Shows
Connect-Ed PodcastPitch and Connect: Building Bridges in Scotland's Innovation SystemIn this episode Richard Palmer welcomes Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu & CEO of SymphoMe, and a professional classical pianist, who has developed his global music education platform from a research topic at the University of Edinburgh School of Music for a fireside chat about his journey.
SymphonMe is described as "the Duolingo for music but even better!". This app leverages technology and artificial intelligence in music education to help users learn instruments and prepare for exams from day one. Ifeanyichukwu explains that the app augments the learning experience by addressing the fact that 80% of learning happens independently. It also provides...
2025-11-2018 min
Connect-Ed PodcastExploring the Landscape for International FoundersThe UK government's plans to tighten immigration make this discussion on International Founders more critical than ever!
Join me, Prof. Ross Tuffee (Entrepreneurial Residence at Stirling University) as I lead a conversation exploring the landscape, policy barriers, and vast economic opportunities presented by international talent. We start by highlighting the fact that international students make a net positive contribution to the Scottish economy of £4.7 billion pounds a year…
I’m joined by a panel of experts:
• Dr. David Donaldson (Senior Policy Officer, Universities Scotland)
• Bonnie Hacking (Program Manager at St. Andrews Innovatio...
2025-11-131h 04
Connect-Ed PodcastBuilding Entrepreneurial Ecosystems - An International PerspectiveBuilding the Next Generation of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
The term “ecosystem” was first coined by botanist Arthur Tansley in 1935 and describes how interconnected functional units work together for the overall benefit of the group.
With this in mind, we explore the foundations of regional economic success by diving into how it is supported by entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Hosted by Chris Moule, Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Robert Gordon University, we are joined by three experts sharing lessons and insights from diverse geographic areas:
Jen Scott - Director of Entrepreneurship at Opportunity North East...
2025-11-0630 min
Connect-Ed PodcastEngaging and Supporting Female FoundersAre you ready to tackle the funding gap for women entrepreneurs?
In this in-depth panel discussion hosted by Bonnie Hacking, Programme Manager at St Andrews Entrepreneurship Centre, we confront the unique challenges faced by female founders—where less than 3% of venture capital funding goes to female-founded firms, despite their massive contribution to the economy.
Bonnie is joined by:
Niki McKenzie, Joint Managing Director of Archangels; Kat Pohorecka, Co-Founder of Mude and Student Enterprise Associate at Edinburgh Innovations; and Simone Korsgaard Jensen, Founder and CEO of an AI company (about to come out of St...
2025-10-3053 min
Connect-Ed PodcastSocial Mobility: Exploring the Role of Universities and CollegesBirthing a business in a safe and supportive way:
We are joined by the inspiring Bayile Adeoti, Founder of Dechomai and Co-founder of the tech startup BobbAI. Drawing on her personal journey—including being told as a 16-year-old that she couldn't start a business because she didn't know any entrepreneurs—Bayile’s work is driven by a passion to enable others.
Dechomai acts as a "business midwife," helping to "birth and start businesses in safe and supported environments". We explore why this "nurturing environment" is essential, how they manage to unpick a business and put it bac...
2025-10-2328 min
Connect-Ed PodcastFrom Idea to Impact: Design Thinking for EntrepreneursStop solving the wrong problems!
Join us as we dive into the power of Design Thinking for entrepreneurs with Fraser Bruce, a Senior Design Academic at the University of Dundee.
Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience, Fraser shares how design thinking acts as both a mindset and a practical approach for creative problem-solving, helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of bringing an idea to market.
We discuss the application of this approach to develop an idea into an impactful offering—one that considers social and environmental outcomes alongside financial success. Fraser emphasises that design th...
2025-10-1645 min
Connect-Ed PodcastBuilding Thriving Ecosystems with Ethical AI for GrowthAre you ready to rethink how we support marginalised talent and build truly equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems?
This week, we speak with Viana Maya, Founder of pRESPECT an organisation that helps create inclusive, equitable and empowering spaces for all. Viana shares her personal 'why'—drawing on her own experiences of homelessness and navigating various labels while trying to re-enter the workforce—to drive her passion for empowering people and the spaces they enter. In this episode, we discuss:
1. The shift from equality to equity: Discover why pRESPECT focuses heavily on equity, recognising that support must be pers...
