In this episode, Janine sits down with Conny to unpack the unique challenges that female founders encounter in the startup landscape. We dive into the compelling story of Penelope Gazin and Kate Dwyer, who, back in 2016, invented a male co-founder named "Keith Mann" to navigate gender biases that often blocked their path. With "Keith" in the mix, they saw firsthand how doors that were previously closed to them suddenly opened, and respect came more readily.

We discuss:

• The obstacles Penelope and Kate faced and how the invention of "Keith" helped them level the playing field

• Insights from Janine’s own research and interviews with other founders about creative strategies to combat bias

• Practical tips and tools for women entrepreneurs to help navigate and mitigate bias in their journeys

This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience required of underrepresented founders and the urgent need for systemic change in the business world.

Hey there Risers & Thrivers,

In this episode, Janine had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Lynae Brayboy esteemed physician-scientist specializing in reproductive health, and the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Ovom Care. The discussion highlights Dr. Brayboy’s personal and professional triumphs in the field of reproductive medicine, despite the insurmountable challenges she faced along the way. 

During this conversation, we explore:

• Her inspiring story of resilience, from her early college years to navigating unintended parenthood during medical school.

• The broader issues of accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity in IVF, and how Ovom is at the forefront of solving some of the most pressing challenges in reproductive health.

• A candid discussion on the societal pressures career-driven women face, and valuable insights into the world of Egg Freezing

This heartfelt and insightful conversation is for anyone interested in reproductive health, women's empowerment, or simply looking for inspiration on overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers.

Tune in, and prepare to be inspired! Happy Listening 🎧

I (Janine) steps away from the usual interviews to reflect on the first year of On the Up & Up. I dive into some key lessons and memorable moments, including:

• My not-so-worth-it investment in podcast equipment

• How pre-recording too many episodes caused unexpected challenges

• The surprising question that consistently caught my guests off guard

• Why mental health is crucial for sustainable podcasting

• The struggles I’ve faced with being open and vulnerable

Beyond podcasting, I also share my personal and professional journey over the past year, and outline my goals moving forward. Whether you’re an aspiring podcaster or a dedicated listener of On the Up & Up, this episode offers something for everyone. 

Basant Shenouda, a prominent career content creator with a rich Coptic Egyptian heritage who has built an impressive following of over 130k on LinkedIn and garnered 50 million views on her content. Together, they reminisce about their time studying in Germany and explore how those shared experiences shaped their personal and professional journeys.

Basant candidly discusses: 

• Her path from enduring numerous post-university rejections to landing coveted roles at tech giants like LinkedIn and Google 

• The transformative shift from a fixed to a growth mindset 

• How content creation became a powerful tool in achieving her dreams

This candid conversation is filled with personal anecdotes and actionable insights. Basant offers practical advice on building a personal brand, staying resilient in the face of setbacks, and harnessing the power of a positive mindset. A perfect blend of old friends reconnecting and practical career wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating studying abroad or advancing their career.

Aniket Kumar, a 23-year-old entrepreneur, HR leader, and mentor with a unique background as a child of Afghan refugees growing up in Germany. We explored his experiences navigating a multicultural identity and how his parents' guidance shaped his career choices. Aniket opened up about: 

• The challenges he faced breaking into HR

• His journey across various industries—from media to human resources 

• His current venture centered on promoting diversity in hiring practices

Sharlene Durfey François, a visionary artist, entrepreneur, and community connector dedicated to creating a powerful movement that redefines intimacy and connection.

In this engaging podcast episode, we explore:

• The Creation of Intimacy Cards and Beyond the Surface Experience: Discover how Sharlene's innovative approach helps people build deeper connections and authentic conversations.

• Challenges of Launching a Kickstarter Campaign: Learn from Sharlene's firsthand experience in crowdfunding and what it takes to turn a creative vision into reality.

• Redefining Intimacy Beyond Romance: Explore Sharlene’s vision for expanding the concept of intimacy to encompass friendships, family, and community relationships.

In this special live podcast recording and season finale, I sat down with Cephas Ndubueze, the man infecting Berliners, Muncheners, and New Yorkers with the fear of missing out through his FOMO Newsletters and Events. We dove into his journey creating FOMO, as well as the shameless tactics and fruitful collaborations that helped him to amass over 6.5k subscribers within a couple of months.

