Once Upon A Startup

Raul Diaz Morales of Ona Patents is back to chat with us about patents and trade secrets, valuation, damages, litigation and all the IP related fun stuff.

Today, I’m joined by Steve Hershberger- an entrepreneur, innovator, and endurance athlete with a story that’s nothing short of extraordinary.Steve has built and led companies across technology, analytics, and manufacturing, and he holds 13 U.S. patents in IoT and decision science. His work has always been about one thing: transforming insights into growth strategies and unlocking new, sustainable profit pools.But Steve’s journey goes deeper. Over the years, he’s studied what really drives human and organizational Flow and from that, he developed the S.E.A.T. process for Organizational Flow™.Outside of business, Steve is an endurance athlete who has competed in some of the toughest gravel cycling races across North America and Iceland. And it was on that path that life threw him its greatest challenge. In May 2024, just days before the legendary Unbound 200, Steve was the victim of a hit-and-run that stopped his vitals for several minutes. He came back from a near-death experience with a broken back, broken neck, and a dozen other injuries.And yet here he is. His recovery and resilience fuel the way he now teaches and leads: helping organizations disrupt the static that short-circuits Flow, shift from “can’t” to “possible,” and build cultures of high performance.This is more than entrepreneurship. It’s about survival, purpose, and unlocking Flow in business and in life.

Today I have with me Alfredo Mathew III—a social entrepreneur, educator, and systems thinker who has spent more than 25 years at the intersection of education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.Alfredo began as a public school teacher in the South Bronx, Oakland, and Pasadena—so dedicated to his students that he was named Teacher of the Year back in 2003. From there, he moved into building bridges between classrooms and careers, leading the Bay Area office of the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship and connecting thousands of young people to Silicon Valley pathways.He went on to co-found ESO Ventures, an organization that didn’t just support entrepreneurs but actually changed state law in California to fund inclusive entrepreneurship. In just four years, ESO helped incubate over 500 Black and Brown-owned businesses and secured tens of millions in investment for community-rooted enterprises.Today, Alfredo is the Founder and CEO of SPCC.1—the world’s first Shared Prosperity Community Corporation. His vision is bold: to create a new kind of economic infrastructure where communities can consolidate small businesses, access growth capital, and build their own engines of shared prosperity.He’s also a TEDx speaker, where he calls for nothing less than sovereign wealth for the people and an economy that is truly owned by the communities it serves.I’m excited to dive into this conversation with Alfredo, because it’s not just about entrepreneurship—it’s about rewriting the rules of who gets to participate and who gets to own the future.

Welcome to another episode of Once Upon A Startup.Today, we’re tackling a question every founder faces at some point: what do you patent, and what do you keep as a trade secret?To explore this, I’m joined by two amazing IP professionals.Melanie Müller specializes in trademarks and unfair competition law—she helps companies protect their brands, whether that’s through getting trademarks registered, enforcing them in court, or defending against unfair competition claims.Nisha Gera focuses on patent litigation, especially in the pharmaceutical space, where she’s handled high-stakes cases under the Hatch-Waxman Act. Her background spans biotechnology, health law, IP and competition law, and she’s even worked with UNITAID and the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition.Together, we’re going to dig into how startups can make smart choices about their IP—when it makes sense to file a patent, and when it’s better to keep your innovation a secret.

Bryan Yates is the founder of Locomotiv Coaching, where he trains insanely capable people—people who are not stuck because they lack talent, but because they’re still relying on old instincts that no longer serve them.Bryan doesn’t talk about productivity hacks or promise transformation. What he offers is what he calls a Strategic Reset—a way to help high performers access the gears they already have but rarely use.His work is shaped by three very different worlds:Listening deeply through his years of Holocaust testimony workTraining precisely, with insights from competitive cyclingAnd leading sustainably, through production experience at DisneyOur conversation today is about performance without burnout, rewiring without self-help platitudes, and finding your way back to clarity—not by doing more, but by noticing better.

My guest today is someone who’s not just seen the evolution of intellectual property law—he’s helped shape it across continents.Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar is a European Patent Attorney based in Munich, and a Partner at Boehmert & Boehmert. He holds a PhD in physics and teaches IP law at the University of Bremen, Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, and the Munich Intellectual Property Law Center. He’s also a Visiting Professor at universities across Asia and the U.S.He’s a past president of LES International, an IAM Hall of Fame inductee, and a name that regularly appears on global IP expert lists. His recent work includes co-editing Trade Secrets Throughout the World and contributing to the Modern Guide to Patents—so when he speaks about the interface between patents and trade secrets, people across law, academia, and industry listen.In this conversation, we explore how trade secrets can complement patent protection, especially in a world where litigation is long, enforcement is patchy, and speed to market matters. It’s a practical, strategic, and global view on how companies—especially startups—can protect what makes them valuable.

