Immad Akhund is the founder and CEO of Mercury, a company that makes banking for startups easy. As a kid interested in programming for fun, he wouldn’t have guessed that he would end up here, and as he mentioned in our conversation, he tried more than once to start a company. Many entrepreneurs will understand the statement, “This is all a big experiment until it’s not.”

He discussed his previous startup ventures and the lessons he learned from failures. Immad also talked about the founding story of Mercury. The conversation highlighted the importance of easy onboarding, transparent pricing, and a user-friendly experience in the banking industry. He expressed his desire to have fun, make something big, and find personal fulfillment.

Listeners can try Mercury out for free here and check out Immad's podcast, Curiosity.

CONNECT WITH US: ⁠⁠⁠Immad | ⁠⁠⁠Dominique⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Isha⁠

Website: https://thefoundersroundtable.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefoundersrt

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/thefoundersroundtable

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefoundersrt

We love Ayurveda at The Founders' Roundtable, so when we had the opportunity to talk to Michelle Ranavat, founder & CEO of Ranavat, we took it. Michelle is the brilliant mind behind Ranavat, a brand synonymous with luxurious and holistic skincare inspired by Indian traditions. The company is not only bringing ancient science to the modern world through its skin and hair care products but is also focused on making an impact with each purchase. In this episode, we asked Michelle about her experiences growing up in the Midwest as a young girl with Indian immigrant parents, exploring her roots, and tinkering with powerful ingredients to create DIY blends that would one day land her in one of the most prestigious beauty retailers in the world, Sephora. The conversation was a great reminder to remain authentic and build each chapter of our lives with intention. Don't forget to subscribe to the pod to stay updated on more inspiring conversations with changemakers like Samir. New to TFR? Be sure to subscribe and catch up on all of our previous episodes wherever you listen and on YouTube.

CONNECT WITH US: ⁠⁠Michelle | ⁠⁠Dominique⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Isha

Website: https://thefoundersroundtable.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefoundersrt

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/thefoundersroundtable

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefoundersrt

Samir Lakhani is a true changemaker. He's the driving force behind Eco-Soap Bank, an innovative non-profit that's revolutionizing hygiene, sustainability, and social impact. With his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, Samir is changing lives one soap bar at a time.

Eco-Soap Bank goes beyond recycling soap; it's about empowering vulnerable communities. Samir shares insights into how access to hygiene can break the cycle of poverty and make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.

Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into the intersection of social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and global impact. Samir Lakhani's story is a testament to the notion that anyone, with the right vision, can make the world a better place.

Don't forget to subscribe to the pod to stay updated on more inspiring conversations with changemakers like Samir. New to TFR? Be sure to subscribe and catch up on all of our previous episodes wherever you listen and on YouTube.

CONNECT WITH US: ⁠Samir | ⁠Dominique⁠ | ⁠Isha⁠

Website: https://thefoundersroundtable.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefoundersrt

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/thefoundersroundtable

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefoundersrt

LINKS: 

⁠Riverside⁠ - record high-quality audio and video content in your own virtual studio

Today, Ashley Rouse, founder & CEO of Trade St. Jam Company, sits down with us for a vulnerable conversation on the high highs and low lows of entrepreneurship. Ashley is a former chef-turned-founder who created spoonable jams using her culinary expertise that customers absolutely love (us included).

TFR is about bringing authentic conversations back into the founder world, and Ashley helped us do precisely this. When her business took a huge financial hit, she began opening up to her Instagram audience (as well as to Gayle King during her CBS appearance) about how that challenge had impacted her team and her mental health in an alarming way.

Don't forget to subscribe to the pod to stay updated on more inspiring conversations with changemakers like Ashley. New to TFR? Be sure to subscribe and catch up on all of our previous episodes wherever you listen and on YouTube.

CONNECT WITH US: Ashley | Dominique | Isha

Website: https://thefoundersroundtable.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefoundersrt

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/thefoundersroundtable

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefoundersrt

LINKS:

Ashley's All Founders Need Therapy Campaign focuses on highlighting the mental health of small business owners, plus a way for Trade St. Jam Co to raise money as a small business close to failure.