This conversation is perfect for community builders, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in creating FOMO for their business or product! Happy listening 😉

Hey there Risers & Thrivers,

In this uplifting episode of "On the Up and Up," Janine had the pleasure of chatting with ⁠Alain Missala⁠ , the inspiring founder of ⁠Zula⁠ and ⁠Black Dads Germany⁠. We delved into Alain's journey of creating a supportive community for Black fathers in Germany, driven by his own experiences and the lack of role models. Alain shared how his grandparents' values of love, resilience, and faith shaped his entrepreneurial path and fatherhood. We emphasized the importance of creating positive memories and fostering a supportive environment for the next generation. It was a heartwarming conversation filled with insights and inspiration.

This episode is filled with subtle lessons for both personal and professional applications. Happy Listening 🎧

Hey there Risers & Thrivers,

In this riveting episode, meet Moroccan-born 2x founder turned investor, Zakaria Jaiathe. Zak shares his journey from humble beginnings in Safi, Morocco, to his early days in France and Germany, where he began his entrepreneurial path. Here’s what to expect:

• From Dreams to Reality: Zak’s childhood dream of flying became a reality in France. He discusses cultural shocks and unexpected familiarity within the Moroccan community there.

• Challenges in Germany: Hear about Zak's battle with German immigration, facing potential deportation, and how he navigated these challenges while building his first company.

• Building and Scaling Startups: Zak highlights the difficulties in being taken seriously as a founder, especially in deep tech and the African market.

• Fundraising and Investor Relations: Zak offers advice for early-stage founders on preparing for VCs, creating a solid pitch deck, and understanding the investor mindset.

• Advice for Founders: Insights on avoiding drastic pivots, being selective with advice, and the importance of detailed preparation and strategy.

Packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and valuable insights, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Happy Listening 🎧

Hey there Risers & Thrivers,

In this special Mother's Day episode of "⁠On the Up & Up⁠," host ⁠Janine Vanessa Heinrich⁠ engages in a heartfelt conversation with her mother, Sussie. They delve into various topics that showcase their unique mother-daughter relationship. Sussie shares her experiences growing up in Ghana, her journey to American citizenship, and her personal views on motherhood, illustrating the stark contrasts between her life in her 20s and Janine's current experiences. The episode highlights: 

Themes of forgiveness

The influence of parental support on personal development

The power of maintaining a positive outlook through life's challenges

Throughout the episode, Janine and Sussie explore their similarities and differences, shedding light on the enduring bond and mutual respect that define their relationship. Curious about their relationship? Listen to their conversation now for all the tea ☕

Happy Listening 🎧

Hey there Risers and Thrivers,

In this episode, we take a deep dive with Cosima Richardson, a pioneer in the hair and beauty industry, who is transforming the way we think about and use synthetic hair extensions. Cosima discusses the alarming presence of toxic chemicals in traditional hair products and shares her journey towards creating Kynd Hair, Europe's first plant-based, skin-friendly, and biodegradable hair extension brand. Through her story, listeners will uncover:

• The risks associated with common beauty products and learn about the innovative solutions that promise a healthier, more sustainable future for hair care

• Personal anecdotes about embracing our natural hair, underscoring the cultural and emotional connections to braids

• Insights into Cosima’s transition from a "side-preneur" to a full-time solopreneur, highlighting her journey to develop a scientifically-backed, eco-friendly product

This episode is a must-listen for hair enthusiasts, (aspiring) entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in beauty, health, and environmental sustainability. Tune in now and join the conversation! Happy Listening!

Hey there Risers and Thrivers,

Meet Daniel Hanemann, a growth-driven entrepreneur and business angel. A graduate of WHU, he is currently the CEO of wundertax, the tech startup he co-founded in 2016 and returned to as CEO in 2022. wundertax is an online tax tool to submit your German tax return easily!

In this episode, Daniel takes us on a journey forged by a series of “yes man” decisions, starting from trying out a finance role, which saw him become a CFO at just 23, and later founding and building fast-growing ventures in six countries.

Here’s what we cover:

• Importance of resilience and saying "yes" to new opportunities

• Privilege and its role in shaping entrepreneurial paths

• Dynamics of co-founder relationships and challenges of co-founder splits

• Building and maintaining relationships in the entrepreneurial journey

The discussion also touches on the personal aspects of entrepreneurship, such as dealing with transitions, the role of privilege and mindset, as well as the importance of building and maintaining relationships. Daniel’s story is a testament to the power of embracing opportunities with an open heart and mind, which ultimately shaped his successful career as an entrepreneur and business leader.

