How Are You Building It? - Startups, AI and Marketing

Struggling to master the art of communication in a competitive world? Discover how AI-powered coaching like Elqo is revolutionizing soft skills development — making confidence-building engaging, accessible, and deeply effective.In this episode, Will and Pradhana dive into the crucial role soft skills play in today’s job market, exploring why technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Learn why emotional intelligence and communication skills are now considered the ultimate career insurance — especially as automation increasingly takes over technical tasks. Will reveals how Elqo, an award-winning AI communication coach, harnesses gamification, personalized feedback, and bite-sized practice to help users overcome speech anxiety, craft compelling conversations, and stand out in a crowded market.You’ll discover:The surprising data behind the soft skills gap, especially among international students and young professionalsHow Elqo’s gamified platform transforms speaking anxiety into confidence through daily streaks, adaptive prompts, and instant feedbackPractical tips to elevate your communication, from reducing filler words to mastering posture and toneWhy soft skills will surpass technical knowledge in importance, and how AI tools are shaping this shiftReal-world stories of how confidence in communication opens doors to new opportunities, both socially and professionallyThis episode is essential listening if you’re looking to future-proof your career, boost your social presence, or unlock new levels of personal growth. Whether you're a student, an early-career professional, or a seasoned expert aiming to refine your soft skills — this conversation offers concrete strategies, inspiring insights, and a glimpse into the future of human connection with AI.Join us to understand why mastering soft skills isn’t just optional anymore — it’s your most powerful asset in a tech-driven world. Get ready to speak with confidence and leave dull conversations behind.Guest: Will is a founder and AI enthusiast dedicated to empowering individuals with accessible, effective communication tools. His passion lies in bridging technology and personal development to transform lives.

In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Sorene.ai to explore how artificial intelligence is changing the way people discover and build businesses.Instead of starting with a random startup idea, Sorene.ai focuses on helping individuals understand their strengths, skills, and motivations first—then uses AI to generate business ideas and execution paths tailored specifically to them. The conversation dives into how AI-driven self-discovery can guide aspiring founders toward opportunities that actually fit who they are.We also discuss the broader future of entrepreneurship: how AI tools are lowering the barrier to building companies, how founders can move from idea to execution faster, and why understanding your personal advantages might be the most important starting point for any business.If you're curious about how AI can help you find the right business to build—or how the startup journey is evolving in the age of intelligent tools—this episode offers a thoughtful look at what the future of entrepreneurship might look like.

In a world where anxiety and stress are increasingly common, innovative solutions are needed to help individuals manage their mental well-being. The podcast discussion between Prardhana and Ishita explores Steady Self, a groundbreaking voice AI application designed to assist users in overcoming panic attacks and anxiety. This blog post delves into the core features of Steady Self, its target audience, and the vision behind its creation.

Transform Your Instagram into a Lead Generation Powerhouse in 2026In today's digital age, transforming your Instagram account into a lead generation platform is not just a dream; it's an achievable reality. In a recent podcast episode featuring social media strategist Madison Murphy, we uncover the secrets to building a personal brand that fosters authenticity and trust, essential for small businesses in 2026. The Importance of Personal Branding Navigating the Challenges of Running a Business The Role of Content Creation Overcoming Camera Shyness Five Essential Strategies for Building Trust Key Takeaways:- Personal branding is vital for small businesses to stand out in a crowded market.- Taking action and embracing vulnerability are essential for growth.- Balancing entertaining and educational content is crucial for effective brand messaging.- Overcoming camera shyness can be achieved through gradual exposure and support.- Implementing strategic content can significantly enhance trust and engagement with your audience.

Most education systems are stuck in the past, but Samreid Manez has a bold vision to revolutionize learning with AI—starting from critical thinking skills. In this episode, discover how Valearnis is using cutting-edge AI technology to transform traditional curricula into engaging, thought-provoking experiences for students and learners of all ages.Samreid shares his journey from a geology student in Western Australia to an edtech innovator tackling one of the biggest challenges of our AI-driven era: fostering genuine problem-solving and critical thinking. You’ll learn how he overcame initial fears from schools, the real obstacles in building a scalable edtech platform, and how AI can do more than just automate—it can fundamentally elevate how we learn.

In Part 2 of How Are You Building It?, we break down how Media Maxxing actually makes money without charging brands any upfront fees.Alex explains:- how their budget-based model works- how brands pay only for real performance- how creators get paid per thousand views- why this model works better than traditional UGC marketplaces- how UGC and paid ads actually work together, not against each otherWe also talk about:- why brands are seeing UGC as top-of-funnel leverage- how Media Maxing helps brands get massive creative volume- the importance of credibility and real distribution in 2026This episode is for:founders curious about alternative business modelscreators trying to understand UGC economicsanyone building in ads, content, or the creator economyThis is Part 2 of the conversation.

In this conversation, I sit down with Alex, co-founder of Media Maxxing, to talk about what building a startup actually looks like before the wins show up.We cover:failing a first startup and what went wrongwhy distribution matters more than most tech founders thinkhow Alex went from building side projects to working with real userswhat it’s like joining a startup early and growing into a co-founder rolethe realities of building in the creator and UGC spaceIt’s an honest conversation about learning by doing, making mistakes, and building through uncertainty.This is Part 1 of the conversation.More founder conversations coming soon.

Getting your first clients is rarely about tactics or marketing.It’s about doing a few things right, things no one teaches you.In this episode, I spoke with Dominic, founder of Ads Performer from Denmark, about how he went from zero clients to building a performance-driven agency starting with local businesses and learning paid ads from YouTube.We break down:• how he landed his very first clients• why starting with local businesses worked• the early mistakes most beginners make• his mindset on providing real value before scale• how those early decisions shaped his work in e-commerce paid ads• and how he now runs a fully remote teamIf you’re trying to get your first clients—or struggling to move past that early phase—this conversation will change how you think about starting and scaling.Watch till the end. The lesson most first time founders miss is there.