Ben Ward from StudyStash on building an EdTech startup, scaling across markets, and the importance of timing | The Dev is in the Details #18 | S02

Khensani Mathebula, Laura Devine Immigration, & Floor Bergshoeff, TABS Inc., on the reality of expanding business to the U.S. | The Dev is in the Details #21 | S02

► How to successfully expand your business to the U.S.? In the new episode of The Dev is in the Details, our guests, Khensani Mathebula from Laura Devine Immigration and Floor Bergshoeff from TABS Inc., share their expertise on the U.S. expansion process and highlight what leaders often underestimate. Although expanding into the U.S. may seem easy and fast, it gets more complex if not done right from the start. We discuss the differences between the European and American markets: business models, taxes, and hiring, and explain the immigration process and the complexities of the visa system. Khensani shares her in-depth knowledge of the U.S. immigration system and pinpoints what founders need to understand before starting a business. Floor explains the operational aspects of setting up an entity in the U.S. market or expanding from Europe. ► Our guests: Khensani Mathebula [https://www.linkedin.com/in/khensani-mathebula/]: a U.S. Immigration Attorney at Laura Devine Immigration [https://www.linkedin.com/company/laura-devine-immigration/], helping companies and individuals navigate complex visa and immigration processes. Khensani brings a highly specialised expertise to the table with a deep understanding of the legal entanglements, risks, and effective visa strategies for specific cases. Floor Bergshoeff [https://www.linkedin.com/in/flora-bergshoeff-25577a55/]: Head of Business Development and Relations at TABS Inc. [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tabsinc/], supporting Europe-based businesses in entering the U.S. market with confidence and providing support across HR, tax compliance, hiring, and more. Floor showcases a broad understanding of both markets and the business side of running a company. ► In today’s episode: * Insights on the U.S. market and what non-U.S. founders usually underestimate * Explaining different visa approaches and the operational side of setting up a business entity * Cooperation models, employee benefits, health insurance, taxation, and costs * Examples describing how these models and approaches work in real-world cases ► Decoding the timeline: 00:00:00 - Complexities and what founders usually underestimate about U.S. expansion 00:03:40 - The risks of treating immigration and visas as a secondary step 00:06:13 - The most common visa routes when expanding to the U.S. 00:12:18 - What to consider before hiring or relocating someone to the U.S. 00:13:15 - Support from immigration firms vs. internal coordination with operations 00:14:27 - Is setting up a company in the U.S. fast and the immigration impact 00:17:43 - Employee vs. independent contractor model in Europe vs. the U.S. 00:18:54 - The lasting impact of operational decisions on financial exposure and navigating these complexities 00:20:36 - Benefits, employer costs, and health insurance 00:26:33 - The right structure setup, legislation, and what else founders should be aware of in the compliance area 00:29:52 - Misalignment between immigration, HR, and business timelines 00:38:40 - The real-world, recurring mistakes and how to mitigate them 00:49:15 - Who can mostly benefit from this conversation? ► Resources: * TABS Inc. [https://www.tabsinc.com] * Lau [https://www.lauradevine.com] *** The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us. Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further? Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukasz-lazewski/] or write to us at podcast@llinformatics.com [podcast@llinformatics.com].

Kamil Chudziński from PepsiCo Poland on digital transformation, technology impact, and the role of leadership | The Dev is in the Details #20 | S02

► How leaders should navigate digital transformation to succeed at the local and global level? In the next episode of The Dev is in the Details, Kamil Chudziński – a seasoned expert who has led many complex digital transformations throughout his career and across corporations – underlines the real challenges of navigating a company through digital changes, the impact of technology, and the critical role of leadership in driving transformation. We discuss the steps leaders should take to turn strategy into real results, how to approach different markets, and the role of global and local in the corporate transformation. Especially since most transformation projects fail, the ability to adapt to specific markets and understand their environments, challenges, and cultures is key to success. Kamil shares his experience from almost 20 years of leading transformation initiatives, along with best practices for planning, implementing, and navigating them effectively.  ► Our guest Kamil Chudziński [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamil-chudzinski/] is a business leader and change management expert who has led many global digital transformation initiatives at a strategic level, connecting business and technology. Kamil leads digital transformation initiatives at PepsiCo [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pepsico/] Poland, a multinational food and beverage corporation. ► In today’s episode: * Kamil’s insights on navigating digital transformation in the FMCG sector * The role of technology in today’s transformation initiatives and change management processes * How to approach different markets, cultures, and individuals for buy-in * The role of leadership in navigating a successful digital transformation ► Decoding the timeline: 00:00:00 - Kamil’s background in digital transformation across multiple companies 00:02:52 - Processes, technology, and people in change management 00:05:01 - Cultural differences, incentives, and how to make the transformation work 00:07:35 - The two types of change in global corporations and how to manage them 00:16:42 - Impact of local culture and consumer purchasing habits on KPI setting 00:22:45 - How can organisations simulate specific scenarios in each local market before starting a digital transformation? 00:28:09 - How to merge various inputs at the global level and decide which strategy to implement in different markets? 00:38:07 - C-level and investors' impact on digital transformation and shifting your EBIDA 00:44:04 - Technology impact on digital transformation and change management 00:45:44 - Timeframe and team-building in the digital transformation process 00:55:05 - The role of the IT team in creating a strategy for the digital transformation *** The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us. Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further? Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukasz-lazewski/] or write to us at podcast@llinformatics.com [podcast@llinformatics.com].