Enjoy the episode and let us know what you think! Happy Listening!

Hey there Risers and Thrivers,

In this episode, Darya Kamkalova, the founder of the Venturing Woman Lab and Venturing Women Podcast, an incubator for women aspiring to delve into entrepreneurship. Darya, a tech enthusiast and angel investor, discusses her journey from feeling stuck in her corporate career to launching an initiative aimed at supporting women in tech entrepreneurship. The conversation covers:

• The challenges and misconceptions surrounding women's roles in the entrepreneurial landscape,

• Highlights the importance of self-belief, clarity, and creating supportive environments for success, and

• Her personal experience, the development of her incubator, and her commitment to empowering women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, emphasizing the need for both a business and personal development plan

We touch on themes of creative freedom, the fallacy of job security in employment, and the transformative mindset shift required when transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur.

Enjoy the episode and let us know what you think! Happy Listening!

Hey there Risers & Thrivers,

In this episode, we’re diving into a journey of discipline and intention with Sufyan Osamah, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of HonestDog. Born in Pakistan, Sufyan moved to the uK at the age of 11 and then back to Pakistan at 15. In 2016, he moved to Germany, where he completed a bachelors at ESB Business School, and masters at our alma mater WHU- Otto Beisheim School of Management. Over the years, he has gained a ton of experience in fast-growing start-ups, consulting, corporate, and venture capital, such as Amazon, McKinsey, and Picus Capital.

During our conversation, we:

• Explored the notion of increasing ones “luck surface area” through intentional planning and delayed gratification

• Debate the importance of education versus experience

• Discuss Sufyan’s entrepreneurial journey from problem exploration and overcoming rejection to the key to securing a “yes” (hint: it isn’t necessarily being mission driven)

Listeners will learn tactics for increasing odds for luck and enjoy an inspiring story of determination.

Happy Listening!

On this episode, we’re sitting down for an inspiring conversation with DEI expert and founder of Creative Jam Session, Omena Ukeleghe. We discussed:

Omena’s upbringing in a Nigerian household and the example her mother set advocating for herself in the workplace

Her personal experience navigating racism and discrimination at work, as well as her mental health journey and how she overcame adversity and channeled it to champion change

Where companies are going wrong with DEI strategies and the importance of long-term strategies, involving employee groups, and starting diversity effort early

Janine and Omena also get real about the impacts of microaggressions, generational trauma, and the need for companies to do more than performative allyship. This raw and revealing episode provides valuable insights for organizations and individuals alike.

Happy Listening!

We're excited to kick-off season two with an intimate look into the force behind On the Up & Up, Janine Vanessa Heinrich, who is the creator and host.

In this episode, Constance Habringer takes the seat as host for the day and asks all the right questions. Together, they explored:

• Janine's adventurous transition from the US to Germany, highlighting the cultural shifts and adaptability required 🌍🛫

• The inception of her entrepreneurial journey: why she started, how she navigated the entrepreneurship space, and the lessons learned along the way🚀📈

• Her motivations and the journey to her current success. We also explore her aspirations for this podcast and the impact she aims to create. 🌟🔍

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the power of resilience.

Enjoy the episode and Happy Listening!

Welcome to the last episode of season one and I couldn't be happier to introduce you to our outstanding guest, ⁠Archita Fritz⁠! She is a formidable force  in the business world with over two decades of experience steering Fortune 500 companies and founding experience through endeavors such as ⁠Ready Set Bold⁠, ⁠The Embracing Only Podcast⁠, and the ⁠Speak Out Revolution⁠. In this episode, we discussed:

• Her outstanding career that started back in the USA as an Electrical Engineering Intern to Director of Global Market

• Her challenges with workplace bullying and being an "only" to embracing her only journey by finding her voice and advocating for herself and other

• Her decision to take a bet on herself by leaving the workforce to concentrate on her entrepreneurial pursuits

Also, if you're considering leaving the workforce to pursue your own endeavors, take a look at her guide, ⁠Empowered Transitions⁠. Want to get in touch with Archita? Reach out to her via LinkedIn!