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of patent monetization—a space where innovation meets strategy, and where ideas can become assets, or just... paperwork.I’m joined by Raoul Diaz Morales, founder of Ona Patents and a seasoned telecommunications engineer with years of experience turning patents into real-world value. Raoul isn't just a technical expert—he's a strategist who understands what makes a patent work in the business world.In our conversation, we break down:What makes a patent effective beyond just being granted,The real process behind patent monetization, andThe common misconceptions patent holders have that can cost them dearly.Whether you’re a founder with a provisional draft or a seasoned patent holder wondering why your portfolio isn’t paying off—this episode is for you.Let’s get started.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Once Upon A Startup! You know I love bringing you founders and creators who challenge the status quo, and today’s guest is no exception.Meet Christopher Sellers—a creative genius, entrepreneur, and author who doesn’t just think outside the box… he redesigns the whole damn thing. He’s the kind of person who looks at a problem and sees opportunity, someone who has built a career proving that innovation isn’t about resources—it’s about mindset.Christopher has already made waves with his first book, and now he’s gearing up to release his second, Why Smart People Aren’t Creative—a title that already has me hooked. We’ll talk about what holds people back from true creativity, how he’s built a business around pushing boundaries, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.So if you’ve ever felt like you have big ideas but struggle to bring them to life, or if you just love hearing from people who challenge the way we think, stick around—this is going to be a great one. Let’s dive in!

In this edition of Once Upon A Startup, I’m thrilled to introduce someone who has been transforming the way organizations think about intellectual property and innovation: Sam Zellner.https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-zellner-ipSam’s journey is inspiring. He’s an IP strategist and innovation leader who has completely redefined how intellectual property can drive business success. Instead of treating IP as just a supporting function, Sam has positioned it as a key player in shaping strategies and achieving growth.Through his work with InspireIP and PQAI, Sam is helping businesses unlock their full inventive potential. InspireIP (inspireip.com) is a game-changer—a user-friendly platform that makes capturing and managing ideas so much simpler. It helps teams streamline their invention processes and ensure innovations align with what the business truly needs.Then there’s PQAI (projectpq.ai), an AI-powered prior art search engine that takes the guesswork—and a lot of the time-consuming effort—out of patent searches. It provides smart, precise results, making life so much easier for inventors and IP professionals alike.Sam’s vision is clear: innovation should be accessible to everyone. He’s helping businesses capture more ideas, refine them, and turn them into assets that fuel growth and safeguard their futures.I’m so excited to dive into Sam’s journey, the story behind these groundbreaking tools, and how they’re helping organizations embrace innovation like never before. Stay tuned—you’re about to meet someone who’s making waves in the world of IP and innovation!

Hey everyone, welcome back to Once Upon a Startup! Today, I’m excited to introduce someone who’s all about building the foundational power of confidence—something every entrepreneur and leader needs in spades. Meet Nadine Pfeiffer, the founder and CEO of HopStair, a company dedicated to helping individuals and teams boost their confidence and leadership skills.Nadine’s mission is clear: empower others to reach their full potential. Whether it’s through workshops, webinars, speeches, or one-on-one sessions, she’s on a mission to tackle the big challenges like imposter syndrome and leadership development. Her approach is anything but ordinary—it's innovative, bold, and designed to create real social impact.From career development coaching to team building, Nadine offers a wide range of services that are as fresh and unique as they are effective. And she doesn’t just stop at coaching—she’s also the mind behind a confidence-building app that’s helping people everywhere step into their power.Nadine draws inspiration from a variety of sources, always thinking outside the box to deliver something new. Whether you’re looking to level up in your career, build a stronger team, or simply gain the confidence to take the next big step, Nadine is here to guide you.I can’t wait to dive into her journey and learn more about how she’s helping people build confidence and leadership from the ground up. Welcome to the show, Nadine!

Hey everyone! Today, we’ve got a guest who’s not just talking the talk but walking the walk when it comes to health and fitness. I’m thrilled to introduce Vibesh Karayil, a Fitpreneur and fitness coach with a mission that’s close to his heart—getting more people around the world to embrace exercise, no matter how small the step. Vibesh isn’t your typical fitness coach. He’s someone who’s lived the grind of an office job, felt the strain of a hectic schedule, and realized the toll it can take on personal health. But instead of letting that define him, he turned it around. He found ways to make fitness work in his busy life and has since transformed himself into the best version of himself. Now, Vibesh is giving back to the professional community by helping others find that balance between a busy lifestyle and a healthy one. Whether it’s bodyweight workouts, home-based yoga, or gym training, Vibesh has a plan tailored for you. He’s even working on an innovative workout app that lets you choose activities you actually enjoy—because fitness should be fun, right? And it’s not just about coaching. Vibesh also creates content—both written and video—designed to inspire and guide people toward better health. His positive, cheerful approach makes him not just a coach, but a trustworthy health partner who’s genuinely invested in your success. So, whether you’re juggling a demanding job, a family, or running your own business, Vibesh is here to show you that there’s always time for fitness. Let’s dive into his journey and discover how he’s helping others achieve their health and fitness goals. Welcome to the show, Vibesh!

