Once upon a Student

About Once upon a Student

This is a place where highly accomplished individuals show their "how". One aspect the guests have in common - their commitment to lifelong learning, extending well beyond their university years.

Publisher

Once upon a student

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Mar 2024

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   The Second Time Is Different: Building Again After a €40M Exit | Karl Edlbauer

   What changes when you build a company for the second time? Karl Edlbauer started what would later become hokify while still studying at WU. Together with his co-founders, he tested the first ideas on campus, grew the company to almost 100 people and millions of job seekers, and eventually exited at a reported valuation of around €40 million. Then, the same three founders decided to start again. In this episode of Once Upon a Student, Karl reflects on what experience really changes — and what it doesn’t. We talk about why he would raise less money today, why they abandoned a product that was already generating revenue, why hokify was sold even though an exit had never been the original plan, and how three friends managed to remain a founding team through almost a decade of company building. Today, Karl is building ONE100, entering healthcare with more experience, a stronger network and a track record, but also with different responsibilities and a very different understanding of what it takes to build a company. The second time is different. But is it actually easier?

2. 

   12 Jun 2026

   Before You Raise Money: What Every Founder Should Know | OUAS x Entrepreneurs Talk Ep.1

   Before you raise money, you should understand what venture capital really means. In this special crossover episode of Once Upon a Student x Entrepreneurs Talk, we explore what every founder should know before entering the fundraising journey: when VC makes sense, when it might not be the right path, what investors actually look for, and how founders can navigate the emotional reality behind raising capital. Together with Magdalena Möslinger-Gehmayr from PUSH VC, Hannah Wundsam from AustrianStartups, and Michael Hofmannrichter, CEO & Co-Founder of silana, we discuss venture capital from three different angles: the investor perspective, the ecosystem perspective, and the founder perspective. We talk about: • Why venture capital is not the right path for every startup • What early-stage investors look for in founders • Why the founding team often matters more than the idea • How fundraising momentum can change everything • What students and first-time founders often misunderstand about raising money • Why execution, timing, and obsession matter more than having the “perfect” idea This episode is for students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and early-stage founders who want to better understand the reality behind venture capital before they start raising money.

3. 

   15 May 2026

   Learning Expert Warns: Stop Studying Hard Before It's Too Late | Lennard Klein OUAS ep.17

   Every student wants better grades. Almost none of them are taught how to actually get them. Lennard Klein went from struggling student to perfect GPA using a system built entirely on neuroscience and peer-reviewed research. Not motivation, not grinding, not luck. In this episode of Once Upon a Student, he shares the exact framework he now teaches to students across Europe through his company Brain Boost. What you'll learn in this episode: ·   How to study for exams without burning out ·   Why passive studying (re-reading, highlighting, summaries) has zero scientific backing ·   The ideal study session length for maximum concentration and retention ·   How to go from bad grades to top of your class ·   Lennard's student did it in one semester ·   The mindset shift that separates students who improve from those who stay stuck This episode is for students who are tired of working hard with nothing to show for it, parents looking for proven learning strategies for their kids, and anyone who wants to understand how the brain actually processes and retains information. The science exists. It's been there for 200 years. Now you know where to find it. 🎙️ Once Upon a Student | Guest: Lennard Klein, Founder of Brain Boost

4. 

   10 Apr 2026

   Why Equal Opportunity Is a Lie (And It Starts Before School) | Rosa Bergmann OUAS ep.16

