Peer Effect podcast

33:52

What if the key to unlocking better leadership isn’t strategy or scale but something far more personal? In this episode of The Peer Effect podcast, I sit down with Emma Serlin, Founder and CEO of London Speech Workshop, to explore the unexpected ways authenticity can shape your leadership and business. As both a communication expert and a founder who’s navigated burnout, Emma shares lessons that are as practical as they are profound. Together, we unpack: • Why your personal values might be your strongest hiring filter • How vulnerability and self-awareness can transform team culture • What to do when your gut says “no” (but your head says “maybe”) • Tools for shedding shame and owning your story as a leader • How to reconnect with your purpose when the spark is gone About Emma Serlin: Emma Serlin is the Founder and CEO of London Speech Workshop , a leading communication coaching company helping individuals, from CEOs to emerging leaders speak with clarity, confidence, and impact. She's the creator of The Serlin Method®, a powerful framework for transforming the way people connect through communication. Emma is also a trained life coach, award-winning theatre director, and the author of two fantastic books! Connect with Emma Serlin on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and the London Speech Workshop. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Bet on Yourself and Stay True to Your Vision, with Jonathan Cornelias 24:54

24 weeks ago24:54

24:54

What does it take to scale a startup without losing sight of your vision? In this episode of the Peer Effect podcast, Jonathan Cornelias, shares the lessons learned from building four companies, including Elevent Inc, a marketplace connecting experience providers and companies to deliver unique, memorable virtual and physical experiences. Jon opens up about the mindset and strategies that have helped him navigate the challenges of scaling a business while staying true to his vision. Together we’ll dive into: Why belief in your idea and finding joy in the journey are essential for long-term success. The power of disciplined experimentation, prioritising ideas by impact, confidence, and effort, and iterating step by step. Why an effective go-to-market strategy often matters more than product perfection early on. How learning from others’ successes and mistakes can shortcut your path to growth. Jon’s insights will inspire you to embrace challenges, bet on yourself, and stay focused on what truly works for your business! Connect with Jonathan Cornelias on LinkedIn to follow his journey and learn more about Elevent Inc. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Redefining Success & Integrating Work and Life, with Kelly Ryan Bailey 26:55

25 weeks ago26:55

26:55

What if work-life balance isn’t the answer? As founders, the pressure to keep moving forward can feel relentless. But what if the secret to success isn’t sprinting harder, but intentionally slowing down? In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Ryan Bailey, a serial entrepreneur who’s launched 15 startups, one of which sold for $300m, to explore the power of pausing. Kelly has mastered the art of aligning personal and professional success, turning moments of reflection into a framework for sustainable growth. Together, we dive into: Why aligning personal and business goals is critical for long-term success. The role of intentional pauses in preventing burnout and fueling creativity. Kelly’s “growing forward” method for reflecting and resetting goals. How redefining success can lead to a more authentic, fulfilling life—without sacrificing financial growth. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Separating Identity from Business and Building Boundaries as a Founder, with Sean Campbell 23:47

26 weeks ago23:47

23:47

Has your identity become wrapped up in your business? Setting boundaries and separating your identity from your business could be the first step to building a successful business sustainably. Sean Campbell, Co-Founder & CEO at Cascade Insights, has navigated this very issue for the past 25 years and has learned through the ups and downs of running two businesses. Together we unpack: How to separate your identity from your work. The importance of delegating and creating space for your team. Why it's important to expose yourself to information you disagree with. For more, follow Sean Campbell on LinkedIn to learn more about his current business, Cascade Insights. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Mastering Hiring & Building Teams that Thrive, with Akbar Karenga 24:05

27 weeks ago24:05

24:05

What is the true cost of a bad hire for your company? In this episode, we’re joined by Akbar Karenga, founder of Maarusi, a talent and people consultancy driven by his passion for diversity, equity and inclusion. Akbar is an expert in high-stakes hiring and shares powerful tips for founders who need to hire fast without skipping steps. Together, we discuss: • The key difference between hiring to grow versus hiring to simply keep up. • When to bring in pro recruiters and how to create an effective, unbiased hiring process. • The hidden financial and cultural costs of a bad hire—and how to avoid them. Connect with Akbar Karenga on LinkedIn for more hiring strategies and insights. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Scaling Smarter: How Founder Forums Propel Success, with Kevin Lavelle 29:36

29 weeks ago29:36

29:36

What does it really take to scale beyond the early wins? For founders who’ve already seen a degree of success, reaching the next level means facing new challenges, and Keven Lavelle, founder of Harbor and Mizzen + Main knows all about it. He’s taken both companies to impressive heights, from securing a spot on Time Magazine’s 2024 Best Inventions list to hitting hundreds of millions in revenue! Together, we dive in: How joining a founder forum can offer you unmatched support & accountability– and where to find them! The differences between founding your first and second startup—and why experience doesn’t always mean an easier road ahead. Lessons learned in building a peer network that challenges you to make better decisions, see blind spots, and avoid common scaling mistakes. Stay updated on Kevin's journey of building Harbor by following him on LinkedIn . More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Navigating Sustainable Entrepreneurship with Bob Bowden 17:42

30 weeks ago17:42

17:42

Ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges of starting and scaling a business? In this episode, we’re joined by Bob Bowdon, founder and CEO of VidaFair, a pay-per-stream video platform. Bob has worked as a reporter and producer for companies such as Bloomberg, Choice Media, and PBS. Together, we explore: • How leveraging your immediate network can make all the difference in hiring. • The importance of embracing a sustainable growth mindset for long-term success. • Knowing when it's time to pivot in your entrepreneurial journey. For more insights connect with Bob Bowdon on LinkedIn and explore his work at VidaFair . More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Creating a Culture of Well-being: Mental Health Insights for Founders & Teams 18:40