Riverside - record high-quality audio and video content in your own virtual studio

After a brief hiatus, we're back with more episodes for our second season. Our guest is Nadya Okamoto, a social entrepreneur who has been an advocate for menstrual equity since she was in high school. Years ago, she launched her non-profit organization, Period. Nadya is a force to be reckoned with because she didn't just stop there. She's also the founder of August, a menstrual hygiene brand leveraging the power of Gen-Z marketing to create an impact. Nadya's relentless commitment to this cause has not only raised awareness but has also led to tangible change. Don't forget to subscribe to the pod to stay updated on more inspiring conversations with changemakers like Nadya Okamoto. Share this episode with your friends, family, and fellow advocates who are dedicated to creating a more equitable world. New to TFR? Be sure to subscribe and catch up on all of our previous episodes.

CONNECT WITH US: Nadya | Dominique | Isha

Website: https://thefoundersroundtable.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefoundersrt

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/thefoundersroundtable Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefoundersrt

LINKS: Riverside - record high-quality audio and video content in your own virtual studio: https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=ca...

Saffron is a powerhouse ingredient that is loaded with antioxidants, and its many benefits for our skin and our overall health are still being realized. Anne Nguyen Oliver, our guest and the founder and CEO of House of M Beauty, has experienced the beneficial properties of saffron firsthand.

Her brand is dedicated to empowering women through its transformative saffron-based skincare products. During our conversation, Anne shared with us how perseverance carried her over seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the importance of representation in the skincare industry, and how early community support can mean everything for a company’s future.

Take 10% off all House of M products on their website: https://houseofmbeauty.com/discount/TFR10

CONNECT WITH US: Anne | Dominique | Isha

Website: https://thefoundersroundtable.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefoundersrt TikTok: https://tiktok.com/thefoundersroundtable Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefoundersrt

LINKS: Riverside - record high-quality audio and video content in your own virtual studio: https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=ca...

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to incorporate more mindfulness into their lives. We had the pleasure of interviewing Danielle Cuccio, a celebrity yoga instructor and the founder & CEO of Cuccio Somatology. In this episode, Danielle shares her journey of building a successful brand in the wellness industry and provides invaluable tips for other founders looking to do the same. For those unfamiliar with Cuccio Somatology, it's a brand that specializes in creating products to inspire self-care and relaxation. Danielle's passion for wellness is evident in every aspect of her business, from the carefully sourced ingredients to the sustainable packaging. In this podcast episode, we dive deep into Danielle's personal story, including her family roots in the industry and her aspirations beyond her current company. If you're in need of some positive energy today, you're in the right place. Follow the podcast for future episodes packed with inspiring content and interviews with the world's biggest changemakers.

CONNECT WITH US:

Danielle | Dominique | Isha

Website: https://thefoundersroundtable.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefoundersrt

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/thefoundersroundtable

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefoundersrt

LINKS:

Cuccio Somatology

Riverside - record high-quality audio and video content in your own virtual studio

In this episode, we sat down with April, the founder of Detroit-based bakery Good Cakes and Bakes. We discussed April's journey and the impact of her business on the community. The conversation also explores the challenges April faced, such as opening a bakery during Detroit's bankruptcy, juggling a full-time job, and being a mother. They touch on the importance of perseverance, building a supportive community, and the lessons learned along the way. April shares her insights on leadership, policy and change's impact, and cultural legacy's significance. The podcast concludes with an inspiring conversation about purpose and cultural impact. April's commitment to preserving cultural recipes and invoking nostalgic feelings through her baked goods shines through. She shares her thoughts on the importance of passing down traditions and the joy of connecting with them in the kitchen. Good Cakes & Bakes is a must-try spot for everyone; visit if you're in town, and order from the link below if you're not! Follow the podcast for future episodes packed with inspiring content and interviews with the world's biggest changemakers.

CONNECT WITH US:

April | Dominique | Isha

Website: https://thefoundersroundtable.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefoundersrt

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/thefoundersroundtable

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefoundersrt

LINKS:

Good Cakes and Bakes

Riverside - record high-quality audio and video content in your own virtual studio