Ambition, Startups & Giving Back: Navigating the University Experience & Building for the Future

Throw Yourself In & You’ll Learn as You Go: Lessons in Confidence, Leadership & Taking the Lea

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2454734/open_sms] In this episode, I sit down with Inheritance Odili — a final-year Mathematics student at the University of Warwick, incoming analyst at a big 4 investment bank, and co-founder of LyncFit, a student-focused fitness accountability platform built on routine and community. She also previously served as CFO of Bubble, an early-stage startup that sparked her entry into entrepreneurship and helped shape her approach to leadership — even after the venture came to an end.  Inheritance has gained experience at some of the most competitive firms in finance, including Jane Street, J.P. Morgan and BlackRock. But what really stands out is her thoughtfulness, resilience, and willingness to build with intention — whether that’s in a corporate environment, a startup team, or a university setting.  In this episode, we explore what it looks like to juggle demanding internships, academic pressure, and startup building — all at the same time. We also talk about the lessons learned from managing a team, navigating identity and ambition as a Nigerian-British student, and how clarity, culture, and community can shape the way we define success.  If you're a student navigating multiple paths, trying to build something meaningful, or looking for real-world insights into entrepreneurship and career growth — this one’s for you.

From Freelance to Founder: Building AI Startups While Balancing Student Life & Entrepreneurship

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2454734/open_sms]  In this episode, I sit down with Pedro Lourenco — a penultimate-year Computer Science student at the University of St Andrews, AI automation expert, and founder of Tech Cortex, an agency helping businesses streamline operations through AI-powered solutions. He’s also the co-founder of Speakmeal, a nutrition and fitness app that uses AI to simplify healthy living with personalized tracking and smart automation. Pedro has built tools that help companies boost efficiency, cut costs, and scale — all while balancing university life and engaging with cutting-edge research in the field of technology.  We talk about his journey from freelancing as a web developer to launching startups, how he leverages AI to solve real-world problems, and the mindset that keeps him focused and driven. Pedro also talks about balancing technical ambition with personal growth, why routines matter, and how students can build more intentionally.  Whether you’re a tech founder, aspiring founder, or just curious about the intersection of AI, entrepreneurship, and student life — this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and actionable ideas.  Pedro’s story is a reminder that with the right mindset, tools, and mission, you can create something big — even while you’re still a student. Pedro's Linkedin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-rios-lourenco/]

The Importance of Belief, Passion & Community as a Student Entrepreneur

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2454734/open_sms] For this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Duckworth – a final-year music student at the University of Birmingham and the founder of Duckworth Publications, a startup making choral music more accessible to community groups. What started as a passion project following an internship in music publishing has grown into a purposeful venture that aims to bridge the gap between those who can and can’t read sheet music, helping people stay engaged in music communities they love. Throughout her time at university, Jessica has embraced a wide range of roles — from student ambassador and outreach mentor to research assistant in copyright law and social media officer for university concerts. Alongside these commitments, she’s been building a business grounded in purpose and creativity. In this episode, we talk about what it means to be a student founder in a creative field, the power of accessibility and community, and how Jessica has carved out space for impact while navigating university life. It's a thoughtful and honest conversation about staying rooted in your values, following what brings you joy, and turning challenges into opportunities.

Entrepreneurship, Networking & Resilience: Startup Lessons from VC and Founding

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2454734/open_sms] In this episode, I am joined by Ilgin Kolgelli a final-year International Economics and Management student at Bocconi University. Starting off in finance, Ilgın quickly realised that the world of banking and spreadsheets wasn’t where her passion lay. Instead, she found her spark in the fast-paced, dynamic environment of venture capital and it didn’t take long before she made the leap from analysing startups to building one of her own.  Now the Co-Founder and CFO of SALP, a startup that leverages AI to provide more accurate, accessible startup valuations, Ilgın is on a mission to make the early-stage investing landscape more transparent and data-driven. In our conversation, she reflects on the challenges of building a startup while still in university, including the steep learning curves, the rejections, and the pressure of working across multiple time zones and geographies.  Ilgın also shares how she built her network through online communities, Slack channels, and cold LinkedIn outreach. She talks about navigating risk as someone who doesn't consider herself naturally risk-tolerant, and how being a student actually gave her the freedom to experiment, fail, and grow without the high stakes of full-time entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever thought about starting something but felt held back by fear, uncertainty, or a lack of experience, this episode will give you both the insight and the encouragement to take that next step. It’s a real, honest look at what it means to build something from the ground up.

Ambition, Startups & Giving Back: Navigating the University Experience & Building for the Future

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2454734/open_sms] In this episode, I sit down with Zacharias Onyejiaka, a direct-entry second-year mathematics student at the University of Edinburgh and an ambitious student entrepreneur with a drive for innovation. We discuss his journey of balancing academics with running a startup and finding a community in Edinburgh. He co-founded SpoVis, an AI-driven tennis analytics platform that gained traction on multiple platforms, and Edinburgh Venture Point, a community designed to connect and support student founders. Zacharias shares insights on taking risks, seizing opportunities, maintaing drive and creating a culture of entrepreneurship within universities. We also dive into the unique perspective that comes with being a first-generation immigrant, the sense of responsibility to give back, and how that has shaped his ambitions. From working at startups to building his own, Zacharias’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of putting yourself out there. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a student looking to make the most of your university experience, or simply curious about what it is like to build something, this conversation is full of valuable lessons and inspiration.