Posts tagged interview
Ep 358 - Nel Laygo - The Hustle Behind Peddlr
Ep 358 - Nel Laygo - The Hustle Behind Peddlr

In this episode of Hustleshare, we chat with Nel Laygo, Founder and CEO of Peddlr, to unpack the wild journey that took him from hustling as a kid in Catbalogan, Samar to building one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing fintech startups for micro and small businesses. Nel gets real about how early side hustles shaped his entrepreneurial grit, why breaking through barriers in Region 8 gave him a chip on his shoulder, and what it took to scale Peddlr from idea to 250,000 downloads in just six months. He also shares how he tackled user trust issues, built a grassroots community that became their biggest growth driver, and what he learned moving from bootstrapping to finally raising investor capital.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, Interview, nellaygo, peddlrComment
Ep 357 - Carl Orale - The Hustle Behind Ticketnation Philippines
Ep 357 - Carl Orale - The Hustle Behind Ticketnation Philippines

In this episode of Hustleshare, we explore the story of Carl Orale, a repeat founder and CEO of Ticket Nation Philippines—an innovative platform helping venues and event producers deliver seamless ticketing experiences. Carl takes us through his rollercoaster journey: from running his first internet café as a college student, to building a 50-person BPO, to enduring three bankruptcies—including a crushing collapse during the pandemic. He opens up about how his upbringing fueled his hustle, how gaming sparked his passion for tech and entrepreneurship, and the tough lessons learned from financial missteps, scaling too fast, and bearing the responsibility of dozens of employees. Most importantly, Carl shares how he found the grit to rise again—launching Ticket Nation in 2020 and generating over $1.4 million in ticket sales in under a year.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, Interview, clivearanha, hotelcasianaComment
Ep 356 - Clive Aranha - The Hustle Behind Hotel Casiana
Ep 356 - Clive Aranha - The Hustle Behind Hotel Casiana

In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Clive Aranha, General Manager of Hotel Casiana, to talk about how he went from running bars on cruise ships to leading one of the top hotels in Tagaytay. Clive shares how growing up in the hustle of Mumbai sparked his love for hospitality, how he built and sold his own restaurant in Australia, and what brought him back to the Philippines. He also talks about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, building strong teams, and how he helped turn things around at Hotel Casiana in just over a year—with the help of partners to fix key challenges and support their rapid growth.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, Interview, clivearanha, hotelcasianaComment
Ep 355 - Stephanie Sy - The Hustle Behind Thinking Machines
Ep 355 - Stephanie Sy - The Hustle Behind Thinking Machines

In this episode of Hustleshare, we chat with Stephanie Sy, founder and CEO of Thinking Machines, to unpack her journey from Stanford and Silicon Valley to building one of the Philippines’ leading AI and data science companies. Stephanie shares how her early startup attempts and time at Google shaped her hustle, why she made the leap back home to start from scratch, and what it took to grow Thinking Machines in a market that was still new to data science. She also gets real about the challenges of building an AI team in a resource-constrained environment, the scrappy moves that helped them thrive, and how purpose-driven projects are helping shape the future of tech in Southeast Asia.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, Interview, bimboadewoyin, doublesquarenetworksincComment
Ep 354 - Jake Go - The Hustle Behind Springboard Philippines
Ep 354 - Jake Go - The Hustle Behind Springboard Philippines

In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Jake Go, Founder and CEO of Springboard Philippines, to trace his path from coasting through a dead-end dev job to running one of the country’s most resilient niche staffing firms. He shares how lessons from his grandma’s tiny Recto canteen stuck with him, the career-shaping mentorship he got at Kalibrr, and the leap into entrepreneurship that saw him earn back his first investment in six months—completely bootstrapped. Jake talks about winning boardroom deals as a baby-faced 23-year-old, how teaming up with his wife brought a much-needed dose of frugality, and why balancing “push” and “pull” has kept Springboard profitable for over a decade. He also opens up about teaching at La Salle, mentoring students, and the leadership shifts that turned him from a people-pleasing founder into a decisive, purpose-driven leader.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, Interview, bimboadewoyin, doublesquarenetworksincComment
Ep 353 - Bimbo Adewoyin - The Hustle Behind Doublesquare Networks Inc.
Ep 353 - Bimbo Adewoyin - The Hustle Behind Doublesquare Networks Inc.