Our guest today helps SMEs transform their IP into IP rights that actually make sense. 🌟 She trains them on Intellectual Property, Dispute resolution and Risk management. 🌟 She assists parties in solving their IP conflicts through expert determination, mediation, or strategic advice to navigate tricky negotiations. 🌟 She inspires female legal professionals through personalized coaching and mentoring, and help them build their authentic online presence. With 20 years of experience in Intellectual property law and strategy, further enhanced by risk management, coaching, mediation, and data privacy expertise, as well as MBA and LL.M. degrees, our guest is multi talented. In addition to being a golfer, a trained barista and with a secret dream of owning her own vineyard and coffee shop someday, Maria Boicova Wynants makes Superman want to hide in shame.

Welcome to another episode of Once Upon A Startup! Today, we have an extraordinary guest, Paul Watkins, joining us. Paul's life is a blend of gripping adventures, resilience, and diverse expertise. He's not your typical professional – Paul is a qualified Pharmacist, high-altitude mountaineer, ultramarathon runner, motivational speaker, property developer, dedicated dad, and an occasional adventure racer. For over two decades, Paul has immersed himself in various challenges, from conquering iconic mountains across seven continents to claiming podium finishes in some of the world's most grueling ultra-marathons. His unique experiences and relentless pursuit of discipline have sculpted his perspective on life and success. Paul doesn't just climb mountains; he helps others scale their personal summits. Through storytelling, he shares profound insights, guiding teams on building discipline, fostering anti-fragility, and crafting an internal narrative that ignites performance in all aspects of life. He holds an MBA, yet he's just as comfortable maneuvering a forklift as he is in the boardroom. Often likened to a 70/30 mix of Harry Potter and Bear Grylls, Paul's journey is a testament to unwavering determination, and today, he's here to share his fascinating story and wisdom with us. Let's dive in and learn from his incredible experiences

On today's episode, we've got an incredible guest joining us - Matt Thomas! Matt's not your average writer; he's spent a whopping 13 years and close to 25,000 hours diving deep into the world of technical writing, copywriting, editing, and content creation. Picture this - from churning out user guides for a massive $12M software launch to crafting courses on workplace safety and even whipping up catchy web copy for a major fast-food chain, Matt's pen has conquered diverse terrains. But hold on, that's not all! In just a year, Matt's made some serious waves on LinkedIn. How serious, you ask? Well, he's racked up over 1.9 million impressions with a slew of posts. That's huge! Plus, he's clinched a spot on Favikon's 🇨🇦Top 200 Creator rankings. And guess what? He's even caught the eye of big-name creators like Justin Welsh, Sam Browne🦖, and Dina Calakovic. But beyond the impressive stats and accolades, what's really cool about Matt is the impact he's made on others. He's been the go-to guy for a frustrated creator who skyrocketed his reach and engagement in less than a month, just by following Matt's three simple tips. Then there's his client who struggled for months until Matt swooped in, clarified his messaging, revamped his content, and bam! Doubled his follower count in no time. And let's not forget the bunch of followers who swear by Matt's content for making theirs better. I can't wait for you all to hear Matt's story and the golden nuggets of wisdom he's got in store for us. Stay tuned, this is gonna be good

In Part 2 of out chat with Donn Gurule, we catch Donn talking about his fascination with intellectual property. How he built a fabulous portfolio, taught himself all about IP and his advice to entrepreneurs, founders and investors to take intellectual property seriously. Donn also talks about generative AI being a poisoned well. Come, give it a listen!

Welcome to Once Upon A Startup, your portal to the dynamic world of innovation and tech. Today, we're thrilled to host an extraordinary guest, Donn Gurule, the ingenious Founder and CEO behind Enviropedia. Picture this - at the epicenter of tech, media, and culture, Enviropedia stands tall, crafting mind-bending information experiences that transcend devices: phones, tablets, gaming consoles, and the immersive realms of mixed reality. What's their secret sauce, you ask? It's their patented wizardry that magically reconstructs the world's information in real-time, a game-changer for visual search, spatial computing, and mixed reality. Imagine having a front-row seat to context-rich, real-time experiences - that's Enviropedia's brainchild! But wait, let's talk about our guest. Donn Gurule is not your average CEO. His journey weaves through the captivating world of visual effects, post-production marvels, and the intricate architecture of data centers. Oh, and did we mention Donn is a prolific inventor with patents in the global pipeline? Impressive, right? Donn's portfolio shines bright with incredible feats: ► Navigating the choppy waters of industry giants like IMAX, Warner Bros., and Bad Robot, and emerging triumphant over colossal competitors. ► A backstage pass to over 400 film projects, including OscarⓇ-winning classics and a slew of nominees. ► Cue the OscarsⓇ! From mind-bending visual effects in Interstellar and Gravity to heartwarming animations like Frozen and Big Hero, Donn has left an indelible mark. ► Not just films, but a stellar lineup of Emmy-award nominated and winning TV series and a treasure trove of commercials and music videos. And here's the kicker - Donn Gurule is a maestro in crafting products that dance in the realm of 16K workflows, high frame rate production, and dedicated hardware solutions, delivering not just advancements but significant cost savings. So, buckle up as we embark on an exhilarating journey, diving into the genius and innovations of Donn, the visionary shaping the tech and media landscape.

