Alex is a human being first and foremost. Having been depressed for 8 years, Alex had a breakdown/breakthrough 10 years ago which paved the way for him to embark on a journey of self development, spirituality and rebuilding his life from the inside. After seeing how much his life turned around, Alex felt inspired to start his podcast ‘In The Moment with Alex Manzi’ to share his story and learnings as well as hearing the journey of the inspirational creatives, artists, musicians and entrepreneurs he was surrounded by. Alex’s journey has led him to become a full-time professional life coach dedicated to helping others reconnect to their inner wisdom, clarity and peace so that each person he works with can begin rebuilding their life from the inside-out.KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:Trial-and-error is needed to refine the systems we have in our livesWhy “back-to-back” culture is not for everyoneAlex’s breakdown turned breakthrough that led him to becoming a coachWhy you shouldn’t base your business on how you feelThe power of thinking - is what we think what we feel?Surrendering to life is essentialWhy do we get so caught up in our emotions?Why do we label some emotions as good/bad?Emotions as energy passing through us - and we must see it like thisAre humans just meaning making machines?Ordinary actions create extraordinary resultsMessages Alex would like to impart to the worldWHERE TO FIND ALEX:@iamalexmanzi on Instagram & TikTokAlex Manzi on Youtube- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

Dr. Matthew Jones is a co-founder coach and licensed psychologist who has spent the last five years coaching startup co-founders to improve their communication, teamwork, and decision-making. He is trusted by companies backed by the biggest names in Silicon Valley, including Y Combinator, Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz, Google Ventures, Tiger Global Management, Techstars, Village Global, and more. In this episode, Matt and I explore the nuanced world of entrepreneurship and effective collaboration. Matt candidly shares his perspective on why founders may be more reluctant to work on their weaknesses, and the inherent difficulty of choosing short-term pain for long-term gain. We discuss the 10 core causes of co-founder conflict, and we explore the uncomfortable yet necessary task of getting to the root of said conflict. We also discuss the dynamics of going into business with someone you already have a relationship with, and the significance of understanding personality types in the entrepreneurial landscape. What Matt introduces can be used across all work and personal relationships, not just co-founders. This may be the longest podcast I have ever recorded, and for good reason!KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:Self-Awareness vs PresenceAre founders more reluctant to work on their weaknesses?Why Matt calls himself a co-founder coach rather than a co-founder clinical psychologist3 communication styles we have in businessGetting to the root of co-founder/team conflict is uncomfortable but necessary10 core causes of co-founder conflictGoing into business with someone you already have a relationship with? Matt shares his advicePower Over vs Power ToKnowing personality types in business can be incredibly beneficialShould one founder hold all the power?WHERE TO FIND MATT:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matthew-jones-7a832a37/X - https://twitter.com/Dr_MatthewJonesCofounder Clarity - https://cofounderclarity.com/Free eBook Download - https://stopcofounderconflict.com/Resource Matt Mentioned in Pod - https://bit.ly/3SHtLYy- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

Dr Ally Jaffee is a multi-award winning NHS Junior Doctor, Nutritank Co-founder, Healthcare Innovator & Mental Health Campaigner. Ally is a keen entrepreneur and holds a place on the prestigious NHS Clinical Entrepreneurship Programme. She is the co-founder of Nutritank, a platform which educates Healthcare Professionals & Students in Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine. Ally is extremely passionate about Mental Health and its intersecting fields - particularly The Arts & Nutrition. In the long-term, Ally hopes to pursue a career in Psychiatry and work with young people, as well as dabble in TV, writing, poetry and policy-change. In this episode, Ally opens up about her experience with debilitating panic attacks and the practical tools she's discovered for managing anxiety and depression, including Innate Health & Resilience Training. We discuss intrusive thoughts, how normal they are, and how understanding the nature of our thoughts can be transformative. The 80/20 mindset is another topic of discussion, and Ally emphasises the significance of adaptability within routines and the profound effects it can have on our wellbeing. She shares her journey as a "Dr. Preneur," and offers a unique perspective on the intersection of healthcare and innovation. We round off our discussion by exploring the critical notion that specificity is key to enacting change, a lesson that resonates deeply with Ally's work in healthcare and mental health advocacy.KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:Pressures of medical schoolExperiencing first panic attacksTools to help manage anxiety & depressionInnate Health & Resilience TrainingIntrusive thoughtsAdult teddy bears80/20 mindsetHaving adaptability with routine is keyDr. Preneur - Being a doctor and an entrepreneurWhy specificity is key to enacting changeWHERE TO FIND ALLY:Ally strongly believes in authenticity and openness and shares her own Mental Health struggles online. She hopes to normalise the conversation around Doctor’s Mental Health. Ally is on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Youtube & LinkedIn: @drallyjaffeeAlly’s Website - www.drallyjaffee.comNutritank - www.nutritank.com- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

