Podcast
Tech for Founder Podcast with Panida Wayrojpitak
Hosted by Panida Wayrojpitak · EN
Tech for Founder is for non-technical founders who want to understand tech, AI, and product decisions — without overwhelm.
Each episode turns real founder conversations into simple, actionable insights you can actually apply.
Featuring conversations with YC-backed founders, Techstars alumni, operators, and early-stage builders.
→ Get the weekly Playbook (insights from each episode):
https://techforfounder.com
No jargon. No noise. Just clarity — at your pace.
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For partnerships: panida@techforfounder.com
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#92 - What Early Apple Got Right That Most Founders Still Miss
Apr 900:18:45Tap to summarizeClarity for non-technical founders → https://techforfounder.com/(My main hub. Practical insights, no overwhelm.)David Fradin, President of Spice Catalyst, joins the Tech for Founder Podcast to share lessons from his early Apple and HP product management experience and explain his five keys to product success: product market strategy, repeatable processes, informed decision-making, deep customer understanding, and trained employees. He recounts bringing Apple’s first hard drive to market, helping Steve Jobs with floppy and hard disk drives, and salvaging the canceled Apple III line by selling remaining inventory and generating profits later used toward Macintosh development. Fradin argues most product success comes from disciplined validation—observing customers, interviewing 40–80 people, surveying 800–1200, and using data analytics—warning that rushing to market is “hurry up to fail.” He also shares a failed expectation from launching a text-to-speech product, and emphasizes that great product managers need strong people and mediation skills to align cross-functional teams.(00:00) Rushing To Fail(00:22) Early Apple Wins(01:31) Apple III Turnaround(05:58) Origins Of The Rules(07:25) The Five Keys Explained(07:59) Customer Insight First(10:06) Smooth Talker Lesson(11:24) Process Beats Vision(12:43) Apple Vs HP Playbook(13:58) Customer Research Steps(15:06) AI Can’t Replace Users(16:50) Why Products Still Fail(18:22) Final One Sentence RuleMore about David FradinLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfradin/Follow for more founder insights:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/panidawayrojpitak/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/panidawayrojpitak/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@PanidaWayrojpitakListen on your preferred podcast app:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/techforfounderBusiness inquiries & guest bookings:panida@techforfounder.comDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational content only and is not a substitute for professional, legal, financial, health, or business advice; we are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on our discussions.© Copyright Panida Wayrojpitak 2026.
Transcribe →#91 - How to Solve a 12-Month Business Problem in 12 Minutes
Apr 300:23:29Tap to summarizeClarity for non-technical founders → https://techforfounder.com/(My main hub. Practical insights, no overwhelm.)Nader Safinya, Founder of Blackribbit on Tech for Founder Podcast, explains that brand (a gut feeling) is a consequence of culture (a lived belief system), both shaped by behavior across every touchpoint, from how employees and customers are treated to small environmental details. He argues organizations should deliberately design culture and brand rather than let them emerge from inconsistent behavior, and he connects this to the need for communications and operations to work together. Safinya describes his 16-week “inside, outside in” transformation model built on design thinking (evaluation, strategy, design, activation planning) and a dual strategy that aligns customer and employer branding. He introduces the “culture brand statement”—“We do everything we do because we value X, Y, Z and we want people to experience A, B, C”—and an AI tool that filters decisions objectively, enabling faster decision-making. He recommends startups begin with this core foundation and leaves listeners with the question: “Would you work for you?”(00:00) 12 Minutes to Clarity(00:37) Brand Follows Culture(01:19) Every Touchpoint Matters(03:03) Design It Deliberately(03:32) Comms vs Operations(05:52) Marketing Starts With Why(06:42) Web2 Speed(08:37) Icons With Core Values(09:43) Fix Hiring Touchpoints(10:59) Inside Outside In Method(13:33) Dual Strategy Bridge(15:24) Culture Brand Statement(17:07) AI Decision Filter(19:07) Startups and Individuals(21:39) Values That Scale(22:57) Mirror Question FinaleMore about Nader Safinya:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadersafinya/Follow for more founder insights:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/panidawayrojpitak/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/panidawayrojpitak/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@PanidaWayrojpitakListen on your preferred podcast app:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/techforfounderBusiness inquiries & guest bookings:panida@techforfounder.comDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational content only and is not a substitute for professional, legal, financial, health, or business advice; we are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on our discussions.© Copyright Panida Wayrojpitak 2026.
