Hey There Risers & Thrivers,

In this episode, host Janine introduces the new series format called The Taboo Table, bringing together founders in the pleasure and sex tech industry to discuss the challenges and nuances of building businesses in this stigmatized space. Guests:

Yasmin Stokinger- Founder of heyyoli,

Rosanna Bandomer- Co-Founder of LubeLab,

Avelina de Ment- Co-Founder of LubeLab, and

Lex Gillon- Pleasure Researcher & Founder of Modality Group

Talk about the societal taboos surrounding pleasure, the lack of funding for pleasure products, and their personal motivations for entering the industry. They share their experiences with investors, the importance of education about pleasure, and tips for new founders in this space.

The conversation emphasizes the blend of professional, personal, and social challenges they face, while also highlighting the supportive community and opportunities within pleasure and sex tech.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction & Welcome to the Taboo Table

02:25 Redefining Pleasure in the Startup World

07:14 The Intersection of Pleasure and Health Tech

18:36 Personal Journeys and Motivations

33:23 Trusting Your Gut and Taking Advice

37:53 Challenges with Investors and Funding

39:01 Exploring Alternative Funding Options

46:08 Dealing with Sexualization in Business

53:48 Positive Experiences and Community Support

59:27 Practical Advice for Aspiring Founders

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AcknowledgmentsThis episode was made possible thanks for our partners at Jane and the Jam, who provided us with the space to record this episode⁠.

In this episode, Maura Oerding, CEO of Kaffee Kooperative joins the podcast to talk about driving change and sustainability in the coffee industry. Maura outlines the challenges faced by coffee farmers, particularly women, and how the Kaffee Kooperative’s model is fostering economic independence and equitable trade practices. The discussion delves into:

• The coffee industries colonial roots

• The importance of community, collaboration, and consumer responsibility,

• The concept of “Fair Chain”

Mara also shares her backstory as an inventor and the journey that led her to becoming a CEO. The episode emphasizes the power of informed consumer choices and collective efforts in bringing about systemic change.

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Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast

Acknowledgments

This episode was made possible thanks for our partners at Factory Network, who provided us with the space to record this episode⁠.

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction & Welcome to Maura Oerding

02:10 Challenges in the Coffee Industry

07:12 Fair Trade vs Fair Chain

07:40 Empowering Women in Coffee through the Kaffee Kooperative

10:45 Consumer Responsibility and Impact

25:11 The Role of Cooperatives

In this powerful episode of On the Up & Up, host Janine is joined by Shani St. Louis (Founder, MindHyrst), Adeola Ogunwale (Senior Manager, Amazon), and Sally Osei (Social Media Marketing Manager, AiDiA Pitch) to unpack the complex realities of Black Excellence.

The discussion explores:

• The mental and emotional toll of striving for excellence
• The systemic and cultural expectations shaping Black success
• Whether "Black Excellence" should be redefined, retired, or celebrated as it is

Through personal stories and professional insights, they delve into navigating corporate spaces, media representation, and higher education while sharing practical mental health strategies and the importance of community support. They also reflect on healing generational trauma and redefining success on one’s own terms.

A conversation for anyone striving for success—no matter your background. Listen now!

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Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Defining Black Excellence

01:33 Introducing the Panelists

04:37 Debating the Term 'Black Excellence': Retire it, Redefine it, or Leave it?

09:03 Personal Stories of Pressure and Representation

14:28 Mental Health and Coping Strategies

30:12 Creating Our Own Spaces

34:20 Supporting Black Entrepreneurship

37:55 Role Models and Personal Growth

46:45 Final Thoughts and Audience Q&A

Hey there Risers and Thrivers,

In this episode, we're joined by Malehlohonolo (Hloni) Romdani, a trailblazing lawyer turned entrepreneur and founder of Zamata Cosmetics. Hloni shares her inspiring journey of creating clean, organic haircare products designed specifically for Afro and curly hair—a mission born from personal struggles and the lack of safe, effective options in the market.

We explore:

• The challenges of starting a side hustle while working full-time

• How to navigate the complexities of product development and manufacturing

• The importance of finding the right partners in business.

Hloni also dives into the realities of marketing as a startup, the struggles of balancing perfectionism with progress, and why self-acceptance and embracing natural hair are central to her mission.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, navigating the early days of building your business, or just passionate about clean beauty and self-empowerment, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical advice, and a dose of inspiration to fuel your dreams.

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Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast

Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

03:46 The Mission Behind Zamata Cosmetics, Personal Experiences, and the Drive to Innovate

11:50 Finding the Right Manufacturing Partner

19:59 Navigating the Early Stages of Business

29:08 Balancing Perfectionism and Market Needs

40:18 Challenges of Marketing and Selling

46:41 Future Aspirations for Zamata

51:52 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Hey there Risers and Thrivers,

In this episode of On The Up & Up, we’re joined by Jag Singh, a charismatic serial entrepreneur, investor, and former political strategist turned angel investor. Jag takes us on a journey through his unconventional path—from building tools for political campaigns to becoming one of Europe’s most active early-stage investors.

We dive into the realities of startup life, exploring the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, what investors really look for in founders, and how resilience and customer-centricity are critical for success. Jag also offers candid insights into the challenges of founding a company in Germany, how to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, and why understanding the "rules of the system" is key to thriving in any startup ecosystem.