   In this episode of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Rosa Bergmann — social entrepreneur, former teacher, founder of Hobby Lobby, Teach For Austria alumna, and nominee for Austrian of the Year. Rosa has seen inequality where most people stop looking. Not just inside classrooms, but long before and long after them. She argues that the biggest educational gaps are often inherited, shaped by family background, language, money, attention, environment, and everything that happens once the school bell rings. What started as frustration in a Viennese middle school turned into a mission. After meeting children who dreaded weekends and holidays because school was the only stable place in their lives, Rosa realized how much opportunity depends on what families can afford outside the classroom. That insight became the foundation for Hobby Lobby — an organization that now reaches thousands of children and gives them access to experiences, creativity, mentorship, and support they otherwise might never get. But this conversation also breaks another illusion: that NGOs are somehow less serious than “real businesses.” Rosa explains why social impact cannot be built on good intentions alone. If you want to change lives at scale, you need to build with the same discipline, structure, and professionalism as any high-performing company. Today, she leads a growing organization with a multi-million-euro budget, a large team, and a model designed for long-term impact. This conversation goes far beyond education policy. We talk about inherited inequality, the hidden power of after-school life, the impossible pressure placed on teachers, why schools still look like they belong in 1950, what it means to build a serious impact organization, and why the world’s biggest problems are too often treated like side projects. If you are a student, founder, future leader, or someone who wants to build something that truly matters, this episode will challenge the way you think about fairness, responsibility, and what real impact actually requires. Timestamps 00:00 Preview 01:52 Introduction 02:26 Where inequality really begins 05:17 Why school alone cannot fix it 09:41 Privilege, family, and the hidden head start 15:36 The moment that changed everything 21:28 What inequality does to a child’s self-worth 27:31 How Hobby Lobby was built 35:53 From social project to scalable organization 38:26 Pressure, therapy, and leadership 42:11 Why NGOs should be treated like real companies 45:53 What building this organization actually cost 53:16 What society keeps getting wrong 58:27 Rapid Fire 59:36 Rosa turns the question around 01:02:19 Closing

5. 

   13 Mar 2026

   You’re Ignoring the Opportunities: How Cornelia Daniel Built Austria’s PV Future | OUAS ep.15

   What if the biggest opportunities are already right in front of you? In this episode of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Cornelia Daniel, founder of Dachgold and one of Austria’s leading voices in renewable energy. While many of her classmates were preparing for traditional careers in consulting and banking, Cornelia followed a different path. What started as curiosity during her master’s thesis turned into a mission: bringing photovoltaic systems to rooftops across Austria. But building a company in an industry that barely existed wasn’t easy. When Cornelia started, the solar market in Austria was still developing, regulations were uncertain, and most companies didn’t yet see the opportunity. Today, she has helped equip hundreds of rooftops with solar energy, shaped the renewable energy conversation in Austria, and was named Austrian of the Year. This conversation goes far beyond solar energy. We talk about curiosity, entrepreneurship, perseverance, and why some of the best opportunities appear long before the world is ready for them. If you’re a student, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone trying to figure out your path, this episode will challenge the way you think about opportunity, timing, and following your curiosity.00:00 – Intro "You will never again have so much time"01:11 – From Safe Career Plans to an Entrepreneurial Path04:36 – The Moment She Discovered Her Big Opportunity07:38 – The Decision to Start a Company12:25 – Why Founders Often Ignore Simple Ideas19:03 – Thinking Big: A Mission Beyond Just a Company26:07 – The Emotional Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship31:09 – Navigating Uncertainty, Politics & Market Changes44:51 – How AI Is Changing Entrepreneurship49:45 – Austrian of the Year & Advice for Future Founders

6. 

   13 Feb 2026

   Why Studying Is Not Safe (And No One Cares Until You Win) | Daniel Keinrath OUAS ep.14

   What does it really take to build a high-growth AI startup in Europe?In this episode of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Daniel Keinrath, founder of Fonio, a fast-growing AI phone assistant startup generating over €300,000 in monthly revenue and growing 30% month over month. At 18, Daniel was organizing nightclub events and got screwed over by the Mafia on his first major event. Years later, he sold his first company and went on to build one of Europe’s most ambitious voice AI startups.This conversation goes far beyond business tactics. We talk about why studying can feel safe but often keeps you small, how to sell a product before you build it, why most founders focus on the wrong things, and what it actually means to take ownership.If you are a student, aspiring entrepreneur, or young founder trying to figure out your path, this episode will challenge the way you think about safety, comfort, and ambition. 🎙 Topics we cover: • Building an AI startup in Europe • Selling before building • Bootstrapping vs. raising investors • Startup culture and hiring for ownership • Why “no one cares unless you deliver value” • The biggest lie students tell themselves • Why comfort kills growth

7. 

