Many corporate professionals want to break into the startup ecosystem - but quitting their job feels too risky.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to.

And yes - you can get paid to do it.

In this episode of Shameless Careers, we explore fractional work - the fast-growing model where senior professionals advise startups alongside their full-time roles, earn premium day rates, and build multiple income streams (often combining cash and equity).

I’m joined by Roei Samuel - investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Connectd, one of the UK’s fastest-growing platforms connecting experienced professionals with high-potential startups.

After building and exiting his company, RealSport, in a multi-million-pound acquisition, Roei began advising startups and realised there needed to be a smarter way for corporate leaders to transition into startup advisory. That’s how Connectd was created.

In this episode, we cover:

✅ What fractional work really means - and how to become a startup advisor

✅ How it can future-proof your career (even in the age of AI) while helping you explore your next move

✅ Why fractional is no longer just 'career cushioning' - but a strategic career move for ambitious professionals

✅ The real numbers: typical fractional executive day rates - and how to increase your upside through startup equity

✅ Whether corporates support side advisory roles (often, they do)

✅ How to actually get started - and why Connectd can be a powerful entry point

🔥JOIN CONNECTD - LINK FOR PROFESSIONALS

https://landing.connectd.com/uk-referral-page-been-referred?connector_name=40G3WW

🔥JOIN CONNECTD - LINK FOR STARTUPS

https://landing.connectd.com/uk-startup-been-referred?connector_name=40G3WW

If you’re curious about advising startups, building a portfolio career, earning beyond a single salary, or staying close to innovation without leaving your job - this episode is your roadmap.

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#FractionalWork #StartupAdvisor #FutureOfWork #PortfolioCareer #CareerChange #ShamelessCareers #Startups #FractionalExecutive #AIAndJobs #careerfreedom

⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research.

Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided.

© Shameless Careers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi guys,

I am planning episodes for 2026, and would LOVE to hear from you if you are a regular listener!

(Specifically, would love to connect with you and ask why you are listening to Shameless Careers, what resonates with you most and what you would like to hear more of)

Please get in touch if you would be up for a chat - my insta account is below (just drop me a message there):

Instagram: shameless_careers

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best,

Varia

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚀 How do you actually get into Y Combinator - and what does it really take to build a venture-backed startup?

In this episode, I sit down with Miroslav Gasparek, CEO & co-founder of Sensible Biotechnologies (a Y Combinator-backed biotech company) and a member of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list.

Miro shares the unfiltered truth about getting accepted into Y Combinator after multiple attempts, what YC really looks for in founders, and why building a startup is far harder - and more meaningful - than most people realise.

In this conversation, we break down:

- How to get into Y Combinator (what actually matters vs. fluff)

- What YC partners look for in founders and ideas

- The biggest mistakes that kill startups early

- What it REALLY takes to build a venture-backed startup - beyond skills and talent

- Why startup life can feel like torture (and why founders still choose it)

- How to stay resilient under extreme pressure - and why failure is not a career killer

- Why true fulfilment isn’t status, awards, or press

If you’re:

✔️ Applying to Y Combinator

✔️ Building or thinking about a startup

✔️ Raising venture capital

✔️ Curious what separates successful founders from everyone else

- this episode is for you.

👍 If you liked this episode - please do share it with a friend and rate it on your favourite podcast platform. I would really appreciate it!

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✅ Stay connected:

👉 With me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varia-pechurina/

👉 With Miroslav: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miroslavgasparek/

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#YCombinator #StartupAdvice #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #YCStartup #StartupMindset #Founders #BiotechStartup #DeepTech #YCApplication #RaisingCapital

⚠️Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research.

Copyright Notice: This episode and my podcast channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Shameless Careers. You are authorised to share the episode link and channel and embed this episode in your website or others as long as a link back to my podcast channel is provided.

© Shameless Careers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.