Richard wears many hats, including being a certified breathwork instructor, a biohacker, a PhD Psychology Researcher, a holistic counsellor, and a nutritionist. In his PhD, Richard is conducting a trial to help progress the use of breathwork and entheogens (psychoactives) as a treatment for mental illness and is currently running talks & workshops educating people on the latest wellness research. Richard's writings have also garnered significant attention, including his article on 'Ayahuasca & Narcissism: Can plant medicine cure the most incurable personality disorder?' with nearly 4,000 views on Medium. He's also explored the intriguing realm of conspirituality in an article published in ‘Unedited Magazine' (links below).In this episode, Richard opens up about his personal journey, highlighting how conscious connected breathwork played a pivotal role in helping him overcome addiction and trauma. Richard shares his profound insights into trauma, expressing why he thinks the term is overused & misused, and revealing his disagreements with the esteemed Gabor Maté. We explore the fine line between anxiety and discomfort, and how understanding this distinction can impact your well-being. Richard also shares his thoughts on narcissism, biohacking, qEEG, supplements, the effects of EMF, and insights from the world of Ayahuasca.KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:Why talk therapy isn’t effective for everyoneTrauma - a term Richard believes is overused & misused in society Why Richard disagrees with Gabor MatéAnxiety vs. DiscomfortHow Conscious Connected Breathwork helped Richard overcome addiction & traumaWhy people are misusing “significance” in researchSome causes of ADHDBio-hacking, qEEG & supplementsEffects of EMF (wifi, bluetooth, AirPods etc)Richard’s tips for reducing EMF exposureNarcissism - another word Richard believes is overused & misusedHow to go about ayahuasca in a safe way and who should never try itEthics & integrity in the wellness/coaching industryWHERE TO FIND RICHARD:Richard’s Website - TheBreathGeek.comRichard’s Instagram - @thebreathgeek“Narcissism & Ayahuasca” Article- https://richard-l-blake.medium.com/narcissism-and-ayahuasca-can-plant-medicines-cure-the-most-uncurable-personality-disorder-748f2799e58aConspirituality in Unedited Magazine - https://viewer.joomag.com/unedited-issue-06/0663187001616759116?fbclid=IwAR1sn4oUPhHyC0itojCom_IJYutcq2-TBzwR0KbYfrAW8KXvGmAvF5Ry-3k&short- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

In this special episode, Charlotte and I delve into the heart of NUMA - why we created it, what sets it apart from other retreats, and some key learnings & insights we’ve encountered.We discuss what guests can expect to do at NUMA, and why we chose to have certain practices over others. We also expand on what guests can expect to get out of the weekend, and how NUMA can be a catalyst for transformation and growth on health & performance - both during the retreat and long after.WHAT IS NUMA?NUMA is a wellness retreat taking place at a beautiful glamping site in Hertfordshire (not far from London) from 15th-17th September 2023. Immersed in nature, we will learn how to get the most out of powerful tools & practices like breathwork, ice baths, qigong, and mindfulness - as well as having plenty of downtime to relax, recharge and digitally detox. NUMA is in essence a weekend to reconnect with yourself, discover more of what you want, and cultivate how to get it. It is a great opportunity to ponder big personal and business decisions after a busy summer. Whether you're seeking to escape the daily grind, reignite your passion, try new things, or simply explore a new path, NUMA has something for everyone.LEARN MORE ABOUT NUMA:Website - https://www.eventcreate.com/e/wearenumaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/wearenuma/- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