Transcribe →#90 - Hollywood Storyteller: Why Founders Lose Attention in Seconds
Mar 2700:27:46Tap to summarizeClarity for non-technical founders → https://techforfounder.com/(My main hub. Practical insights, no overwhelm.)Bjorn Turmann, Founder of SceneThinking on Tech for Founder Podcast, explains why the first scene of a pitch is critical: listeners decide within seconds whether they will discover something valuable or disengage. He defines storytelling as problem solving and argues that stories are built from scenes, the “living, breathing source code” that create gravity and keep attention. Turmann advises founders to stop trying to communicate 10 things and instead identify the one thing they most acknowledge as essential, then open with a surprising, curiosity-building scene that quickly answers “what’s in it for me.” He describes working backward from the feeling you want the audience to have, using concise three-minute story structures (often nine scenes), and refining pitches by analyzing which scenes lack problem-solving value. He also discusses human-AI evolution, urging founders to set boundaries and use imagination while remembering a human is always on the other side of communication.(00:00) Hook With Surprise(00:36) Meet Bjorn And The Pitch(01:05) First Seconds Matter(02:00) One Thing Focus(02:40) Storytelling Is Problem Solving(03:10) Scene Thinking Explained(05:04) Design The Audience Feeling(05:47) Whats In It For Me(09:47) Three Minute Scene Structure(11:07) AI And Scene Value(12:11) Discovery And Choices(13:00) Acknowledgement The One Thing(14:43) Bjorn’s Origin Story(15:55) Less Is More Pitching(16:19) One Thing Memory Hook(16:54) Scene Thinking Source Code(18:40) Scene Gravity Confidence(19:55) Humans Always Scanning(20:46) AI Human Evolution Boundaries(22:17) Imagination With AI(24:27) Scenes As Company Assets(26:14) Take Long Shot Meetings(27:09) Acknowledgement ClosingMore about Bjorn Turmann:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjornturmann/Follow for more founder insights:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/panidawayrojpitak/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/panidawayrojpitak/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@PanidaWayrojpitakListen on your preferred podcast app:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/techforfounderBusiness inquiries & guest bookings:panida@techforfounder.comDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational content only and is not a substitute for professional, legal, financial, health, or business advice; we are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on our discussions.© Copyright Panida Wayrojpitak 2026.
Transcribe →#89 - From $0 To $70 Million In 8 Months
Mar 1900:27:58Tap to summarizeClarity for non-technical founders → https://techforfounder.com/(My main hub. Practical insights, no overwhelm.)Phil Neil, Founder of Founders Compass, shares how he pivoted during early COVID from a medical-supply service model to importing nitrile gloves—pre-selling his first shipment and risking his life savings to help scale to $70M in eight months.He breaks down entrepreneurship as a relationship to risk, including how to balance career, family, and health, and what he learned after pushing past his limits.Phil also explains the “shadow of entrepreneurship” (uncertainty, fear, unworthiness), how unspoken founder narratives can create co-founder conflict, and why self-awareness matters as much as strategy.He shares a later pivot in a nanotechnology venture—from air purification to VOC elimination after missing a Series A window—highlighting the role of intuition alongside data.Finally, he introduces “founder readiness” as the ability to sustain decision quality under pressure, along with a framework and assessment designed to help founders develop that capacity.(00:00) COVID Pivot to Gloves(01:36) Betting on Yourself(02:49) Risk Buckets and Balance(03:36) Burnout and Sprint Cycles(05:06) Shadow of Entrepreneurship(05:35) Founder Conflict and Identity(07:43) Co-Founder Growth Talks(08:44) EO Forum and Deep Listening(09:28) Data vs Intuition Pivot(11:13) Whispers Over Growth(12:56) Hero Journey Business Stages(13:31) Seasons of Entrepreneurship(14:29) Mentors and Stage Fit(15:45) Advisors Without Ego(16:28) Learning Through Failure(17:44) Readiness Beats Hustle(19:31 )Founder Readiness Framework(21:46) Archetypes and Burnout(23:37) Rebuilding From Zero(24:50) Monuments and Stable Ground(26:24) Why Who How Layers(27:23) Entrepreneurship as Fate(27:49) Closing ThanksMore about Phil Neil: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-neil/Follow for more founder insights:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/panidawayrojpitak/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/panidawayrojpitak/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@PanidaWayrojpitakListen on your preferred podcast app:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/techforfounderBusiness inquiries & guest bookings:panida@techforfounder.comDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational content only and is not a substitute for professional, legal, financial, health, or business advice; we are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on our discussions.© Copyright Panida Wayrojpitak 2026.