2025-10-1027 min
Connect-Ed PodcastCoaching Strategies and Feedback TechniquesWelcome to the first podcast episode from The Connect-Ed Network! 👋
In this insightful session on "Coaching Strategies and Feedback Techniques,” I am are joined by Susan McRoberts, founder of The Curated Consultancy Susan works with founders and their leadership teams to build progressive people strategies—moving beyond the basics of HR, creating clarity, connection, and culture across organisations.
This capability that Susan brings to startups and scaleups is also vital for Entrepreneurs in Residence (EiRs) and those supporting students and staff in our universities and colleges on their entrepreneurial journey.
In our conversation, we expl...
2025-10-0245 min
Connect-Ed PodcastAn introduction to The Connect-Ed NetworkWelcome to Connect-Ed! 👋
Join me, Ross Tuffee, Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Stirling and creator of The Connect-Ed Network, as we explore how, by connecting practitioners and expertise across and into our universities and colleges, we can better support students, staff and businesses on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Our aim is to invigorate the ecosystem by encouraging and sharing best practice across our community. We will initiate this via a series of eight podcasts based on a number of events and meet ups, alongside our online community (hosted on The Community Lab).
The...
2025-09-2902 min
AccelerateHER PodcastKayla-Megan BurnsIn this season finale, the mic gets flipped on Kayla-Megan Burns, the brilliant mind behind Podplistic and the production of this very podcast. A former biomedical student, climate activist, and New York Times debate guest, Kayla takes us through their incredible journey: from selling podcast services as a side hustle to pitching AI-driven software to global news giants.
We talk tech, identity, burnout, purpose and how it feels to be a non-binary founder navigating the startup world (and the women's founder ecosystem) in 2025. It’s warm, honest, smart, and a perfect wrap-up to the series.
Yo...
2025-08-2246 min
AccelerateHER PodcastAlison GrayIn this episode of the AccelerateHER podcast, Elizabeth sits down with Alison Gray, founder of Skillfluence — a woman with a passion for people, potential, and (unexpectedly) antique doorknobs.
Alison shares her journey from managing mental health care homes to empowering researchers and academics with entrepreneurial skills. With warmth and wit, she reflects on side hustles, building a mission-driven business without external investment, and what Aussie Gold Hunters has to do with downtime.
We also tackle a brilliant “Ask AccelerateHER” question: how do you shift from doing it all yourself to leading a team and letting go?
2025-08-0843 min
AccelerateHER PodcastFiona Gillies & Christine HartlandIn this episode, we meet the brilliant duo behind My SMASH Media — Fiona Gillis and Christine Hartland. These two powerhouse producers are shaking up the film and TV industry with a platform designed to make matchmaking between creators and decision-makers as easy as swiping right.
They share how their own frustrations in the industry led to the creation of SMASH, the joys and challenges of building a startup as co-founders, and the lessons learned from raising investment — including one pitch so disruptive it caused visible outrage on an industry panel!
We also tackle a real-life foun...
2025-07-2552 min
AccelerateHER PodcastNicole ChristieIn this episode, Elizabeth chats with Nicole Christie, founder of Alvah Accountancy, tech enthusiast, karaoke queen, and a relentless problem-solver. From dreaming of being a farmer’s wife to teaching herself to code a tax planning tool, Nicole’s journey is anything but ordinary.
We dive into:
The bold decision to start a business in the early days of the pandemic
How being neurodivergent fuels her entrepreneurial mindset
What she learned from building (and exiting) a fintech startup she only owned 10% of
Her vision for AI-powered finance teams that supp...
2025-07-1141 min
AccelerateHER PodcastCaroline Barelle and Vicki HazleyIn this episode, Elizabeth Pirrie chats with two powerhouse women working at the intersection of science and investment: Caroline Barelle, CEO of Elasmogen, and Vicki Hasley from the Scottish National Investment Bank. We hear how both women started with biochemistry degrees but took very different routes—Caroline from academia to biotech entrepreneurship, and Vicky from innovation support into impact investment. Caroline shares the powerful personal story behind her passion for drug development, how she spun Elasmogen out from the University of Aberdeen, and what it takes to bring new treatments to market. Vicki explains why the Scottish National Investment Ba...