Hector is the co-founder of Unplugged, a startup on a mission to help people live happier lives by providing digital detoxes at beautiful off-grid cabins. The idea came about when Hector burnt out from working as an executive at a tech startup. This led him to a silent retreat in the Himalayas in September 2019. He came back feeling renewed and a week later he quit his job to start Unplugged with Ben, an old friend from the tech startup. Today Unplugged has 16 cabins across the UK with big plans for further expansion.In this episode, Hector and Alexi share their transformative experiences on silent retreats and how they have shaped their personal and professional paths. They delve into the profound impact of awareness and mindset shifts on effective foundership, and how giving ourselves space to think is key. They explore the importance of embracing changing routines, showing compassion towards themselves, and channelling energy into what they're trying to do with our business, rather than what they want it to be. Alexi also shares why he is creating NUMA and the profound benefits of immersive experiences.KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:How Unplugged startedHector & Alexi’s transformative experiences on silent retreats Why awareness & mindset shifts are key to foundershipThe 2 reasons why we retreatWhy Alexi founded NUMA (wellness retreat)Why it’s important to accept and allow our routines to changeHaving compassion towards ourselves if we don’t stay “on track”Starting a business: focus on what you’re trying to do rather than what you want to beWhat brings Hector & Alexi true joyWhat’s next for UnpluggedWHERE TO FIND HECTOR:Hector’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-hughes-10082195/Hector’s Blog - https://unplugging.substack.com/Unplugged Cabins - https://unplugged.rest/- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

Mike Buonaiuto is a philanthropic business leader and performance coach, who founded, scaled and exited Shape History, the award-winning social impact agency. He's currently a senior advisor; helping companies nurture their people, navigate growth and negotiate pivotal moments of transformation. He is also the recent author of Founder Therapy: 50 Lessons To Start, Scale & Sell Without Wounding Our Wellbeing, published June 2023. His TEDx talk, ‘No wonder people are quitting - business must do better’ was selected and featured by TED’s Editor picks. In this episode, Mike and I have a candid conversation about foundership. We share our lowest points as founders and how these defining experiences became the driving forces for change in our entrepreneurial endeavours. Mike expresses his views on salary transparency and its profound impact on company culture. As we delve deeper, we explore three pivotal challenges that founders commonly face – ruinous empathy, artificial urgency, and imposter syndrome. Drawing from our own experiences, we discuss the effects of these challenges on the very essence of being a founder. KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:Mike & Alexi’s lowest points as foundersWhy low moments can be the biggest catalysts for changeCreating startups within the startup - encouraging your staff to learnIs salary transparency important for company culture?Why founders find it so hard to tell the truthRuinous empathy - why being too empathetic can be detrimental to your staffArtificial urgency - why founders always feel a sense of urgencyImposter syndrome - needing validation as a founderWhy Mike believes everything you acquire is a problemWHERE TO FIND MIKE:Mike’s Website - https://www.mikebuonaiuto.com Mike’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike_shapes/Mike’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-buonaiuto/- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

Karl Swanepoel is the CEO & Founder of Revolancer, a platform that aims to help independent professionals and freelancers barter skills to build their service businesses.In this episode, Karl and I delve into the many ups and downs of founder life. Karl candidly shares his experience with burnout, providing valuable insights into recognizing its signs and proactive prevention. He explains why jumping in the deep end is the most effective way to overcome major fears and how this has helped him progress in his career. We discuss hierarchies in businesses, why delegating and prioritising is a must, and Karl shares his top piece of advice for founders.Shortly after graduating with a degree in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, he secured pre-seed funding from London-based Venture Capital firm SFC Capital for Revolancer. This propelled the fledgling dorm-room project into a multi-million dollar tech startup. Since then, he has successfully raised over $700,000 in funding, including investments from renowned angel investors like sporting legend Bob Skinstad and grants from industry giants Google and Amazon.KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:The freelance revolutionKarl’s experience with burnout & learning to spot early signsWhy jumping in the deep end is the best way to overcome major fearsWork smarter not harderWhy delegation and prioritisation is key to becoming a successful founderKarl’s view on hierarchies in businessesKarl’s top piece of advice for foundersWHERE TO FIND KARL:Karl's Website - https://karlswanepoel.com/Revolancer - https://revolancer.com/- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

