The Engine - Founders Stories

Explore the journeys of today’s most inspiring tech founders on The Engine – Founders Stories, hosted by Donna Owen, founder and fractional GTM leader at The Engine. Discover how visionary entrepreneurs overcame the “founder-led sales” trap to build predictable, scalable revenue engines - and learn how you can do the same for your business.Join Donna as she sits down with C-suite executives, startup pioneers and growth architects behind groundbreaking SaaS and fintech ventures. Each episode unpacks real-world challenges - from recruiting your first sales team to implementing cost-effective tech stacks - and shares the proven tactics that turned early-stage startups into market leaders.Whether you’re a founder ready to scale, a sales leader seeking fresh playbooks, or a startup advisor looking for actionable case studies, The Engine – Founders Stories delivers the insightful conversations and tangible outcomes you need. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform to join the reven

The Engine - Founders Stories is a business podcast hosted by Donna, with 21 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Donna hosts The Engine - Founders Stories, a business show with 21 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #21

  AI in SME Lending for Bank Leaders to Solve the $5 Trillion Financing Gap with Rodrigo Malachias

  Jan 12, 202637 minS0

  <p>Welcome to The Engine – Founders' Stories Podcast. In this episode, host Donna Owen is joined by Rodrigo Malachias, Co-Founder of MedibleGo and CEO at Medible. Rodrigo shares how he built two global companies by combining technology, strategic consulting, and a deep commitment to understanding SMEs. He takes us through his journey from early technical training in Brazil to leading multinational teams, teaching innovation, and now scaling an AI-powered platform designed to help small businesses grow.</p><p>Rodrigo explains how MedibleGo uses AI to bridge the information gap between SMEs and banks, unlocking better access to financing while giving fo...

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  Episode #20

  What Really Happens When a Founder Shuts Down Their Startup After 8 Years? with Riaz Kanani

  Jan 6, 202628 minS0

  <p>Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Riaz Kanani, a Serial Entrepreneur. Riaz shares his journey from starting businesses at a young age to leading successful ventures. He talks about his experience in building companies, exiting major players like IBM, and his approach to scaling businesses. Riaz also discusses the importance of adapting to changing markets, learning from customers, and finding the balance between highs and lows in the entrepreneurial journey. He emphasizes staying true to yourself and focusing on long-term goals.</p><p>In this episode, Riaz shares how he helps...

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  Episode #19

  The Brand ROI for Startup Founders to Replace Sales Silos and Lead with Confidence - Bianca Bass

  Dec 11, 202526 minS0

  <p>Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Bianca Bass, Chief Marketing Officer at Privalgo and brand consultant. Bianca shares how she helps companies grow by aligning brands with business goals. She talks about her journey from working in large companies like TripAdvisor and Selfridges to advising startups on marketing and storytelling. Bianca explains why understanding customers deeply is key and how creativity can cut through noise. She also opens up about burnout, her background, and why staying true to yourself matters in leadership.</p><p>In this episode, Bianca shares how she...

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  Episode #18

  The Intro Economy is Changing Sales Forever for Founders and Connectors with Mike Adams

  Dec 3, 202545 minS0

  <p>Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Mike Adams, Founder & CEO of introstars, and Founder & Startup Mentor at Skyler Gotham. This platform rewards people for making warm business introductions and is quickly growing across London and New York. Mike shares how he went from being a shy, introverted teen to a top networker attending over a thousand events. He talks about his experience at Zoom during its rapid growth and how it shaped his startup. Mike also explains the value of building real relationships and offers tips for overcoming the fear of...

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  Episode #17

  WhatsApp Business for Freelancers to Separate Work Life Fast Using eSIM with George Lineker

  Nov 25, 202537 minS0

  <p>Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by George Lineker, Co-Founder of YourBusinessNumber. This company provides a second phone number and eSIM to help freelancers and small businesses separate their work and personal lives. George shares his journey from a previous failed app to building a lean, bootstrapped business over four years. He discusses the challenges of relying on platforms like WhatsApp and his vision for a more complete product. George also opens up about his privileged background, his learnings from past ventures, and the importance of routine and a strong team.</p><...

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