Hey everyone, it’s Trevor Skene, back with another episode of the Patent Hacks Podcast, where we dive deep into the minds of today’s top innovators and industry experts.

This week, I’m joined by the incredible Nadja Fromm, powerhouse founder of Fromm Consulting and the strategic marketing mind behind billion-dollar brands like Lindt, Kraft, Heinz, Colgate, and Weber. Nadja shares her fascinating journey from climbing corporate ladders in global boardrooms to taking the bold leap into entrepreneurship—and building a thriving business helping other founders market with purpose.

We dive into the mental shifts required to escape the 9-to-5, how to silence the doubters (including the ones in your own head), and why niching down is the secret to marketing that truly connects. Nadja also unpacks practical strategies for solo founders and startups to build impactful brands—even on lean budgets. If you’re thinking of launching your own venture or ready to sharpen your marketing game, this episode is packed with wisdom you don’t want to miss!

[2:02] – Nadja shares her career journey from Germany to U.S. boardrooms, working with global brands, and how burnout became the catalyst for starting her own consulting business.

[9:28] – The moment of existential crisis in front of a PowerPoint slide that convinced Nadja the corporate climb wasn’t her true path.

[14:15] – “Revenge businesses” and how frustration in corporate environments can become fuel for starting something of your own.

[21:01] – The critical mental shift from employee to entrepreneur: giving yourself permission, leading yourself, and embracing uncertainty without waiting for approval.

[33:20] – How surrounding yourself with the right people—and removing toxic influences—is essential for entrepreneurial success.

[40:12] – The importance of celebrating small wins and Nadja’s Post-it Note trick to track progress and boost confidence.

[45:45] – Why analysis paralysis kills startups and how to treat failures as neutral data points for growth rather than personal judgments.

[51:10] – Nadja explains why businesses rarely fail because of a bad product—and how poor marketing and lack of clear messaging are usually the real culprits.

[56:25] – Deep dive into niching down: why trying to talk to everyone means connecting with no one, and how to create offers that make audiences “lean in”.

[1:00:22] – The one piece of advice Nadja would give any new founder: trust your gut, listen to yourself, and don’t let anyone make you small.

Resources:

Nadja Fromm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadja-fromm/

Nadja Fromm Website: https://www.fromm-consulting.com/

Free Resource for all listeners: https://www.fromm-consulting.com/messaging-playbook

Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com

Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

Thanks so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a second to rate, follow, share, and leave us a review—it helps more founders and innovators like you discover the show. Catch you next time on the Patent Hacks Podcast!