Whether you’re a founder looking for guidance, an aspiring entrepreneur ready to take the leap, or simply curious about what it takes to succeed in the world of startups, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

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Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: (https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast⁠)

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

01:56 Jag Singh's Political Beginnings

03:31 From Politics to Entrepreneurship

08:29 Lessons from Early Startups

14:20 Challenges in the German Startup Ecosystem

21:48 The Bureaucratic Hurdles

25:02 Challenges for Non-EU Founders

28:02 The Reality of Startup Failure

30:28 Navigating the German Business Ecosystem

43:41 Connecting with Investors and Final Thoughts

Hey there Risers & Thrivers,

In this episode of On the Up & Up, host Janine sits down with Agnieszka Walorska, a two-time founder, Ironman finisher, and the visionary behind Mika—an AI co-pilot designed to simplify accounting and tax management for entrepreneurs. Together, they tackle the profound impact of socioeconomic privilege on entrepreneurial journeys, drawing from Agnieszka's personal experiences overcoming significant financial and bureaucratic hurdles in Germany.

The conversation explores:

• The resilience required to overcome financial and bureaucratic barriers

• The challenges of starting a business in Germany

• The realities of navigating without a financial safety net

Agnieszka also shares her unique perspective on fundraising as a solo, migrant, and female founder, offering valuable insights for underprivileged entrepreneurs and advocating for a more inclusive startup ecosystem.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring founders, particularly those starting with limited resources, as it sheds light on the grit and strategies needed to succeed against the odds.

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Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: (⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast)

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:58 Guest Introduction: Agnieszka Walorska

02:09 Challenges of Socioeconomic Privilege in Founding

05:21 Personal Background and Early Struggles

07:40 Starting the First Company

11:38 Navigating Bureaucracy and Taxation

19:41 Building Mika: An AI Co-Pilot for Accounting

24:41 Fundraising as a Solo Founder

30:11 Challenges of Funding for Founders

30:49 The Reality of Entrepreneurial Risks

32:24 Navigating Health Insurance as an Entrepreneur

33:40 Personal Experiences and Coping Mechanisms

39:46 The Importance of Conviction in Founding

41:27 Addressing Privilege and Diverse Founders

52:21 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Founders

Hey there, Risers & Thrivers!

In this episode, Janine sits down with Conny to unpack the unique challenges that female founders encounter in the startup landscape. We dive into the compelling story of Penelope Gazin and Kate Dwyer, who, back in 2016, invented a male co-founder named "Keith Mann" to navigate gender biases that often blocked their pathwhile building Witchsy. With "Keith" in the mix, they saw firsthand how doors that were previously closed to them suddenly opened, and respect came more readily.

We discuss:

• The obstacles Penelope and Kate faced and how the invention of "Keith" helped them level the playing field

• Insights from Janine’s own research and interviews with other founders about creative strategies to combat bias

• Practical tips and tools for women entrepreneurs to help navigate and mitigate bias in their journeys

This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience required of underrepresented founders and the urgent need for systemic change in the business world.

Tune in and get inspired!

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Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: (⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast)

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

Introduction and Context (00:00:00)

Discussion of a meeting where a female CEO was overlooked, setting the stage for gender bias in entrepreneurship.

The Witchsy Story (00:01:32)

Conny reflects on the significant events of 2016 and introduces Keith Man, a fictional male co-founder created by female entrepreneurs to navigate biases.

Challenges Faced by Witchsy’s Founders (00:07:16)

Exploration of the challenges faced by Keith’s co-founders, such as how external partners often dismissed the female founders due to their gender.

Bittersweet Triumph (00:18:40)

The success of the platform is overshadowed by the need for a male figure to gain respect.

Research Insights on Gender Bias (00:21:13)

Janine shares insights from her research and narratives of female founders facing biases during investor meetings and their coping strategies.

Understanding Prevention vs. Promotion Questions (00:26:58)

Explanation of different types of questions and strategies for female founders to navigate them.

The Importance of Leaning into Strengths (00:28:47)

Encouragement for women to embrace their unique strengths and assertiveness in professional settings.

Closing Remarks and Future Topics (00:33:45)

Teasing future discussions on unconventional fundraising methods for women founders.

Hey there Risers & Thrivers,

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Lynae Brayboy, an esteemed physician-scientist specializing in reproductive health, and the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Ovom Care. The discussion highlights Dr. Brayboy’s personal and professional triumphs in the field of reproductive medicine, despite the insurmountable challenges she faced along the way.

During this conversation, we explore:

• Her inspiring story of resilience, from her early college years to navigating unintended parenthood during medical school.

• The broader issues of accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity in IVF, and how Ovom is at the forefront of solving some of the most pressing challenges in reproductive health.

• A candid discussion on the societal pressures career-driven women face, and valuable insights into the world of Egg Freezing

This heartfelt and insightful conversation is for anyone interested in reproductive health, women's empowerment, or simply looking for inspiration on overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers.

Tune in, and prepare to be inspired! Happy Listening 🎧

--

Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming channels and social media platforms: (⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/ontheupandup_podcast)

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Acknowledgments

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

Introduction & Early Career Reflections (00:00:00)

Navigating an Unintended Pregnancy in Medical & Coping with Naysayers (00:10:00)

Going From Having No Idea About Entrepreneurship to Raising a €4.8mn Seed Round (00:26:13)

The Frustrating Lack of Innovation in IVF, Infertility, and Ovom’s Mission (00:36:23)

Janine Share Concerns Around the Misalignment Between the Career & Biological Clock. Deep Dive into Egg Freezing as an Option (00:50:08)

Top 3 Things To Keep in Mind Before Egg Freezing (01:00:22)

The Costs Associated with Egg Freezing (01:04:34)

Ovom’s Vision & Ways to Get in Touch (01:09:51)