Jeff Gombala from Helios and Evidexa on AI behavioral models, digital twins, and shaping patient experience | The Dev is in the Details #19 S02

► How can digital twins, AI-powered behavioral modeling, and simulations help in forecasting real behaviors in healthcare? In the latest episode of The Dev is in the Details, Jeff Gombala – a product leader with expertise in digital health innovation and health tech – explains what behavioral models are, their impact in reshaping customer and patient understanding, and how simulations become the next generation of research. We talk about the healthcare industry, the level and pace of AI adoption, and the operational and clinician-related barriers and risks it entails. Jeff shares his views on regulatory aspects, managing patient data, and leveraging AI as an augmentation. In a highly regulated industry such as healthcare, with patients’ journeys complex and deeply personal, the role of AI is not to replace, but to empower clinicians and healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care faster, yet safely. ► Our guest Jeff Gombala [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgombala/] is a technology expert working at the intersection of digital health, behavioral science, and patient experience. Jeff is a co-founder and CEO at Helios Innovation Labs [https://www.linkedin.com/company/heliosinnovationlab/], helping healthtech innovators move faster from concept to real outcomes, and a co-founder of Evidexa [https://www.linkedin.com/company/evidexa/], the first simulation platform improving healthtech adoption. ► In today’s episode: * Jeff’s story on founding Helios and Evidexa and the mission behind them * The concept of digital twins and how they help simulate patients’ behaviors * Regulatory, data licensing, and duplication challenges in healthcare * Take on AI’s role in healthcare, and what are the barriers to adopting AI ► Decoding the timeline: 00:00:00 - Jeff’s story on how he cofounded Helios and Evidexa 00:04:11 - Staging and testing environments in healthcare 00:06:47 - What are digital twins, how to design them, and how to build attributes on the population 00:13:54 - Take on the strongest demand currently in AI and behavior insights in healthcare 00:17:13 - Data licensing, the reusability of data samples, anonymity, and regulatory aspects 00:24:12 - Pathways as the B2C experience 00:29:02 - The common barriers businesses face when trying to adopt AI in their research or products 00:32:50 - Validation and evidence paradox in healthcare 00:35:51 - Avoiding biases in AI healthcare systems 00:46:15 - Treating AI as the augmentation, not the replacement 00:52:05 - Data duplication and simplifying the patient journey ► Resources mentioned in the episode: * Evidexa [https://getevidexa.com/] * Survey Jeff mentions: https://insights.getevidexa.com/healthtech-decision-insights [https://insights.getevidexa.com/healthtech-decision-insights]  *** The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us. Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further? Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukasz-lazewski/] or write to us at podcast@llinformatics.com [podcast@llinformatics.com].

Ben Ward from StudyStash on building an EdTech startup, scaling across markets, and the importance of timing | The Dev is in the Details #18 | S02