Banter Ex professional Cricketer Founder Investor Those are the words to describe our guest from today- Namay Kedia. Namay comes from a background rich in business and from a young age developed a keen interest in cricket. He has played professional cricket as well. Namay, though a stoic, with a calm and even, unflappable personality, has some exciting stories in life and profession to share with us. Let's check this episode out, shall we?

Bodhisatwa Dasgupta or Bo as he is known among friends and followers is an award winning creative director who has spent more than 18 years in advertising. He's worked at Ogilvy, Wieden & Kennedy, JWT, Rediffusion, Grey and Dentsu. Some of the brands he's helped build are Pepsi, Honda, Jabong, MG Motor, Motorola, Sprite, Milkbasket. Bo was once voted one of the hottest creative directors of India by Impact Magazine. (I personally think he retains the honor). Bo now runs The Voice Company, an independent content and advertising agency. He also runs Copywriting with Bo, a platform where he trains young copywriters to become better at their game. Tedx speaker, Clown of a father, Restless child. Listen in to this amazing chat with Bo!

Today we explore the fascinating world of finance and investment through the eyes of our exceptional guest today. With over a decade of experience in Finance and Investment Banking, Andres has honed his analytical skills and developed a profound passion for all things finance. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of industries, ranging from SaaS and Health Tech to Banking, Fintech, Industrials, and Agriculture. But what truly sets Andres apart is his unwavering belief that every business owner should have the knowledge and tools to comprehend, optimize, and defend the value of their company. Driven by this conviction, Andres made a bold career move to become a freelance investment banker with a clear mission: to demystify the complexities of finance for entrepreneurs and business owners. From valuing innovative Fintech companies in Latin America to guiding ventures through the intricacies of ceasing operations, each project has reinforced his commitment to empowering founders and investors with the insights needed to make informed financial decisions. Andres brings a unique and creative problem-solving perspective to the world of finance. Today, he is dedicated to helping businesses navigate their financial landscapes and unlock their full potential. So, get ready to dive deep into the financial world with Andres Oconitrillo on today's episode.

Our guest is not just an entrepreneur; they're a problem solver and a team developer with a unique ability to execute with speed and precision. Over the past 11 years, they've embarked on a dynamic entrepreneurial adventure, leaving an indelible mark in various industries. Welcome Roger Jacir! With a portfolio of six businesses under their belt, Roger has delved into the realms of retail, distribution, and manufacturing, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship with unwavering determination. Roger's journey has been a testament to the highs and lows of business ownership. Roger's story is not just one of success; it's a narrative of resilience and learning. Roger has experienced both the thrill of successful exits, with three ventures achieving remarkable results, including a sale to a publicly traded company worth $10 million, and the valuable lessons gleaned from two ventures that didn't pan out as planned. But the entrepreneurial spirit burns brighter than ever. Today, Roger is on a mission to tackle one of the most pressing issues in Latin America—solving the lending problems that impact countless lives. Roger's dedication to making a positive impact in the region is nothing short of inspiring. So, if you're ready to dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and team development, fasten your seatbelts because today's podcast episode promises to be an enlightening journey with insights that can reshape your perspective on business and innovation. Without further ado, let's welcome Roger 2and embark on this incredible conversation!

Introducing the remarkable Karim Ullah, a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world! Karim is the proud owner of a Bangladeshi fusion restaurant in Stansted, but his journey is so much more than a menu. He's tasted both success and failure, and each time he's faced a setback, he's bounced back stronger than ever. Karim is the embodiment of resilience and reinvention. But Karim's creativity doesn't stop at the kitchen. He's a true innovator, having ventured into the world of beverages. He's crafted his own beer, concocted a unique gin, and mixed up some tantalizing cocktails. Beyond his impressive culinary and mixology skills, Karim is a warm and humble human being. His great mind is matched only by his sense of humor, making him not just a culinary maestro but also a delightful personality to be around. Karim's journey of ups and downs, paired with his boundless creativity and warm-hearted nature, is truly an inspiration.

