Insights & blogs

Lessons in Partnership: Don’t Tie the Knot Too Soon in Business

In the hustle of entrepreneurship, protecting your vision and resources is everything.

The Trap of Early Equity Deals

One of the biggest missteps entrepreneurs make? Giving away equity too early - and often to the wrong people. I learned this firsthand. Early in my career, I was optimistic, eager, and maybe a bit naive. I rushed into partnerships without fully grasping the consequences, a mistake that brought heavy financial and emotional costs. Now, as a mentor, I work with startups to help them avoid these pitfalls.

The hard truth: Committing to partnerships too soon can put everything you’ve built at risk. In the rush to scale, critical issues like equity structure and governance are often overlooked. Misaligned partners can eventually lead to vulnerabilities - even disaster. Lesson learned? Don’t get “married” in business too quickly.

Mastering the Art of Networking: How I’ve Built Deals in the Sauna.

When people think of networking, they often picture formal events, business cards, and polished suits. But in my experience, the best connections don’t happen in traditional settings. They happen in the most unexpected places - like the sauna of my gym in Portugal.

This isn’t just any gym. It’s known for its high-level clientele, and because of that, the dynamics of the workouts and the conversations are different. People who work out here aren’t just lifting weights or doing cardio - they’re lifting industries and pushing boundaries in their fields. What starts as a casual conversation about fitness often turns into something far more significant.

In fact, the sauna at this gym has become so famous for its networking opportunities that it’s almost a business hotspot in itself. It’s where deals get done, partnerships form, and connections thrive.

Here’s how some of the most surprising deals started in that very sauna…

The Career Capital Cycle: Adapting to Thrive in a Rapidly Changing Job Market

The world of work is evolving at breakneck speed, leaving many overwhelmed by how to navigate their career choices. One powerful way to understand these shifts is through the lens of the capital cycle, a concept borrowed from investment and economics. By applying this framework, you can avoid common pitfalls and make smarter decisions in an ever-shifting job market.

What is the Capital Cycle?

The capital cycle explains how industries experience boom-and-bust periods driven by investment flows:

  1. Opportunity Arises: A new industry or trend with high returns attracts attention and capital.

  2. Capital Rushes In: More investors join, creating growth but also oversaturation and inefficiencies.

  3. Returns Decline: With falling margins, investors pull out, and weaker players fail.

  4. The Shakeout: Stronger players emerge, and returns stabilise, often leading to renewed interest.

This cycle doesn’t just apply to industries - it mirrors the way people choose careers.