Lauren is a multi-passionate psychologist-in-training. She holds a master's in organisational and social psychology, as well as a bachelor's in psychology and behavioural science. She is currently in the process of getting her doctorate in clinical psychology. In this episode, we explore the realm of awe - what it is and the immense power that it holds. Lauren discusses the concepts of death, isolation, meaning, and freedom - often referred to as the existential givens - and their profound influence on our everyday lives. Lauren also shares why she believes more freedom = more pressure and how to navigate this. Lauren is one of my best and wisest friends, someone I’ve learnt so much from. Not only through the way she acts and shows up in life, but also through her never-ending wisdom and fascination with psychology (both new and old). Lauren brings academic insights from psychology and neuroscience to the working world by acting as a 1:1  adviser, offering evidence-based workshops to groups, and collaborating with leaders to design new strategies and interventions that promote optimal mental health at work. KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: Why some struggle more than others in their work lifeFreedom = PressureThe four existential givens of lifeHow death can help you live more consciouslyThe benefits of zooming in & zooming out What is awe & why it is so powerfulHow to cultivate more awe in your lifeThe 8 wonders of everyday lifeWHERE TO FIND LAUREN:For consulting inquiries you may reach out to Lauren on LinkedIn - - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

This is a very special episode with my good friend Ed, who I have known for 15 years. This conversation is different to most and some may find it difficult to listen to. But that's what makes it such an important episode for myself, Ed, his close friends and family, and those who may have been affected by something similar.Ed was sexually abused at the age of 13 at boarding school. He kept this a secret until two years ago (now age 29), when he finally felt compelled to seek support from family and friends. Partly due to his internal suffering, but also due to the knock on effects it was having in his life and those close to him. From abusing substances to racking up gambling debts and self harm.Since opening up, Ed has been able to better understand the psychological toll that stemmed from this traumatic event and how it has affected many areas of his life. He also shares what he's learnt, particularly since opening up and engaging in various forms of therapy.Sexual abuse is rarely talked about - almost unheard of in a public forum. But Ed felt he needed to do something to help other victims and raise awareness about an issue that is more prevalent in society than we think.How many children are sexually abused? The NCPCC published a child sexual abuse statistics briefing in March 2021. Research with 2,275 young people aged 11-17 about their experience of sexual abuse suggested around 1 in 20 children in the UK have been sexually abused. That is a crazy statistic that I could not believe. And it is thought to be even more for various reasons.I could not be more proud of Ed for having this conversation - and I know I’m not the only one. He did not have to open up, but he wanted to. For that one person this may help, and I know it will help many more. So here's to one of the kindest and bravest people I know.Please do send over any feedback to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk and I will pass on any messages to Ed.- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

Ryan is a founder, living as a digital nomad, with a passion for adventure and exploration. In this episode, he shares his personal journey of following his intuition (even when it goes against logical reasoning) and why he sees his trauma as a gift. As we delve deeper into the conversation, we discuss the role of discomfort in our lives and why it’s so important to be aware of the day-to-day inputs you are exposing yourself to. Ryan is the Co-Founder of Altbe which helps HR Directors understand the current and future generations of their workforce. Having lived in 10 different countries, he has learned about the way the world operates through many different lenses. Ryan shares lessons from his adventures, and shows how well travelled perspectives bring solutions to the current issues within learning and engagement in the corporate world.Key Topics of Discussion:Following his intuitionSeeing trauma as a giftWhy discomfort in our lives is keyExperiencing ecstasy moments during hardshipWhy eating high-quality food is so importantWhy we spend money on things we can’t directly measureSocial media consumption vs. real world consumptionWhere to find Ryan:Ryan LinkedInAltbe- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