   11 Dec 2025

   Nothing to Lose: How Victor Vécsei Built the #1 TikTok Agency in DACH | Ep. 13

   Want to grow on TikTok, get more views and maybe even land brand deals or clients? Then you should probably listen to the person who built a 40+ person TikTok agency out of “having nothing to lose.”In this episode of Once Upon a Student, I sit down with Victor Vécsei (https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorvecsei/), founder & CEO of marswalk (https://www.marswalk.media/) – one of the leading TikTok / Gen Z agencies in the DACH region. Victor started as a student creator making horror clips on TikTok while everyone around him was laughing at the platform. Today, his agency works across six markets and helps brands like Coca-Cola, Givenchy, Drei & Co. win on TikTok and beyond.We talk about: Hunger & origin – where Victor’s drive really comes from, long before the agency existed Going all in – why having “no other options” pushed him to commit to marswalk after university Bridging generations – standing between Boomers and Zoomers and translating one world to the other Leadership & pressure – what he’s learned about trust, risk and making decisions for a whole team Work–life balance in your 20s – his very honest (and slightly controversial) take on ambition vs. comfort If you’re searching for:“how to grow on TikTok”,“TikTok tips for beginners”,“TikTok marketing strategy” or“how to get clients with TikTok” – this episode will give you both the mindset and the practical examples you’re looking for.

8. 

   6 Nov 2025

   Culture Eats Strategy: How Busuu Scaled Globally | Bernhard Niesner

   "If I ever get to roll the dice again, I’ll do it differently"Busuu co-founder Bernhard Niesner made that vow after a "mass walkout" left him with just 10 employees. Having already survived launching in the 2008 financial crisis, this was the moment that changed everything. In this conversation, we trace the 15-year arc from near-bankruptcy to a €385M exit , exploring the "TEACH" Values (Trust, Effectiveness, Ambition, Curiosity, Happiness) that scaled the company—a journey that shows just "how the line between success and failure... is so thin" Why this matters - How a simple student idea turned into a global success story - The near-collapse that almost ended it all — and what saved it - Why culture beats strategy every single time- The mindset behind resilience, leadership, and letting go after success Subscribe for more inspiring conversations! 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – From student idea to Busuu’s first users 07:00 – Early mistakes and the pain of rebuilding 13:00 – Surviving crisis and running out of cash 21:00 – Losing 80% of the team — and the turning point 25:00 – How culture became the core of Busuu 34:00 – The €385M exit and what came next 40:00 – The truth about work-life balance 47:00 – Austrian entrepreneurship & taking risks 50:00 – The three Ps: Passion, Positivity, Perseverance 54:00 – How Bernhard wants to be remembered

9. 

   9 Oct 2025

   The Next Industrial Revolution: A Playbook for Winning the AI Decade | Dr. Isabell Claus