► What does it take to build a successful early-stage startup across two different EdTech markets? In the first episode of season two of The Dev is in the Details, Ben Ward – a young business leader and startup founder – shares his story on how building something that was meant to solve your problem can turn into a successful business idea. We discuss the key differences between the US and UK higher education markets, the impact on navigating your business, and how to adapt to various perspectives effectively. Ben shares his learnings and experiences on building and scaling StudyStash, and why a strong relationship with your co-founder is key to success. Navigating your business can be challenging, especially when scaling across two completely different markets. And in the startup world, it can be even more difficult. But when there’s a real value behind your product or service – it’s definitely worth the work. ► Our guest Ben Ward [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-m-ward/] is a co-founder and CEO of StudyStash [https://www.linkedin.com/company/studystash/], an EdTech company operating across the UK and the US, providing an AI-powered learning platform to help international students learn effectively through assets that boost confidence and reduce stress. The platform also supports faculty and universities in minimizing workload and boosting students’ retention – all through their LMSs. Ben emphasizes the importance of founders' cooperation and bold decision-making in the complex, differentiated EdTech market. ► In today’s episode: * Ben’s story on building a non-commercial product that turned into a business * How different the EdTech market is in the US, the UK, and the rest of Europe * The differences in fundraising between the US and the UK * Challenges in each market and best practices to leverage * Practical advice from a founder to other founders ► Decoding the timeline: 00:00:00 - The story of StudyStash - creating a software that turned into a business 00:03:45 - Expanding into a transatlantic business, finding the right market, and the lifecycle of selling to universities 00:06:48 - The reality of the EdTech market in the US vs. the UK vs. Europe 00:09:20 - The biggest assumptions, expectations, and surprises on the US market 00:11:40 - The importance of a strong relationship with your co-founder 00:17:15 - The fundraising reality in the US and flipping the company 00:19:53 - How timing impacts business and making decisions at the last minute 00:21:15 - Complexities of juggling multiple markets vs. laser focusing on one market at once 00:31:43 - Cultural differences and their impact on StudyStash’s strategy and product direction 00:34:35 - Engaging learning assets, LLMs, perks for faculty, and the DFWs 00:39:10 - Financial reality for international and local students and  impact on universities 00:44:05 - Adjustments to the platform, pitching to different markets, and the fastest closure 00:47:49 - Advice for other young founders for building a transatlantic startup 00:50:15 - How to filter out the next shiny thing? ► Resources: * Ben Ward’s article for Business Influencer * An EAB profile on one of the StudyStash’s pilots with the University of Birmingham *** The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us. Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further? Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukasz-lazewski/] or write to us at podcast@llinformatics.com [podcast@llinformatics.com].

Ninder Johal from Nachural on celebrating the success, building communities, and shaping the future | The Dev is in the Details #17

► How to learn to celebrate entrepreneurship, build meaningful business relations, and not be afraid of failure?  In the latest episode of The Dev is in the Details, Ninder Johal – an entrepreneur with a music industry background who’s now focusing on supporting entrepreneurs internationally – explains why it’s important to recognize business leaders and their impact on communities, companies, and countries.  We discuss how to emphasize the role of entrepreneurs both locally and globally, the impact of education, and why we shouldn’t be afraid to fail. Ninder shares the importance of communities, learning from others, and social impact on building successful businesses. We explore the future of young entrepreneurs and how to support them in their growth and achievements.  In the business world, where competition, growth, and KPIs receive the most attention, we should remember that, beyond these, there’s a human element that needs to be recognized.   ► Our guest  Ninder Johal [https://www.linkedin.com/in/videoeventsandcommunication/] is a business passionate, an entrepreneur, and a seasoned leader. As a founder of Nachural [https://nachural.co.uk/], a company that runs prestigious awards and publishes The Business Influencer magazine, he highlights the power of recognition and its impact on leaders and their mindset. ► In today’s episode: * Ninder’s take on the value the recognition gives to leaders and businesses * How to learn from others and for self-employment * What’s the role of society, community, and support in business * The impact of AI on today’s business landscape * Advice and best practices for young entrepreneurs  ► Decoding the timeline: 00:00:00 - The power of recognition and its impact on individuals, organizations, and regions  00:06:48 - Cultural difference in celebrating success and entrepreneurship  00:08:37 - The education factor: learning for employment, not self-employment  00:11:54 - Awards as another marketing channel, not the “vanity exercise” 00:13:41 - Branding, quality, and being the very best you can, and how to measure the awards' impact 00:21:10 - The social aspect and community building  00:23:47 - Diversity as the key in learning from others and belonging to different organizations 00:28:14 - The future of recognition and community building in the AI world 00:35:45 - The opportunities and challenges for young entrepreneurs  00:42:34 - How to prevent the brain drain in local communities 00:50:04 - Choosing the role models and seeking inspiration in Europe as a young entrepreneur  00:57:33 - A look at the future of business communities and youth entrepreneurship *** The Dev is in the Details is a podcast where we talk about technology, business and their impacts on the world around us. Do you want to recommend a guest or discuss with us further? Connect with Lukasz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukasz-lazewski/] or write to us at podcast@llinformatics.com [podcast@llinformatics.com].