Hot Takes Big Stakes
Hot Takes Big Stakes
Podcast Description
Hosted by serial founders Natalie Holloway (Bala) and Lana Elie (Floom), Hot Takes Big Stakes dives into the real-world highs and lows of building a business—from early ideas scribbled on napkins to multimillion-dollar raises and the pivotal moments in between.
We explore the unfiltered truths most founders are too polished (or too cautious) to say out loud. No hype, no jargon—just honest conversations about what actually works, what doesn’t, and what it really takes to grow something from nothing.
Each week, Natalie and Lana sit down founder-to-founder to share sharp insights, fresh perspectives, and the kind of candor you rarely hear in the boardroom.
Build your dream. Burn the playbook.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show explores topics like startup struggles, fundraising challenges, and personal anecdotes from founding journeys, with episodes featuring deep dives such as How Our Place Did $5M in 1 Day, which highlights pivotal moments in business that resonate with current and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The real-world highs and lows of building a business—from early ideas scribbled on napkins to multimillion-dollar raises and the pivotal moments in between. Hosted by serial founders Natalie Holloway (Bala) and Lana Elie (Floom).
We explore the unfiltered truths most founders are too polished (or too cautious) to say out loud. No hype, no jargon—just honest conversations about what actually works, what doesn’t, and what it really takes to grow something from nothing.
Each week, Natalie and Lana sit down founder-to-founder to share sharp insights, fresh perspectives, and the kind of candor you rarely hear in the boardroom.
Build your dream. Burn the playbook.
Amy Liu, founder and CEO of Tower 28, shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of building a bestselling beauty brand from scratch. From raising money fast and breaking into Sephora to formulating sensitive-skin-safe products that actually work, Amy breaks down what it really takes to win in a crowded market. This episode dives into failure, brand, leadership, and balancing motherhood while scaling a fast-growing company.
More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on AmyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyliu_t28/Website: https://www.tower28beauty.comMore on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/
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