   This is the playbook for winning the AI decade. We're in the next Industrial Revolution, and the old rules for success no longer apply. This conversation is a practical and emotional guide to the new strategies that actually work.Your guide is Dr. Isabell Claus. After co-founding and successfully exiting one of Europe's fastest-growing cybersecurity companies, she started again from zero. She shares the actionable strategies she's using right now to build her new AI venture, Thinkers.AI, and compete on a global scale with a small, brilliant team.Inside the Playbook, You Will Discover:🚀 The 'Tiny Team' Thesis: How small, talented teams can now outperform giant corporations by building great products that scale with little capital.📈 From Data to Decisions: A look inside how Thinkers.AI uses public information and AI to create prediction tools for businesses in a dynamic world.🇪🇺 Europe's AI Opportunity: Dr. Claus's urgent call for a new mentality in European leadership and education to compete in the AI decade.🔥 Resilient Leadership: Why turning negative feedback into your greatest strength is a key secret to success.💼 Your Career in the AI Era: Why learning to "co-work with AI" is now essential for everyone, not just coders.GUEST: Dr. Isabell ClausLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-isabell-claus-5540a331/Company: https://thinkers.ai/CONNECT WITH USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/Podcast Website: https://www.wu.ac.at/en/starting-up/tools-resources/podcast-once-upon-a-student-the-raw-stories-behind-successHost (Maciej Pajak): https://www.linkedin.com/in/maciej-ryszard-pajak/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0at30mSSN8h6HyFMOpYshi?si=b4d3ec225d8749bb🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Once Upon a Student for more raw conversations with the leaders and innovators shaping our future.🎥 Video & IT by WUtvChapters:00:00:00 - Intro00:02:01 - Who is Dr. Isabell Claus?00:04:06 - The Hard Work Behind the Awards00:07:17 - An Entrepreneur from Childhood00:09:28 - The Detour into Academia00:11:27 - The Ignition for Starting Her First Company00:15:07 - How AI is Changing Entrepreneurship00:17:56 - Building & Exiting Radar Cybersecurity00:20:19 - Why Start All Over Again?00:22:17 - The Problem Thinkers.AI is Solving00:24:11 - Competing in the Global AI Race00:28:19 - How AI Will Change the Job Market00:33:37 - Why Europe is Lagging Behind in AI00:37:43 - The Best & Worst Case Scenarios for AI00:39:21 - The Most Important Skill for Success00:42:30 - Advice to Her Younger Self00:44:08 - The Legacy She Wants to Leave00:44:54 - A Call to Action for European Leadership00:48:04 - OutroCreditsGuest: Dr. Isabell Claus (Thinkers AI) • Host: Maciej Pajak (Once Upon a Student). Full transcript highlights in description are adapted from our interview.

10. 

    4 Sept 2025

    Athlete, Star, Then Entrepreneur — The Art of Starting Over (Vesela Dimova)

    “Discipline outlasts talent. Reinvention isn’t weakness—it’s courage.” Vesela Dimova began dancing at six. By her teens she was a national champion; later, a TV star on Dancing Stars in Vietnam. Then the lights dimmed—and a new chapter began in a small dorm room at WU Vienna. No headlines. No stage. Just the quiet work of starting over. In our 10th episode of Once Upon a Student, we trace the arc from spotlight to student to entrepreneur, and why Vesela now builds on a simple operating system: mind • body • spirit. If you’re a student, athlete, or founder standing at the edge of a new beginning, this conversation is for you. Why this matters • How a national title didn’t prevent an identity crash—and what rebuilt her confidence at WU • Why discipline > talent (and how to train it when no one’s watching) • Turning injuries, doubt, and comparison into a strategy you can live with • Slowing down to go faster: gratitude, alignment, and better decisions for founders & students Chapters 00:00:00 Official intro & premise00:02:20 Competitions, Discipline & early responsibility00:14:02 Leap abroad at 18 (Vietnam)00:24:06 Intuition, gratitude & Austria00:39:27 Communication through dance (reading energy)00:44:02 Injury → corporate detour (bank)00:47:03 Career pivot: Dancing Stars & new direction00:50:59 Principles & resilience (mind–body–spirit)01:03:31 Responsibility, education & entrepreneurship01:10:03 Legacy

11. 

    8 Aug 2025

    He is Fixing Europe's Energy Problem (You’ll Never Guess Where It Starts) | Elias Aruna Ep. 8

