Think raising $6M guarantees startup success?

Think again!

In this raw, no-BS conversation, J.Y. Delmot, co-founder of BuddiesHR and ex-Y Combinator alum reveals the real lessons behind the flashy headlines. From building a SaaS that hit $60K MRR on the side, to losing it all when Instagram shut them down, to raising millions and learning the hard way… this is a masterclass in founder reality.What you'll learn:Why VC money often kills more startups than it savesThe 3 rules that changed his life at Y CombinatorHow to build a startup before writing a single line of codeWhy most founders burn out — and how to avoid itHow J.Y. scaled BuddiesHR from scratch with just a Slack appIf you’re building, funding, or fumbling through startup life, this is the playbook you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode of the Business Alchemist Podcast, Phil Akilade speaks with James Mays, founder of Rodeo and asks,

What drives someone to build a new startup after selling their last one, and surviving a brain tumour diagnosis?

They explore the importance of community and events in today's polarised world.

They discuss the evolution of event technology, the significance of in-person connections, and the mission behind Rodeo to create a new platform that supports community organisers.

James shares his personal journey, including health challenges and the drive to build a customer-centric community.

The conversation emphasises the need for discovery in event planning and the potential for monetising community data to sustain and grow these initiatives.

In this conversation, James discusses the journey of developing a platform aimed at enhancing community engagement through events.

He shares insights on the importance of user feedback, and the evolving nature of technology in event organisation.

The discussion also touches on societal issues like loneliness and the resurgence of in-person events post-COVID, emphasising the role of technology in facilitating genuine human connections.

James outlines the competitive landscape, barriers to adoption, and the future growth plans for the platform, Rodeo.

In this episode of the Business Alchemist podcast, Phil Akilade speaks with Nick Sales, a fractional CTO with 35 years of experience in AI.

They explore the reality of AI, discussing whether it is genuine innovation or merely hype.

Nick shares his mixed feelings about the current AI landscape, emphasising the importance of data in AI applications and the need for businesses to navigate the hype cycle carefully.

They also delve into the practical applications of AI in business, highlighting the potential for productivity gains while cautioning against unrealistic expectations.

In this conversation, Nick Sales and Phil Akilade delve into the evolving landscape of AI, discussing its implications for productivity, job dynamics, and ethical considerations.

They explore a structured approach for business leaders to adopt AI, emphasising the importance of understanding data and technology.

The discussion also highlights the current applications of AI in manufacturing, the rise of no-code development, and the critical need for security in AI-generated code.

Ultimately, they stress the importance of human collaboration in the future of AI.

In this conversation, Phil and Nick delve into the complexities of AI in software development, the practical applications of technology in business, and the mindset required for leaders to embrace these changes.

They discuss the limitations of AI, the importance of understanding technology, and the challenges businesses face in implementing new solutions.

Nick shares his journey from philosophy to technology, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to technology adoption and the importance of human insight in the process.