Welcome to the podcast, where we dive into the stories of visionary leaders who are shaping the digital landscape. Today, we have a trailblazer in every sense of the word—Lorde Astor West. Lorde Astor West is more than an entrepreneur; she's a true visionary. As the Technical Founder & Business Strategist at RadHash, she's been at the forefront of revolutionizing the modern web. In the early 2000s, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with 23D, determined to transform business operations through custom web applications. Starting as a bootstrapper, she quickly turned 23D into a thriving enterprise, driven by word-of-mouth referrals. Recognizing the power of data-driven products, she shifted gears in 2016 and launched Papr.cloud in 2017—an innovation that set the stage for her commitment to rapid digital transformation. In 2018, she unveiled the Scratchware platform, marking a pivotal moment in her journey. Today, as the lead engineer and product owner at RadHash technologies, Lorde continues to push boundaries and pioneer cutting-edge solutions. Her knack for generating ideas and bringing them to life is nothing short of remarkable. But it's not just vision; it's execution. Lorde has personally invested over $2 million and countless hours into the creation of the Rad Framework. She's successfully closed fundraising campaigns, positioning RadHash at the forefront of the low-code/no-code automation revolution. Her unwavering dedication, technological expertise, and entrepreneurial acumen make her a true leader in the digital transformation arena. Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey and insights that are shaping the future of innovation.

Ladies and gentlemen, today's podcast guest is a true powerhouse in the world of communication and brand representation. As the founder of Brand Champion Bootcamp, they've dedicated themselves to a mission—to empower ambitious startup founders and senior leaders to step confidently onto the stage of opportunity. Imagine a world where you, as a leader, can effortlessly represent your business on any platform or stage, radiating confidence and expertise. Well, our guest today is the architect of that world. Brand Champion Bootcamp, their brainchild, is a dynamic, CPD-certified eLearning program. It's not just education; it's transformation. Through a hybrid blend of online tutorials and live coaching, it equips leaders with the skills to shine in the spotlight. 🌟 But that's not all. Our guest is also the driving force behind The Media Trainer, where they deliver corporate workshops to multinational organizations worldwide. These workshops are custom-tailored to suit both the brand and the individual participants. It's about creating communication strategies that resonate and leave a lasting impact. With over 25 years of experience under their belt, our guest has become a maestro in the realms of communications, media training, and messaging workshops. They've worked with a diverse array of spokespeople across sectors and industries, helping them not just communicate, but truly connect. Today, we're diving deep into the art of strategic and impactful communication, and our guest is here to share insights that can transform the way you present yourself and your business. So, without further ado, please join me in welcoming the brilliant mind behind Brand Champion Bootcamp and The Media Trainer.

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a true trailblazer in the world of research, design, and activism. Meet Petra, a multi-award-winning researcher, designer, and a fearless activist who has made it her mission to delve into the realms of wellbeing and tackle the toughest of taboo topics. But what sets Petra apart from the crowd is her groundbreaking work. She's not just discussing taboo subjects; she's revolutionizing the conversation. In fact, she holds the remarkable title of being the world's first person to structurally address these hushed-up issues, turning them into powerful agents of change. 🌟 Her 'building blocks' framework for designing around taboo topics has not only turned heads but has also taken her to prestigious platforms worldwide, from conferences and talks to universities and corporate boardrooms. ⚡ What's fueling this incredible journey? Petra's unique blend of expertise—a decade of design and art experience, a deep well of knowledge in positive psychology, and a life story that spans seven countries, three continents, and countless cultural settings. ✈️ But here's the real kicker: Petra is not just an accomplished professional; she's a relentless explorer of knowledge and a connector of souls. She's as curious as they come, as ambitious as they get, and her boundless energy is infectious. Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts because today's podcast episode is going to be an enlightening journey through the world of design, psychology, and breaking down societal barriers. Please join me in welcoming the extraordinary Petra!"

Don’t you love a good story? One where you are snuggled up beside a fire with a mug of tea listening to grandma narrate something about a princess and an ogre? Adulting makes us forget the simple joy associated with a story. So we bring you something new- Once upon a start-up Founders are busy creating their businesses. Most times though they are riddled with self- doubt. They need mentoring. But they do not know whom to approach. How to ask. They need connections. They need strategic partnerships, not financial funding. Investors are a treasure trove of knowledge. So much experience. So many founders, pitch decks, and funds allocated. They do not have the time to counsel each founder individually. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we got a bird’s eye view of the journey of founders, the troubles they face, and some cool start-ups in the making while also learning about investor mindset, cold e-mails, due diligence, and funding? “Once upon a start-up” is a show where we chat with a founder/investor/mentor in each episode. We learn about the foibles, the mistakes, the learnings wrapped in stories- just like the ones grandma told you. In today's episode we bring to you Marshall Davis Jones. A poet, a thinker, a communicator and an expert in de-escalating conflicts. Marshall Davis Jones is the founder and CEO of MindBodySpeak, a company that helps leaders and organizations communicate effectively and authentically in high-stakes situations. He has over 15 years of experience as a vocal communication expert, strategic storyteller, and affective presence coach, working with renowned speakers, industry leaders, and various organizations from youth development to law enforcement. As an author, 4x TEDx speaker, and UN MIPAD honoree, Marshall Davis Jones has a global reputation and influence in his field. He is also a voice-over artist, speech writer, and narrative consultant for documentaries and think tanks. He sits on multiple advisory boards for tech companies as an expert on human vocal performance and presence. Marshall Davis Jones is passionate about empowering people to use their voice as a tool for building trust, resolving conflicts, and creating positive change.