    Betting on yourself means stepping into uncertainty and building something anyway.In Episode 9 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Elias Aruna, WU-Alumnus and Co-Founder of Scale Energy, a bold startup that’s tackling one of Europe’s most urgent and overlooked challenges: our outdated, overloaded energy grid.From his early days as a student full of questions, to launching one of Europe’s most promising climate tech companies, Elias shares the truth behind entrepreneurship: the fear, the learning curve, and the purpose that makes it all worth it.You’ll hear the real story. Not just of batteries and infrastructure, but of someone who turned conviction into commitment, and built something that just might shape the future of Europe’s energy.----💡 Key Takeaways:- What most people misunderstand about Europe’s energy crisis- How Scale Energy is rethinking grid flexibility with no upfront cost- The emotional reality of going “all in” on your idea- Why clarity of purpose matters more than a perfect plan---00:00 - Intro: The Moment There Was No Turning Back 01:57 - Who is Elias Aruna? From WU Student to Energy Entrepreneur 05:20 - Farm Inspiration & First Steps 09:57 - Importance of decentralized Energy16:05 - SCALE ENERGY25:00 - The Start of the Journey & Business Case Challenge 29:50 - Committing Fully: The Day the Startup Became Real33:00 - Move to Berlin36:30 - What Austria has to learn from Germany41:15 - Elias Major Advice on Priorities48:37 - Pivoting, Learning, and Trusting the Process 50:37 - Final Reflections & Advice for Young Entrepreneurs---🎧 Tune in to Episode 9 of Once Upon a Student for a powerful conversation about vision, resilience, and building real-world impact from the ground up.---Elias Aruna🔗 LinkedIn: https: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elias-aruna/🌐 Scale Energy: https://www.scale-energy.comFollow Us:Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ WU Entrepreneurship Center: https://www.wu.ac.at/gruendenMaciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify: 📺 Watch more on YouTube: Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!🎥 Video & IT by WUtv

12. 

    16 Jul 2025

    Dropshipping Success: You’re Building E-Commerce Backwards! Nino Pérez-Salado | Ep. 8

    You don’t need investors, inventory, or hype to build a real brand. You need resourcefulness, trust, and relentless learning.In Episode 6 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Nino Pérez-Salado, a student entrepreneur who turned a small budget and a laptop into Plusgear Sports, one of Austria’s fastest-growing sportswear brands.Nino shares his raw journey from testing dropshipping ideas during university to building a trusted, customer-first business featured on Austria’s Dragons’ Den. Learn how experimentation, failure, and direct conversations with customers shaped his strategy and why he believes slow growth often leads to stronger businesses.Whether you’re a student founder, creative thinker, or someone dreaming of launching something real, this episode offers rare, honest insights from someone who's been in the trenches.Key Takeaways:- Why building a brand without product or inventory actually worked- How customer complaints became a growth strategy- Why storytelling is a powerful startup skill- The truth about scaling physical products as a student- What every founder gets wrong about feedbackTimestamp00:01:51 – Intro00:01:02 – The Student Side-Hustle: Making Money While Sleeping00:06:58 – Juggling University & Business: The Power of Practical Application00:11:18 – The Truth About Dropshipping: Beyond the Hype00:14:52 – Embracing Failure: The 5 Tries to Success00:17:44 – De-Risking the Dream: How to Test a Product Before It Exists00:21:43 – When Disaster Strikes: Leadership Through Crisis00:28:16 – The 97% You're Missing: Learning from Those Who Don't Buy00:30:51 – The Art of Customer Support: Turning Haters into Fans00:37:06 – From Online Ads to National TV: Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone00:44:12 – The Founder's Trap: Separating Your Self-Worth from Your Business00:47:14 – The €500 Startup: How to Start Building a Brand Next Week00:50:30 – The Storytelling Engine: Your Most Powerful Skill00:52:16 – AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch01:01:08 – The Inventor's "Why": Finding Fulfillment in Solving Problems01:08:21 – The Reality of Success: Preparation, Timing, and LuckNino Pérez-SaladoLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nino-pérez-salado-974a17158/Plusgear: https://plusgear.atIG: https://www.instagram.com/plusgear/?hl=enFollow Us:Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ WU Entrepreneurship Center: https://www.wu.ac.at/gruendenMaciej Pajak (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/maciej-ryszard-pajak/📺 Watch more on YouTube: Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!🎥 Video & IT by WUtv

13. 

    27 Mar 2025

    She Left Investment Banking to Build a Sustainable Future for Europe | Marlene Johler | Ep.7

    Success isn’t always what it seems—and sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is walk away from it.In Episode 7 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Marlene Johler, a former investment banker who left behind a “dream career” to pursue something far more meaningful: building a sustainable future for Europe.In this deeply honest and inspiring conversation, Marlene shares her journey of letting go—of prestige, of certainty, of who she thought she was “supposed to be.” What followed was a powerful transformation toward purpose, systems change, and circular economy.- From high finance to high impact- From shame and doubt to self-trust and clarity- From chasing success to redefining itWhether you’re a student questioning your career path, an early-stage founder battling burnout, or someone searching for alignment in a chaotic world—this episode will speak to you.Because growth doesn’t always come from climbing higher. Sometimes, it comes from climbing a different ladder entirely.

