What happens when life forces you to pivot? When failure knocks you down, but you refuse to stay there?
In this episode of the Immigrants Founders Pod, Michael Houghton takes us from his childhood in Johannesburg, South Africa, to building two businesses in the UK – with AI and security at the core. From the challenges of a fractured home, boarding school in rural South Africa, and arriving alone at Edinburgh University with just two suitcases, Michael shares the moments that shaped him: heartbreak, resilience, and unexpected success.
We dive into his journey of uncomfortable growth, the turning points that changed everything, and the serendipitous “mistakes” that opened doors he never imagined. Michael reveals how a failed crypto venture led to the birth of D-Box, his entry into the AI world, and how a simple text message sparked Wolf, a community-driven safety solution powered by WhatsApp.
This conversation is about more than success. It’s about moving forward, trusting yourself when everything feels uncertain, and how leadership, kindness, and relationships can change the course of your life.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted yourself, or wondered if your decisions matter, this episode will show you: every moment counts
00:00 The Journey of an Immigrant Founder
07:40 Navigating Life in Scotland
15:10 Cultural Immersion and Personal Growth
20:24 Building a Network and Finding Identity
29:15 Serendipity and Career Opportunities
31:57 The Impact of Decisions on Life's Trajectory
36:18 Discovering AI: A Journey of Interest and Opportunity
41:08 The Role of Leadership in Career Development
46:20 The Ripple Effect of Caring Leadership
52:42 The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
57:43 The Exponential Growth of AI and Its Implications
01:03:42 The Future of AI: Cost and Accessibility
01:06:07 Navigating Pivots: From Crypto to AI
01:10:47 Building Trust: The Importance of Relationships in Business
01:13:31 D-Box: Evolution from Consulting to Embedded AI Solutions
01:19:26 Introducing Wolf: A Community-Driven Safety Solution
01:28:40 The Power of Distribution: Scaling Ideas Effectively
