026: Chess and Business: Strategic Moves for Startup Success
In this episode, Nathan and Alex discuss the parallels between chess strategies and business principles. Nathan shares how foundational principles in chess can be applied to startups, emphasizing the importance of minimizing ...
025: Crushing Competition - Lessons from the Frontline
In this conversation, Alex and Nathandiscuss the multifaceted nature of competition in business, emphasising that not all competition is detrimental. They highlight the potential for collaboration among competitors, especiall...
024: The Art of Prioritization
In this discussion, Nathan and Alex explore the challenges faced by startup founders, particularly in prioritizing tasks when everything seems important. They delve into the common traps of focusing on enjoyable tasks rather ...
023: Escaping the Freedom Trap: The Realities of Starting a Business
This discussion revolves around the concept of "The Freedom Trap," where the pursuit of entrepreneurship, often motivated by the desire for freedom—be it time, financial, or creative—can paradoxically lead to greater constrai...
022: How Do You Launch - A Business to Manage Warranties
In this episode, Nathan and Alex experiment with ChatGPT to generate a startup idea, evaluating its viability and potential. They discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the concept and share their strategies for launching it...
021: Bridging the Mental Gap: Selling Innovation
In this conversation, Nathan and Alex discuss the challenges of introducing innovative technologies, such as digital product passports, to clients who may struggle to understand their potential applications. They explore the ...
020: Is ChatGPT the Ultimate Startup Coach?
In this conversation, Nathan and Alex explore entrepreneurial advice provided by ChatGPT, discussing its accuracy and relevance. They delve into key tips for new entrepreneurs, including defining an ideal customer profile, th...
019: Roasting the Coffee Shop Fantasy
In this conversation, Nathan and Alex discuss the common misconception surrounding the coffee shop business, referred to as the 'coffee shop fantasy.' They explore the stark contrast between the romanticized idea of owning a ...
018: Navigating Salary Transparency - A Double-Edged Sword
In this conversation, Alex and Nathan discuss the complexities of salary transparency within companies, exploring its pros and cons, the impact on employee negotiation power, and the challenges faced by startups in competitiv...
017: Should You Get An MBA?
In this conversation, Nathan and Alex discuss the relevance of an MBA in today's entrepreneurial landscape. Nathan emphasizes the structured learning environment of an MBA, the importance of experiential learning, and how min...
016: Unexpected Networking Adventures
In this conversation, Nathan shares his unique experiences with networking, including a memorable encounter at a secretive club in Berlin. He discusses the importance of storytelling in networking, strategies for exiting conv...
015: Finding Trustworthy Mentors in Business
In this conversation, Nathan and Alex explore the complexities of entrepreneurship, focusing on the importance of finding trustworthy mentors, evaluating business advice, and the balance between taking action and consuming kn...
About the Hosts
Nathan
Nathan is a Canadian startup founder and emerging technology expert with a focus on blockchain, AI, and systems-level innovation. He is the founder and CEO of Minespider, one of the leading companies for digital product passports, battery passports and product traceability. He is a twice published author, a UN/CEFACT expert and the former host of the Analysis in Chains blockchain podcast.
Alex
Alex is a German entrepreneur and seasoned startup operator with a track record in finance, blockchain, climate, and health. He specializes in bootstrapping tech‑enabled businesses and, with over a decade of experience, blends deep technical expertise with a passion for automation, scalable growth, and founder performance.