In this engaging episode, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Buzz Pearce, a seasoned leader in the design industry with nearly three decades of experience. Buzz reflects on his journey from a young, curious child inspired by his architect father to his current role as a design leader at TEM. He shares valuable insights into the evolution of design, the importance of leadership, and the shift from being a hands-on designer to mentoring and empowering teams. Buzz emphasizes the need for designers to embrace a mindset focused on problem-solving and collaboration, as well as the importance of understanding the business context in which design operates.

Throughout the conversation, Buzz discusses the challenges and opportunities that arise in the design field, particularly in startup environments. He provides practical advice for designers seeking employment and highlights the significance of maintaining a balance between creativity and the practical demands of business. With a focus on learning and adaptation, Buzz encourages listeners to cultivate a growth mindset and to navigate the complexities of design leadership with purpose and clarity.

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Rafe Blandford, a seasoned technology leader with a rich background in mobile strategy and product innovation.

Rafe shares his journey from the telco industry to leading teams at prominent agencies, shedding light on the importance of diversity and inclusion in building effective teams. The conversation delves into the impact of technology on society, the challenges of measuring outcomes, and the evolving role of technology leaders in the age of AI and digital transformation.

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert sits down with Sammie from Gains App to explore his remarkable journey from struggling with debt to becoming a prominent voice in financial education. Sammie shares how he transformed his passion for finance into a successful content creation and tech business, aiming to bridge the information gap in personal finance. Tune in to discover the innovative features of the Gains App and Sammie's insights on improving financial literacy and awareness.

Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammieellardking/

• (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast
• (00:24) - - Welcoming Sammie to the Podcast
• (01:02) - - Sammie's Journey into Finance
• (01:46) - - Overcoming Debt and Finding Purpose
• (03:32) - - Transition to Financial Education
• (04:48) - - The Impact of COVID on Business Ideas
• (05:58) - - Building a Content Creation Business
• (07:38) - - The Importance of Financial Awareness
• (09:40) - - Discussion on University Debt
• (10:52) - - Understanding Good vs. Bad Debt
• (12:56) - - Shocking Financial Realities
• (14:13) - - The Advice Gap in Finance
• (16:40) - - Introduction to the Gains App
• (19:10) - - Features of the Gains App
• (21:40) - - Gamifying Financial Management
• (23:49) - - Pivotal Moments in Business Evolution
• (27:12) - - The Challenges of Building a Tech Company
• (29:26) - - Transition from Content to Tech
• (32:20) - - The Role of Content in User Acquisition
• (34:50) - - Hiring for a Tech Startup
• (40:39) - - Building a Collaborative Team Environment
• (43:25) - - Meeting and Working with Co-Founders
• (47:11) - - Effective Marketing Strategies
• (50:18) - - The Importance of Storytelling in Business
• (52:28) - - Navigating Noise on LinkedIn
• (54:04) - - The Future of AI in Content Creation
• (58:16) - - Balancing Life and Finances
• (01:01:52) - - Closing Thoughts and Messages