Transcribe →#88 - Why People Decide If They Trust You in 11 Seconds
Mar 1200:11:55Tap to summarizeClarity for non-technical founders → https://techforfounder.com/(My main hub. Practical insights, no overwhelm.)Why do people decide whether they trust you in just 11 seconds?In this episode of the Tech for Founder Podcast, Thomas Trautmann (Founder of Happy Brains) explains why founders often lose trust in the first moments of a sales conversation — and how the brain makes "primal” decisions driven by subconscious frustration long before rational features matter.Thomas shares how to open sales conversations in a more human and ethical way, helping the other person feel understood and even “great.” You’ll also learn how emotional shifts in messaging can change outcomes, why many founders pitch the wrong way, and how to become unforgettable in the first seconds of a conversation.We also cover:• Why the brain makes primal decisions before rational ones• The 11-second moment where trust is won or lost• A simple way to start sales conversations more effectively• The line between ethical persuasion and manipulation• The most common mistake founders make when pitching• A framework for building trust and repeat businessTimestamps(00:00) Trust Lost in 11 Seconds(00:29) Origin of the Insight(01:34) Primal Brain Decisions(02:48) 11 Second Script Example(03:53) Emotional Variation Explained(04:48) Make Me Great Mindset(06:29) Ethical Persuasion Line(07:16) Being Human Wins Deals(09:00) Early Failure to Breakthrough(09:59) Four Part Persuasion Formula(10:43) Tribe and Word of Mouth(11:43) Closing TakeawaysFollow for more founder insights:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/panidawayrojpitak/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/panidawayrojpitak/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@PanidaWayrojpitakMore about Thomas Trautmann: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomastrautmann/Listen on your preferred podcast app:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/techforfounderBusiness inquiries & guest bookings:panida@techforfounder.comDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational content only and is not a substitute for professional, legal, financial, health, or business advice; we are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on our discussions.© Copyright Panida Wayrojpitak 2026.
Transcribe →#87 - How $3M Companies Are Built: A Simple Framework You Can Use Today. | Omer A Rana
Jan 2900:26:37Tap to summarizeClarity for non-technical founders → https://techforfounder.com/(My main hub. Practical insights, no overwhelm.)In this episode, Omer A Rana, a renowned strategist and co-founder of Action Labs, reveals the power of storytelling in driving business growth. A two-time Stevie Award winner, Omer breaks down his unique storytelling framework that emphasizes understanding the root problem and creating a compelling narrative. He discusses the importance of emotional and psychological connections, consumer behavior, and how storytelling transcends across various industries from FinTech to luxury hospitality. Omer also shares insights on the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship and the necessity of having a strong support system. Perfect for founders, marketers, and anyone interested in leveraging storytelling for business success.(00:00) Introduction to Omer A Rana and His Success(00:17) The Importance of Storytelling in Product Development(00:51) Understanding Client Needs and Building Personas(01:35) Creating a Cohesive Brand Narrative(02:25) Measuring Success and Adapting Strategies(03:04) The Role of Narrative in Marketing(07:39) Building a Strong Team and Organizational Structure(12:06) Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship(13:42) Surround Yourself with Smarter People(14:30) Common Mistakes in Storytelling(15:14) The Importance of Customer Feedback(17:46) Cultural Differences in Storytelling(19:24) Validating Your Business Idea(21:59) Overcoming the Fear of Failure(23:10) Emotional Resilience for Founders(26:06) Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMore About Omer A Rana:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omer-a-rana/Follow for more founder insights:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/panidawayrojpitak/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/panidawayrojpitak/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@PanidaWayrojpitakListen on your preferred podcast app:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/techforfounderBusiness inquiries & guest bookings:panida@techforfounder.comDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational content only and is not a substitute for professional, legal, financial, health, or business advice; we are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on our discussions.© Copyright Panida Wayrojpitak 2026.