14. 

    16 Jan 2025

    From a 3-Year-Old 'Hacker' to Building & Selling a Cybersecurity Company: Christian Polster’s Story | Ep.6

    Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting systems—it’s about safeguarding our freedom, our economy, and our future. In Episode 6 of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Christian Polster, a cybersecurity leader and visionary entrepreneur. Starting as a curious 3-year-old “hacker,” Christian grew to co-found and lead Radar Cyber Security, one of Europe’s top companies in the field. For the first time, Christian shares his incredible journey, from rebooting frozen computer screens to building and selling a cybersecurity powerhouse—all while staying true to his values of purpose over profit. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast curious about the future of cybersecurity, an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of scaling a company, or someone looking for inspiration on aligning success with values, this episode has something for you. Video & Sound by WUtv

15. 

    5 Dec 2024

    Community Expert: You’re Doing Networking Wrong! Sophie Zechmeister | Ep. 5

    Sophie Zechmeister, a TEDx speaker and expert in community building, reveals how authenticity, curiosity, and vulnerability can transform your networking game and foster thriving communities that truly matter.

16. 

    8 Oct 2024

    From Uni Nights to Entrepreneurial Heights | Tamas Petrovics's Journey of Resilience | Ep. 4

    In this episode of Once Upon a Student, we sit down with Tamas Petrovics, former McKinsey consultant turned healthtech entrepreneur, who shares an honest and unfiltered look at his journey from university parties to building a company that’s transforming healthcare. Tamas opens up about the struggles of navigating life as a student, the challenges of the consulting world, and the moment he realized he was ready to step out on his own. Together, we dive into the pivotal decisions that took him from late-night studying (and partying) to launching a successful startup in a highly competitive industry. This episode is packed with insights for anyone questioning their path, considering a career pivot, or simply wanting to know what it takes to turn a big idea into reality. Join us as Tamas reflects on the importance of resilience, the power of having the right team, and why sometimes, it’s okay to take the road less traveled. 0:00 Introduction 1:06 The Early Days & Birth of XUND 7:33 Breaking Free from Consulting at McKinsey 12:32 Re-defining the Healthtech Vision: Why XUND? 15:38 Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Overcoming Setbacks 17:50 How we got our first investment 24:25 From Security to Sacrifice: Facing Financial Struggles in Startups 32:18 Building a Team That Feels Like Family 40:13 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Whether you’re stuck in a corporate job, enjoying university life, or dreaming of your own entrepreneurial journey, Tamas’s story will leave you inspired to chase your dreams and overcome any obstacle in your way. Tune in to Episode 4 of Once Upon a Student for a dose of inspiration, real talk, and practical advice from someone who’s been there. Tamas Petrovics: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamas-petrovics/ XUND: https://xund.ai Follow Us: Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ WU Gründungszentrum: https://www.instagram.com/wu_gruendungszentrum/ Maciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/ 🎧 Listen to the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UaY-j_TcjXo 📺 Watch more on YouTube: Subscribe for more inspiring conversations! 🎥 Video & IT by WUtv

17. 