In a twist of events, the host has become the guest and Qudddus Pourshafie has taken the host's spot for the day. Listen to my journey as an IP evangelist and as Quddus draws a narrative out of my "all over the place" responses. With this episode I have respect and admiration for my guests as they try to understand the questions, anticipate the direction the host is trying to take the story in and answer them, as you see week after week.

This is Season 2 Episode 1 of Once upon a Startup I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. Valuation, monetization, commercialization of patents is my current passion and my startup revolves around that. As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat. We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders and mentors have the answers. Thank you for joining me on this inaugural episode of my brand new podcast Once Upon a Startup. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey. Without further ado, let’s start. Don’t you love a good story? One where you are snuggled up beside a fire with a mug of tea listening to grandma narrate something about a princess and an ogre? Adulting makes us forget the simple joy associated with a story. So we bring you something new- Once upon a start-up Founders are busy creating their businesses. Most times though they are riddled with self-doubt. They need mentoring. But they do not know whom to approach. How to ask? They need connections. They need strategic partnerships, not financial funding. Investors are a treasure trove of knowledge. So much experience. So many founders, pitch decks, and funds allocated. They do not have the time to counsel each founder individually. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we got a bird’s eye view of the journey of founders, the troubles they face, and some cool start-ups in the making while also learning about investor mindset, cold e-mails, due diligence, and funding? “Once Upon a Start-up” is a show where we chat with a founder/investor/mentor in each episode. We learn about the foibles, the mistakes, the learnings wrapped in stories- just like the ones grandma told you. Our guest today has 20 years working as a technology evangelist, presenting ideas and innovative products at conferences, trade shows, and in customer meetings, he began teaching others how to become more confident and more effective communicators in 2008. Since then, he has coached hundreds of presenters to reach deep into the hearts of any audience. His coaching clients include entrepreneurs, executives, marketing and sales professionals. Corporate clients include Ricoh, Sony, IBM, and Microsoft. He is frequently working with conference organizers and startup accelerators — and recently helped the founders of RomperJack prepare for Shark Tank. Lets welcome Claudio Sennhauser.

Thank you for joining me for another episode of  Once Upon a Startup I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. My start-up Patented. Network deals with the Valuation, monetization, and commercialization of patents. As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat.  We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders, and mentors have the answers. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey. Our guest today has generated millions in efficiencies across people and tech designing Systems for Business He talks about #efficiency, #userjourney, #systemdesign, #userexperience, and #processimprovement Quddus Pourshafie has more than a decade of experience as a professional systems designer, whilst launching and growing several specialized consultancy firms focused on change management and technology implementation for maximum efficiency and impact. NFTUX.io - Working with some of the biggest projects in the space with original IP and real-world utility to map out the business systems and multiple streams of users that are or will enter their web3 ecosystem. He also advises on tokenomics, free market behaviors, vulnerabilities, and project soundness. FutureLab.Legal (previously) - At the forefront of Legal Innovation across the Global Industry. Frameworks, Insights and Advisory for Global Leads and Projects. He is known for high-impact workshops for key Global stakeholders.

I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. My start-up Patented. Network deals with the Valuation, monetization, and commercialization of patents. As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat.  We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders, and mentors have the answers. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey. We have with us in this episode Ian Greig who is the Founder @ New. He designs robust contracts & provides sound legal advice for the UK's brightest entrepreneurs & freelancers. He is trying to develop radically improved accessibility to commercial legal services.  Not just paying lip service to the idea. Not generic templates, cheap fees or cheap subscriptions – there is no substitute for the real deal that Ian Greig is. Rather Ian and his venture does this: new business and delivery models, products, services, and pricing and payment plans, powered by entrepreneurial lawyers, and delivered economically.  For all your business, contract, T&Cs, disclaimers & policy requirements- Meet Ian Greig

Thank you for joining me for another episode of  Once Upon a Startup I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. My start-up Patented. Network deals with the Valuation, monetization, and commercialization of patents. As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat.  We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders, and mentors have the answers. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey. Our guest today- Dr.Thomai Dion talks about fractional operations, strategic advisory & management consulting. She is the Founder of WalkJogRun.studio and COO at The Artful Dollar. Thomai is a clinician by trade with innate creativity for business development, product management, strategy, technology, and innovation.  I am going to say creative in general- she is a published children’s author as well as all the other things I mentioned. She has over 10 years of experience designing, piloting, implementing, and rolling out products and services for seed/series startups, her own small businesses, and a top 10 Fortune 500 company.

