In this curated episode of Peer Effect, we've gathered insights from four industry leaders on the strategies behind successful scaling and decision-making.

Sam Rosen (founder and CEO, DeskPass), Bartosz Skwarczek (founder and president, G2A.com), David King (co-founder and co-CEO, Artificial Labs), and Anouk Agussol (founder, Unleashed) share their experiences, highlighting the critical decisions that propelled their companies forward, the challenges they faced, and the leadership practices that drove their growth.

Links:
Follow Sam Rosen on LinkedIn!
Follow Bartosz Skwarczek on LinkedIn!
Follow David King on LinkedIn
Follow Anouk Agussol on LinkedIn!

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How does a startup become the world’s largest online marketplace for gaming without any funding?

In this insightful episode, I'm joined by Bartosz Skwarczek, the mastermind behind G2A.com, as he shares his remarkable journey from a modest beginning in Poland to leading the world's largest online marketplace for gaming.

Together, we explore:

• How collaboratively defining company values from the outset can foster a cohesive and motivated team environment.
• The strategic decisions that led to prioritising long-term quality over short-term gains.
• How maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit and belief in the face of adversity drives continuous innovation and growth.

Don’t miss this episode if you're ready to be inspired to tackle new challenges and lead with conviction. For more practical insights, follow Bartosz Skwarczek on LinkedIn!

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What if the secret to scaling your business successfully lies not in speeding up but in slowing down?

In this episode, I explore this unconventional yet powerful strategy with Sam Rosen, co-founder and CEO of DeskPass. From the inception of DeskPass to its current state post-Series A, Sam shares his transformative journey of stepping back to make thoughtful, less emotionally charged decisions.

Listen to the full episode as we unpack:
• The critical role patience and empathy play in leadership
• How creating space for reflection can lead to improved outcomes and stronger team relationships.
• Practical tips for managing the chaos of entrepreneurial life.

For more insights, follow Sam Rosen on LinkedIn!

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Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com

Is your startup ready to pivot when opportunity knocks?

In this episode, we dive into the secrets of running a successful tech startup with David King, co-founder and co-CEO of Artificial Labs. From its inception in 2013 to raising over £22 million in funding to date, discover how David navigated the tricky waters of refining his company's niche in algorithmic and augmented underwriting for the commercial specialty sector.

Together, we discuss:
• Invaluable insights on the importance of timing, market conditions, and, most importantly, customer feedback.
• The art of keeping your message simple and clear, especially when engaging with VCs and potential customers.
• Practical tips on mastering meetings, delivering compelling presentations, and crafting a sales process that works for you.

For more insights, follow David King on LinkedIn, or read more about how Artificial Labs is transforming the insurtech industry.

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Imagine a simple observation in a Starbucks queue changing the trajectory of your entire career.

In this episode of Peer Effect, we delve into the mind of Alex Nocifera. Alex's entrepreneurial journey started back in 2005, with the inception of his first venture, Ripple TV.

Almost 20 years and four tech companies later, Alex is now leading LOMA, pioneering new ways to integrate digital strategies into physical locations to redefine customer engagement.

Together, we explore:

• How Alex's approach to local advertising has reshaped multi-location brand interactions.
• Techniques for assembling and nurturing a team that shares your vision and drives business forward.
• Alex shares his strategies for balancing innovation with practical execution to ensure business resilience and growth.

For more practical insights, follow Alex Nocifera on LinkedIn!

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• The pivotal role of strategic HR practices from the start-up phase through scaling.
• The importance of a founder's presence and attitude in shaping team dynamics and maintaining morale.
• Techniques for balancing transparency and strength to foster a resilient, aligned team.

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Imagine having the secrets of billionaire real estate moguls at your fingertips, transforming the way you manage your most significant investment—your home.

Today, we uncover how Colton Pace, CEO of OwnWell, is democratising high-end real estate management tools for everyday homeowners and investors.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Colton Pace's exposure to billionaire real estate strategies inspired the creation of OwnWell.
• The importance of embracing risks and the impact of strategic investments in startup growth.
• Practical advice for other founders on navigating the venture-backed startup ecosystem.

Learn more about Colton Pace's groundbreaking work at Ownwell and follow him on LinkedIn for updates and insights.

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Varun Bhanot, co-founder & CEO of Magic AI, turned his personal health transformation into a groundbreaking venture, creating the world's first AI personal trainer. This episode dives into how personal experiences shape innovative enterprises and the unexpected journeys of startup growth.

From shedding 30% of his body fat in just four months to pioneering tech-driven fitness, Varun's story is a testament to innovation driven by raw passion and relentless drive. His innovative approach has earned him the title of Tech Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and recognition on Fast Company's annual list of the world's most innovative companies for 2024.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The inception of Magic AI from Varun's personal health journey.
• The role of resilience and adaptability in overcoming business hurdles.
• Strategic insights on managing a startup's growing pains and achieving scalability with a lean team.

Learn more about Varun Bhanot's journey and Magic AI at magic.fit or follow him on LinkedIn for ongoing updates and insights.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com