31 weeks ago18:40

18:40

In this special mashup episode of Peer Effect, we bring together insights on mental health, well-being, and sustainable performance from leaders who are making it happen! Michael Matania, Sam Rosen, and Dan Brownsher share real experiences on cultivating a workplace culture that prioritises authenticity, trust, and sustainability. Learn about: Creating psychological safety and fostering open feedback Moving from high-intensity performance to sustainable, balanced growth Practical strategies for building a resilient culture remotely Links: Follow Michael Matania on LinkedIn! Follow Sam Rosen on LinkedIn! Follow Dan Brownsher on LinkedIn! More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Scaling Tech: Four Founders Share Their Secrets to Success 18:59

32 weeks ago18:59

18:59

In this special mashup episode of Peer Effect, we’ve gathered insights from four tech founders who have successfully scaled their companies. From navigating the complexities of AI integration to finding balance between innovation and operations, these founders reveal the critical strategies that propelled their companies forward. Links: Follow Eric Daimler on LinkedIn ! Follow Richard White on LinkedIn ! Follow Chuck Rinker on LinkedIn Follow Kirsten Lum on LinkedIn ! More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Navigating M&A to Unlock New Markets, with Matt Bodnar 29:07

33 weeks ago29:07

29:07

Ever thought that Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are just for the big names with endless cash? In this episode, ex-Goldman Sachs sailor and ‘Forbes 30 under 30’, Matt Bodnar explores how founders can leverage acquisition strategies without needing a massive war chest. Together we explore how you can use M&A to scale your business, by understanding these key insights: 1. Creative structuring and resourcefulness can open doors to acquisition opportunities earlier in your business journey than you might think. 2. Whether through hiring, partnering, or advisory roles, bringing in knowledgeable individuals can help you navigate M&A effectively. 3. Think Outside the Box! Small acquisitions can be a strategic growth strategy and offer valuable assets, talent, or customer bases while requiring minimal upfront investment. For more weekly insights on acquisitions and growth strategies, connect with Matt Bodnar on LinkedIn and check out his podcast , The Science of Success. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Harnessing Peer Influence for Entrepreneurial Growth and Team Success, with Logan Naidu 25:43

34 weeks ago25:43

25:43

Does character and trust matter more than high performance? In this episode, of Peer Effect, we’re joined by Logan Naidu, Founder and Group CEO of Kernel Global. He’s successfully scaled his company to $50 million in revenue and today, he’s sharing his #1 tip on how other founders can do the same by focusing on who they surround themselves with. Together we, uncover key insights for founders, like: How character and trust can outweigh even the highest performers. Why surrounding yourself with the right people can be the key to scaling your success! The art of relationship building relationships, both in professional and personal environments.. Connect with Logan Naidu on LinkedIn to learn more about his work at Kernel Global. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Navigating Founder Alignment to Avoid Toxic Pitfalls, with Alice Olafare 21:15

35 weeks ago21:15

21:15

What does it take to keep a team aligned, motivated, and moving towards a shared mission, even when things get tough? In this episode, Alice Olafare shares her insights as an ex-founder and her experience working with more than 120 founders. Together, we explore: • The concept of aligning a common "North Star" vision to maintain cohesion, improve performance, and avoid misunderstandings. • The power of having ongoing, open conversations, as well as external facilitation. • The process of knowing when to step down when your vision no longer aligns with your business or your co-founder. Connect with Alice Olafare on LinkedIn to stay updated on her insights and expertise in entrepreneurship and leadership. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Scaling Smart: Hiring, Delegation, and AI in Business Growth, with Richard White 24:56

36 weeks ago24:56

24:56

Are you hiring the fans of your company, and the people who already love your business’ product? In this episode of Peer Effect, Richard White, Founder and CEO of Fathom, offers valuable insights from his lessons learned in scaling his team from 15 to 50 this year and securing a $17m series A. Together, we uncover: How to build a motivated and efficient team early on, allowing founders to focus on strategic, high-impact work. Why delegating small tasks is crucial for founders to avoid burnout and focus on long-term goals and growth. Bottom-up hiring strategies that prioritise skill-based assessments and the right hires for tactical tasks, helping you scale without unnecessary executive overhead. Learn more about Richard White’s work at Fathom AI , the world's #1 AI Meeting Assistant, or follow Richard White on LinkedIn for more AI and founder insights. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Mastering AI Integration to Future-Proof Your Business, with Eric Daimler 23:21

37 weeks ago23:21

23:21

The future of AI in business? It’s already arrived. Eric Daimler, a titan in the AI space with over 20 years of experience, joins Peer Effect to show you why. With a background that spans advising the White House, co-founding over 6 tech startups, and leading Conexus AI, Eric brings some incredible insights into the transformative power of AI. Together, we dive into: • The importance of timing and adaptation, and why philosophies like "Blitz Scaling" and "Failing Fast" may not always apply to your business. • How getting specific will help your business avoid inefficiencies, enhance collaboration, and leverage AI technologies more effectively. • The value of learning from a variety of real-life experiences and being selective about the advice that founders should incorporate into their business. Discover more about Eric Daimler's work at Conexus AI or follow him on LinkedIn for more exciting insights. More from James: Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com…

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Social Fit vs. Culture Fit: Diversity as a Competitive Advantage, with Jo Major 26:09

38 weeks ago26:09