Transcribe →#86 - How to Build a Premium Skincare Brand Without Playing the Marketing Game | Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu
Jan 1500:12:21Tap to summarizeClarity for non-technical founders → https://techforfounder.com/(My main hub. Practical insights, no overwhelm.)In this episode of Tech for Founder Podcast, we talk with Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu, an entrepreneur who transitioned from a 20-year career in immunology to the skincare industry. Dr. Ebru shares insights on inflammation, the pitfalls of generalizing science, and the crucial balance between maintaining scientific integrity and running a business. She also discusses the challenges and benefits of bootstrapping a skincare brand, the critical importance of high-quality ingredients, and the satisfaction of seeing immediate efficacy in formulations. With personal anecdotes and professional expertise, Dr. Ebru offers a comprehensive view of what it takes to create a skincare product that truly works.(00:00) The Cost of Marketing in Skincare(00:21) The Science Behind Skincare Innovation(01:05) Dealing with Copycats in the Industry(01:31) Transition from Science to Entrepreneurship(02:39) Understanding Inflammation in Skincare(04:39) Challenges of Formulating Effective Products(07:04) Balancing Science, Business, and Personal Life(09:43) The Reality of Bootstrapping a Skincare Brand(10:57) The True Cost of Cheap Skincare Products(12:14) Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMore about Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu: Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrukarpuzoglu/Follow for more founder insights:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/panidawayrojpitak/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/panidawayrojpitak/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@PanidaWayrojpitakListen on your preferred podcast app:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/techforfounderBusiness inquiries & guest bookings:panida@techforfounder.comDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational content only and is not a substitute for professional, legal, financial, health, or business advice; we are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on our discussions.© Copyright Panida Wayrojpitak 2026.
Transcribe →#85 - What Founders Get Wrong About Growth (and How to Fix It)
Nov 1200:11:04Tap to summarizeBuild faster, launch smarter: https://techforfounder.com/In this episode of Tech for Founder Podcast, Panida Wayrojpitak chats with growth expert Patrika Alis Cheston, who specializes in helping startups grow sustainably without burning through their budgets. Patrika discusses the pitfalls of chasing growth too aggressively and emphasizes the importance of building a solid brand foundation, understanding founder and brand values, and maintaining a human connection in marketing strategies. She shares real-world examples and practical advice from her corporate experience and highlights the importance of process and sustainability in long-term success. Patrika also explores the advantages of creator-led growth strategies and the challenges founders face in building personal brands. Tune in to learn actionable insights that can help your startup thrive.(00:00) Introduction: The Pitfalls of Startup Growth(00:15) Guest Introduction: Meet Patrika Alis Cheston(00:20) Common Mistakes: Burning Cash on Big Campaigns(00:41) Importance of Brand and Founder Values(01:18) Patrika's Corporate Journey and Realizations(02:13) The Value of Process in Scaling(02:35) Making Boring Products Stand Out(04:25) Human Connection vs. Professionalism(05:14) The Role of Founders in Brand Building(07:10) Sustainable Growth Strategies(08:13) Top Rules for Creator-Led Growth(09:10) Overcoming Fear of Failure(10:08) Future Growth Strategies: AI and Human Connection(10:57) Conclusion: Final ThoughtsMore about Patrika Alis Cheston: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrikaalischeston/More information on Panida Wayrojpitak and Tech for Founder Podcast:Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PanidaWayrojpitakFollow on LinkedIn: https://th.linkedin.com/in/panidawayrojpitakFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panidawayrojpitak/Follow and listen on your preferred podcast platform for this episode: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/techforfounderFor business inquiries & guest bookings: panida@techforfounder.comDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational content only and is not a substitute for professional, legal, financial, or business advice; we are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on our discussions.© Copyright Panida Wayrojpitak 2025.
