsexy realities people don’t plan for: uncertainty, isolation, confidence dips, and the weird moment where you realise “being your own boss” can still mean being owned by customers. Niluka shares the framework she uses with founders to go from “I’ve got skills” to “I’ve got a business,” why you should design your life before you design your model, and why your personal brand is the only asset that survives pivots.
This is a conversation for anyone in corporate with a pull toward independence, and anyone early-stage who wants fewer vibes and more clarity.
Chapters
- 00:00 The Journey of Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
- 03:08 Finding Purpose and Vision in Business
- 05:53 Understanding the Risks and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
- 08:44 Building a Support Network for Founders
- 11:35 The Importance of Market Validation
- 14:25 Creating a Founder Brand and Authentic Storytelling
- 22:27 Building Your Founder Brand
- 25:41 The Importance of Values in Branding
- 29:47 The Power of Storytelling in Personal Branding
- 34:07 Recognizing Your Achievements as a Founder
- 38:31 The Role of Community in Entrepreneurship
- 43:20 Creating a Supportive Environment for Founders
A founder, executive coach, keynote speaker, and creator focused on the future of work.
She is the Founder of ImagineThat, the global club for new founders, and the creator of The Modern CEO, a leadership program helping companies evolve into next-generation workplaces.
Previously, she worked as a consultant at KPMG with clients like Mastercard, Tesco, and London Stock Exchange, co-founded KPMG FutureThinkers, and led communications for KPMG SheCan.
Niluka has spoken at leading universities, including Oxford, Trinity College Dublin, and Edinburgh University, and her work has been featured in The World Financial Review and Cambridge University Press.
Who Should Listen
- New founders transitioning out of corporate roles
- Executives leading younger or hybrid teams
- Operators building modern leadership cultures
- Anyone curious about how careers, ambition, and identity are reshaping entrepreneurship
Music Credit
“Neptuno” – Phondupe (Album: Onykia)
Access All Areas.
Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTube
Subscribe: Substack
Community & Events: Founders Circle
Connect: LinkedIn
Socials: TikTok || Instagram || X
Web: startupsdecoded.com
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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