2025-06-2742 min
AccelerateHER PodcastKate CameronIn this episode, Elizabeth chats with Kate Cameron, CEO of Cytochroma, the biotech company creating mini hearts and livers from genetically diverse stem cells. Kate explains how these mini organs could transform drug testing by replacing animal models and providing more accurate, inclusive data. She also reflects on her transition from scientist to founder, sharing how she’s learned to embrace the business side of innovation.
2025-06-1345 min
AccelerateHER PodcastDanae ShellIn this episode of the AccelerateHER podcast, host Elizabeth Pirrie speaks with Danae Shell, founder of legal tech startup 'Valla.' Danae shares her journey from rural Tennessee to Scotland's tech scene, and how frustration with workplace injustices inspired her to launch 'Valla,' which helps people navigate employment legal issues. Danae reflects on fundraising mistakes, redefining networking and building Scotland's startup ecosystem, and describes her journey in one word: Grit.
2025-05-3045 min
AccelerateHER PodcastAlison GrieveInventor, founder, and editor Alison Grieve shares how a hospitality mishap led to the creation of the Safe Tray — and how that sparked a global journey with G-Hold. We talk raising investment, protecting your ideas, and why data matters in driving change for female founders. Packed with insights, wit, and practical advice.
2025-05-161h 04
AccelerateHER PodcastEvelyn McDonald and Gemma Stuart
In this episode, we explore the entrepreneurial journeys of Evelyn McDonald and Gemma Stuart. Evelyn reflects on her career, from a love for advertising to 35 years of helping small businesses. Gemma shares how personal struggles with gut health led her to create Gutsy Health Limited, helping others with digestive issues.
We discuss key topics like the importance of mentorship for women entrepreneurs, the challenges of funding, and the entrepreneurial mindset. Evelyn and Gemma offer practical advice for early-stage founders, including how to build strong relationships with clients and seek support when starting a business.
2025-05-0258 min
AccelerateHER PodcastJulie Grieve and Genna MastertonElizabeth is joined by founders Julie Grieve and Genna Masterton. At two different points in their entrepreneurial journeys, the group talk about learning curves, entrepreneurial qualities, and the ups and downs of founding a business.
Founded over a decade ago to accelerate and amplify the success of female founders, AccelerateHER delivers learning and networking events for women entrepreneurs across the UK and acts as a supportive network for founders who are on a journey to scale their businesses.
Links of interest:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieagrieve
ht...
2025-03-1149 min
AccelerateHER PodcastDr Poonam MalikElizabeth chats to Dr Poonam Malik – Award-winning entrepreneur and investor - alongside her many, many other accomplishments. Poonam and Elizabeth spoke about growing up in India, moving to Scotland, Academia, Co-founding Microplate DX, University spinouts – and all the emotions and challenges faced on the journey.
Founded over a decade ago to accelerate and amplify the success of female founders, AccelerateHER delivers learning and networking events for women entrepreneurs across the UK and acts as a supportive network for founders who are on a journey to scale their businesses.
Links of interest:
w...
2025-03-1144 min
AccelerateHER PodcastIsla TraquairJoining us on the first ever AccelerateHER Podcast episode, is award-winning podcaster, Journalist, TV Presenter, and founder in her own right, Isla Traquair. Elizabeth and Isla talk about her education, interests, career, and experiences that led to Isla’s eventual creation and production of #1 true crime podcast, ‘The Storyteller Podcast’.
Founded over a decade ago to accelerate and amplify the success of female founders, AccelerateHER delivers learning and networking events for women entrepreneurs across the UK and acts as a supportive network for founders who are on a journey to scale their businesses.
Li...
2025-03-1148 min
AccelerateHER PodcastThe AccelerateHER Podcast IntroWelcome to the AccelerateHER Podcast! Listen in as AccelerateHER’s CEO, Elizabeth Pirrie, talks to founders, business leaders, and investors about entrepreneurship. Covering the highs, the lows, and all the moments in between, Elizabeth and guests talk about what it means to be a female founder and what’s currently happening in Scotland to turn the dial for gender parity in entrepreneurship.
This podcast is brought to you by AccelerateHER – an organisation that accelerates and amplifies the success of female founders, up and down the UK. Find out more at www.accelerateher.co.uk.
2025-02-2801 min