Transcribe →#84 - Outsmart Every AI Scam in 20 Minutes
Oct 3000:20:37Tap to summarizeBuild faster, launch smarter: https://techforfounder.com/In this episode of Tech for Founder Podcast, we dive deep into the world of cybersecurity and the fight against cyber crime, with Craig Taylor, Founder of CyberHoot. Craig discusses the substantial financial impact of cyber crime, which has become the third-largest economy in the world, and poses realistic approaches to mitigate these threats. He stresses the importance of using psychology and positive reinforcement over punishment to train individuals to outsmart AI-driven scams. Through real-world examples and innovative techniques, Taylor explains how CyberHoot is creating a more engaging and effective cybersecurity training environment. Tune in to learn how to make cybersecurity fun, improve employee engagement, and harness the power of AI both defensively and operationally.(00:00) Introduction to Cybersecurity and Cyber Crime(00:32) Guest Introduction: Craig Taylor(00:44) Real-Life AI Scam Example(01:42) Understanding Phishing Attacks(03:37) Responding to Phishing Emails(04:50) Cybersecurity for Business Owners(07:05) Positive Reinforcement in Cybersecurity Training(07:42) CyberHoot's Approach to Cyber Literacy(14:07) Importance of Password Hygiene(16:34) The Role of AI in Cybersecurity(18:52) Craig Taylor's Journey to Founding CyberHoot(20:47) Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMore about Craig Taylor:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmtaylor/More information on Panida Wayrojpitak and Tech for Founder Podcast:Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PanidaWayrojpitakFollow on LinkedIn: https://th.linkedin.com/in/panidawayrojpitakFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panidawayrojpitak/Follow and listen on your preferred podcast platform for this episode: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/techforfounderFor business inquiries & guest bookings: panida@techforfounder.comDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational content only and is not a substitute for professional, legal, financial, or business advice; we are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on our discussions.© Copyright Panida Wayrojpitak 2025.
Transcribe →#83 - How an Unexpected Idea Made $1M in a Year
Oct 1500:27:33Tap to summarizeBuild faster, launch smarter: https://techforfounder.com/In this episode of Tech for Founder Podcast, we sit down with the founder of Sheets & Giggles, who shares the journey of launching a unique bedsheets company that went from a spontaneous business idea during a movie night to a successful brand making over a million dollars in its first year. He discusses the initial spark of inspiration, the strategies behind their successful crowdfunding campaign, and the challenges faced in the early stages. Tune in for insights on using humor in branding, the impact of AI on business, the importance of mentorship, and tips for disrupting traditional industries.(00:00) The Birth of Sheets and Giggles(00:42) The Business Model and Initial Inspiration(03:21) Launching the Crowdfunding Campaign(05:00) Leveraging AI in Business(14:36) Challenges and Growth in the First Year(17:11) The Importance of Mentorship(23:16) Advice for Aspiring Founders(26:48) The Future of Entrepreneurship with AI(27:26) Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMore about Colin McIntoshLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colindmcintosh/More information on Panida Wayrojpitak and Tech for Founder Podcast:Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PanidaWayrojpitakFollow on LinkedIn: https://th.linkedin.com/in/panidawayrojpitakFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panidawayrojpitak/Follow and listen on your preferred podcast platform for this episode: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/techforfounderFor business inquiries & guest bookings: panida@techforfounder.comDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational content only and is not a substitute for professional, legal, financial, or business advice; we are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on our discussions.© Copyright Panida Wayrojpitak 2025.
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