Anthony is the CEO & Co-Founder of Stashbee and Founder Jumpstart. In this episode, he shares some of his most devastating and challenging moments. We dive into how he has used these moments to reframe his view on life and make meaningful changes. We discuss accountability versus guilt and how to strike the right balance. We also delve into the taboo topic of death, and Anthony shares how transforming his relationship with death has made him want to live life to the fullest.For years Anthony dreamt of becoming a founder. That led him to business school, then Corporate Life. He wanted to learn enough to feel "ready" to build his own company. He never reached "ready". He got stuck. Fears, limiting beliefs and practical barriers kept him there.Eventually, he ripped himself away and co-founded a company called Stashbee, now Europe’s leading marketplace for storage & parking. Founder life gave him the chance to build, learn, and lead every day. It’s also been an incredibly tough path to walk. He built Founder Jumpstart to share the tools and methods he learnt the hard way - so others don’t have to.Key Topics of Discussion:Defining moments in Anthony’s lifeAccountability vs GuiltLetting go as a founderSetting yourself up to achieve what you really wantHabit buildingChanging your relationship with deathMaking superficial conversations more meaningfulSimple habits to help navigate tough timesWhere to find Anthony:Anthony LinkedInStashBeeFounder Jumpstart- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

Matteo is an entrepreneur, breakdancer, musician, and documentary maker. In this episode, he shares some of his greatest learnings from working in the circus and how he has applied that to his life and entrepreneurial endeavors. We discuss what makes a great leader and why it is so important to be vulnerable. Matteo touches upon the loneliness that comes with working for a fully remote company, and how to keep your global/digital team as connected as possible.Matteo left his psychology degree behind to pursue his passion for the arts, including breakdancing and performing on Broadway. Later, he co-founded a natural cosmetics company and an e-commerce accelerator before realizing that the market was missing a no-code e-commerce platform that lets users control the customer journey visually. He proceeded to co-found Popup, a no-code eCommerce platform, seven direct-to-consumer brands, and an NGO/DAO. His mission in life is to help others while doing good, and he does this by supporting independent volunteers through DIDO and founding Anonhim, an anonymous community for male founders.Key Topics of Discussion:Digital nomad lifeHappiness doesn’t come from moneyLiving a remarkable lifeWhat makes a good leader?Being vulnerableHow to get the most out of social mediaBeing a founder is lonelyHow to stay connected when working in a fully remote companyRemote companies save money, but Matteo doesn’t see it as “saved money”Founders: ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing.Where to find Matteo:www.matteowastaken.comMatteo on LinkedInPopup on Instagram- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk

Today’s guest is Harry Stebbings, Founder of The Twenty Minute VC podcast which has 120 million downloads to date. Harry started his podcast with zero contacts in VC, all from his bedroom at 18 years old. At 22 years old, Harry was the youngest to make the list on the Forbes Finance 30 Under 30 in Europe. At 24 years old, Harry went on to successfully raise his own venture fund 20VC worth $140M.In this episode, Harry opens up about his struggles with eating disorders and all the mental challenges he has faced while achieving what he has at such a young age. Harry is incredibly passionate about what he does and gives away some very helpful and practical tips during this episode. For all the podcasts he’s hosted, Harry has been a guest on very few, and never one quite like this. This is not one to miss, Harry doesn’t hold back.Key Topics of Discussion:How he started the podcast and what he owes his success to?Is there a work / life balance?The line - where and when to be vulnerableLiving with bulimia / eating disorders & how to address itWhat is human happiness?How to inspire a team and create a clear visionWhat keeps Harry motivated and his ‘why’How to think about mental health in the workplace & investment worldHow to face rejection, insecurities and uncertaintiesWhat is it that keeps him going when he feels like he’s at his lowest?Where to find Harry:The 20 Minute VCHarry’s LinkedInHarry’s Twitter- - -If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod for release updates.You can also follow me on LinkedIn& email any enquiries to hello@theconsciousfounder.co.uk