    13 Aug 2024

    Why Failure Isn’t the End: Hannah Wundsam’s Guide to Entrepreneurial Resilience | E3

    In today’s conversation, I sit down with Hannah Wundsam, the Managing Director at Austrian Startups, Austria’s largest startup platform and think tank. In this episode, we explore: 0:00 Introduction 1:43 The Early Context: Shaping the Future 3:19 Discovering Social Entrepreneurship in Australia 5:54 Childhood Indicators and Early Motivations 7:51 The Spark for Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Reality 10:21 Balancing Startup Life and University 12:45 The First Funding and Early Wins 15:29 The Challenge of Developing a Business Model 17:42 Securing a Pilot and Learning from Failure 20:19 The Impact of COVID-19 on Startup Operations 23:12 Deciding to Close Down Refill: The Hardest Decision 24:40 The Importance of Talking About Failure 27:35 Building Resilience and the Entrepreneurial Mindset 29:48 The Emotional Struggles of Founders 31:25 The Role of Co-Founders in Success and Failure 33:12 Future Goals: Entrepreneurship in Schools and Beyond 36:01 Reflecting on the Journey and Connecting the Dots 37:45 Wisdom for Upcoming Founders 39:02 The Impact of Sharing Ideas Openly 40:33 The Pivotal Moments: What Could Have Been 42:00 Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections Hannah’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, Hannah’s insights provide valuable lessons on navigating the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey. Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode where we delve deep into the realities of building a startup, learning from failure, and creating a lasting impact. Follow Hannah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-wundsam/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=at Austrian Startups: https://austrianstartups.com Follow Us: Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ WU Gründungszentrum: https://www.instagram.com/wu_gruendungszentrum/ Maciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/ Watch the episode on Spotify: Video & IT: WuTV

18. 

    11 Apr 2024

    The Female Factor: Mahdis Gharaei on How to Build Confidence Amid Societal Expectations | E2

    Today, we're honored to host Mahdis Gharaei, a pivotal figure in promoting female entrepreneurship. As the founder of one of the most successful female-focused networks, she has significantly impacted over 20,000 women across 75 countries, empowering them through education and professional opportunities. Mahdis is also renowned for her viral TEDx talk which addresses the systemic challenges women face in the economy today. Join us as we uncover Mahdis's journey, her strategies for overcoming societal barriers, and her advice for women navigating the path to leadership and success. 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Early Influences & Societal Challenges 5:46 Cultivating Courage & Community 9:48 Strategic Decisions & Female Factor’s Evolution 11:51 Supporting Women in Entrepreneurship 13:25 Decision Making & Pursuing Authenticity 16:47 Balancing Life & Leadership 18:05 Continuous Learning & Adapting 19:24 Perfectionism in Entrepreneurial Pursuits 21:40 Reflections & Aspirations 25:10 Suprise Question Don't miss this episode! Discover how Mahdis balances professional and personal challenges and gain essential tools for your own journey to success. Tune in for an enriching experience. Follow Mahdis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahdisdis/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahdisgharaei Female Factor: https://www.femalefactor.global TEDx Talk Mahdis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj_TZ2QpCWk&t=774s Follow Us: Once upon a Student: https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/ (https://www.instagram.com/once.uponastudent/) WU Gründungszentrum: https://www.instagram.com/wu_gruendungszentrum/ (https://www.instagram.com/wu_gruendungszentrum/) Maciej Pajak (Host): https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/ (https://www.instagram.com/paccmac/) Watch the episode on Spotify: Video & IT: WUtv

19. 

    5 Mar 2024

    The Decision-Making Maverick: Kambis Kohansal Vajargah's Blueprint for Making the Right Decisions with Analytics to Master Business Success | E1

    In today's conversation, I sit down with Kambis Kohansal Vajargah, the dynamic co-founder of Whatchado and a celebrated venture capitalist. Join us as we delve into his journey, uncovering the principles and strategies that have guided him from being a student to the forefront of innovation and investment. In this conversation, we delve into 👇🏽 The art of balancing a multifaceted career with personal life The transformative power of discipline and morning rituals Strategies for overcoming life's inevitable hurdles The importance of being a lifelong learner in an ever-evolving world Cultivating empathy and strategic patience in a world obsessed with speed Kambis's insights are a treasure trove for anyone navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, offering a unique blend of practical advice and profound wisdom. Don't miss out on this episode where wisdom meets action, and learn how to master the balancing act of life with Kambis Kohansal Vajargah. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JVLBH6TYORY Video & IT: WUtv

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

4,657,754,212

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

25

Social presence

91

YouTube

93

Engagement

60

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.