Thank you for joining me for episode 10 of  Once upon a Startup I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. My start-up Patented.Network deals with the Valuation, monetization, and commercialization of patents. As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat.  We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders, and mentors have the answers. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey. Our guest today talks about  #pitching, #presenting, #storytelling, #entrepreneurship, and #virtualpresentations.  He is the magician who helps you turn your audience into your champions by 🔥 igniting curiosity ✔ scaffolding understanding and maximizing impact with The PresentBetter. He is the host of the podcast and live show Sounds of Science so he started studying storytelling, visual design, gestures, voice, anxiety, and dozens of other key pieces. And since 2015, he has run over 500 workshops and helped close to 10,000 people.

This is episode 10 of Once upon a Startup. Don’t you love a good story?  One where you are snuggled up beside a fire with a mug of tea listening to grandma narrate something about a princess and an ogre?  Adulting makes us forget the simple joy associated with a story. So we bring you something new-  Once upon a start-up  Founders are busy creating their businesses. Most times though they are riddled with self-doubt. They need mentoring. But they do not know whom to approach. How to ask? They need connections. They need strategic partnerships, not financial funding. Investors are a treasure trove of knowledge. So much experience. So many founders, pitch decks, and funds allocated. They do not have the time to counsel each founder individually. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we got a bird’s eye view of the journey of founders, the troubles they face, and some cool start-ups in the making while also learning about investor mindset, cold e-mails, due diligence, and funding?  I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. Valuation, monetization, and commercialization of patents is my current passion and my startup revolves around them.  As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat.  We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders, and mentors have the answers. Thank you for joining me on another fabulous episode of my podcast Once upon a startup. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey. “Once upon a start-up” is a show where we chat with a founder/investor/mentor in each episode. We learn about the foibles, the mistakes, and the learnings wrapped in stories- just like the ones grandma told you. Our Guest today has entrepreneurship lessons ingrained from a young age watching his parents build businesses and fail and succeed multiple times. He drops a value bomb every day on LinkedIn. Sometimes more than once. He has lived in multiple countries. Speaks multiple languages. He talks about #nocode, #coldemail, #angelfunding, #startuptools, and #outboundsales Our guest today is the angel investor whisperer who gets you results fast. And is THE outbound specialist for founders. Let’s welcome the inimitable Prateek Sanjay!

Thank you for joining me for episode 8 of  Once upon a Startup I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. My start up patented. Network deals with the Valuation, monetization and commercialization of patent. As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat.  We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders and mentors have the answers. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey. Gilles is based in London, originally from Paris, and spent more than 20 years in banking, as a Managing Director and a global trading manager at Citigroup. In 2020, Gilles’ priorities changed, and he founded, a tech company whose award-winning mobile App helps those lonely and aging. Having been a leader from early in his career, through thick and thin, Gilles has developed his own formula for successful leadership. He now advises and trains managers and leaders in the world. An exemplary problem solver and a people person, he consistently helped people become good at their job, helped inexperienced individuals become autonomous senior producers, helped ambitious workers become managers, and helped managers run solid teams to become respected leaders. His expertise spans the corporate world, along with entrepreneurship and startups, but also family and local communities. Without further ado- let's dive in.

Thank you for joining me for episode 8 of  Once upon a Startup I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. My start-up patented. Network deals with the Valuation, monetization, and commercialization of patents. As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat.  We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders, and mentors have the answers. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey.  With a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuroscience, Ricky specializes in understanding the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration (ALS).  After struggling for long periods with his mental health during his Ph.D., Ricky took time out to rest and recover. It was only after months of rest Ricky began applying for job positions and during an interview had the idea for a startup. Months of planning later, Ricky founded Point Science Analytics - A Ph.D.-backed startup, Bespoke bullet point market intelligence reports on biotechs. Ricky has the great ability to articulate in both the written and spoken word in all avenues of life. In his spare time, Ricky enjoys reading about Philosophy, Stoics, Buddhism, and neuroscience and has a keen interest in boxing, whiskies, and cigars.  Cultivating a strong mind is key to Ricky's belief and helping current servicing academics exit academia is why AcademicME was founded. Ricky takes 1-1 calls to help academics better understand how they can use KaaS to exit academia. Along with helping life science prospective postgraduates better understand Ph.D. life./ in vitro molecular techniques.

Thank you for tuning into Episode 7 of Once Upon A Startup. I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. My start up patented. Network deals with the Valuation, monetization and commercialization of patent. As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat.  We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders and mentors have the answers. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey. Our guest today helps Business Owners Scale Their Company Through Acquisitions  He is the CEO of Ethical Empires  as well as Executive Director at Ocean Habitats Inc and Eco Homies Inc He has a PhD in Marine biology and biological oceanography. His startup Ocean Habitats builds and installs The Mini Reef under thousands of docks From marine biologist to a realtor to Mergers & acquisitions to mentoring and investing and back to his first love- the ocean we are here to go on an exciting voyage with Dr. David Wolff today.

Thank you for joining me for episode 6 of Once upon a Startup I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. My start up patented. Network deals with the Valuation, monetization and commercialization of patent. As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat. We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders and mentors have the answers. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey. Today we have with us a dynamic woman. A founder, a PhD candidate, a registered nurse, board member, a mother to three cute kids, working on being an investor, managing various networking groups on social media and still finding time to build relationships and have a chat with a fellow founder. Ragnhild Emilie Åsberg.

Welcome to episode 5 of once upon a startup with another stellar guest. Writer of kick ass start-up pitches, crocodile wrestler, sketching genius, graphic artist, founder of 8 seconds to connect, and Mountains of Imagination,  creative director and founding member of Wheels plus Wings, host of pitch club and, someone whom though, I have never met in person, I consider a dear friend. Let's welcome Martin Barnes! I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. My start-up Patented.Network deals with the Valuation, monetization, and commercialization of patents. As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat.  We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders, and mentors have the answers. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey.

We are in conversation today with Phil McSweeney-  A man who wears many hats. Non-executive director, founder, start-up advisor, author, and angel investor. Listen in to know what goes on in the mind of an angel investor, what makes an exceptional founder, and how you can and should do due diligence on an investor! Don’t you love a good story? One where you are snuggled up beside a fire with a mug of tea listening to grandma narrate something about a princess and an ogre? Adulting makes us forget the simple joy associated with a story. So we bring you something new Once upon a start-up Founders are busy creating their businesses. Most times though they are riddled with self-doubt. They need mentoring. But they do not know whom to approach. How to ask? They need connections. They need strategic partnerships, not financial funding. Investors are a treasure trove of knowledge. So much experience. So many founders, pitch decks, and funds allocated. They do not have the time to counsel each founder individually. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we got a bird’s eye view of the journey of founders, the troubles they face, and some cool start-ups in the making while also learning about investor mindset, cold e-mails, due diligence, and funding? “Once upon a start-up” is a show where we chat with a founder/investor/mentor in each episode. We learn about the foibles, the mistakes, and the learnings wrapped in stories- just like the ones grandma told you.

Thank you for joining me for episode 4 of  Once upon a Startup I am your host- Attorney / IP professional and Start-up Founder Shalini Menezes. I am passionate about intellectual property – especially patents. My start-up patented. Network deals with the Valuation, monetization, and commercialization of patents. As a founder, I have a zillion questions popping up in my mind each day and when I spoke to other founders, it seemed like we were all in the same boat.  We have questions. Investors, Other experienced founders, and mentors have the answers. It is my hope to collect questions from founders and get answers from others who are farther along on the journey.  ------------- Most Founders have a happy or serendipitous story to share with us. Our guest today, Carol Constant, creator of the Bemensa app, has taken a dark and stressful event in her life and made it into an app that we can all benefit from. Carol is an official facilitator for several organizations that promote female empowerment such as Femme Palette, Womerang, and Akoma Trading. She is passionate about empowering others; Carol also volunteers as a mentor and facilitator. Tune in to listen to Carol's amazing founder story and her takeaways from this roller coaster journey of start-ups and life.

In today’s show, let’s hear from Vince about his platform Ensō, his story and his learnings. Vince will also towards the end give us his questions which we can get answered by our future guests on the show.

Don’t you love a good story? One where you are snuggled up beside a fire with a mug of tea listening to grandma narrate something about a princess and an ogre? Adulting makes us forget the simple joy associated with a story. So we bring you something new- Once upon a start-up Founders are busy creating their businesses. Most times though they are riddled with self-doubt. They need mentoring. But they do not know whom to approach. How to ask. They need connections. They need strategic partnerships, not financial funding. Investors are a treasure trove of knowledge. So much experience. So many founders, pitch decks, and funds allocated. They do not have the time to counsel each founder individually. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we got a bird’s eye view of the journey of founders, the troubles they face, and some cool start-ups in the making while also learning about investor mindset, cold e-mails, due diligence, and funding? “Once upon a start-up” is a show where we chat with a founder/investor/mentor in each episode. We learn about the foibles, the mistakes, and the learnings wrapped in stories- just like the ones grandma told you.