In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Bimbo Adewoyin, founder and CTO of Doublesquare Networks Inc., to talk about how he went from installing DIY wireless setups in college to leading a nationwide tech company. Bimbo shares how growing up in Nigeria shaped his work ethic, how he adjusted to life in Bicol, and how he hustled his way into city-wide projects—all while figuring things out on his own. He also talks about building a team, learning the ropes of government procurement, and how PLDT Enterprise helped them grow through the toughest moments of the pandemic.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, Interview, bimboadewoyin, doublesquarenetworksincComment
Ep 352 - Alex De Leon - The Hustle Of Growing PropertyGuru
Ep 352 - Alex De Leon - The Hustle Of Growing PropertyGuru

In this episode of Hustleshare, we chat with Alex de Leon, Group VP of Marketing at PropertyGuru, to unpack the wild journey that took him from tinkering with computers in Manila to working at Google in Silicon Valley—and eventually marketing for one of Southeast Asia's biggest proptech companies. Alex shares how growing up between cultures shaped his hustle, what working three jobs in college taught him about grit, and why it took 26 tries before he finally landed at Google. He also gets real about what it’s like starting from customer support, how being a generalist became his edge in tech, and why building from scratch in the Philippines was the most career-defining move he made.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, Interview, propertyguru, alexdeleonComment
Ep 351 - Gerard John Deriada and Kareen Grace Lacorte - The Hustle Behind Agri Exim
Ep 351 - Gerard John Deriada and Kareen Grace Lacorte - The Hustle Behind Agri Exim

In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Gerard John Deriada and Kareen Grace Lacorte of Agri Exim Global Philippines to talk about how they helped grow an organic agriculture company from a small 10-person team in Davao to over 1,000 employees across the country. Kareen shares how she stumbled into HR and built a career on empathy, grit, and a willingness to figure things out on her own, while Gerard looks back on the scrappy early days of wearing multiple hats and helping build systems from scratch. They get real about the challenges of hiring and retention, scaling with purpose, and staying aligned with a bigger mission. We also dive into how PLDT Enterprise helped power their digital transformation and kept them connected through the toughest moments of the pandemic. If you’re in the thick of building something meaningful, this episode is full of hard-earned lessons you’ll want to hear.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, Interview, agriexim, gerardjohnderiada, kareengracelacorteComment
Ep 350 - Emil Eriksen - The Hustle Behind &you
Ep 350 - Emil Eriksen - The Hustle Behind &you

In this episode of Hustleshare – Emil Eriksen is the founder of &you—a digital health platform built to meet the everyday needs of Filipinos through online consultations, expert care, and discreet nationwide delivery. With a vision to build a fully localized, end-to-end healthcare system tailored for Southeast Asia, Emil shares how &you is redefining access to care—starting in the Philippines. From early startup wins in Europe to costly missteps with a legacy brand, Emil reflects on the highs and lows that shaped his journey. Discover why he walked away from partnerships, how he scaled fast as a solo founder, and what it takes to build a high-growth company designed for emerging markets.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, Interview, &you, emileriksenComment
Ep 349 - Carlyn Gabon - The Hustle Behind GetYourVisa
Ep 349 - Carlyn Gabon - The Hustle Behind GetYourVisa

In this episode of Hustleshare, we chat with Carlyn Gabon, founder and CEO of GetYourVisa, about how her personal struggles with immigration led her to build a startup tackling the visa process. From hustling barbecues as a kid in Quezon City to leading regional ops at Grab, Carlyn shares how her drive and clarity of purpose shaped her journey. She talks about losing her job during the pandemic, lining up at 5 a.m. outside immigration offices, and why she took the leap into entrepreneurship through the Antler program. If you’ve ever dealt with visa stress—or thought about building something global—this one’s for you.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, Interview, carlyngabon, getyourvisaComment
Ep 348 - Michael Sta. Maria - The Hustle Behind Northeast Business Solutions, Inc.
Ep 348 - Michael Sta. Maria - The Hustle Behind Northeast Business Solutions, Inc.

In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Mr. Michael Sta. Maria, the dynamic President and CEO of Northeast Business Solution, Inc. — a company at the forefront of digital transformation and business optimization in the Philippines.

Michael shares the inspiring story behind Northeast Business Solutions, Inc.: how it grew from a promising concept into a trusted provider of software solutions for companies across various industries. With a strong focus on innovation, client service, and operational excellence, he walks us through the company’s evolution, its key milestones, and the challenges he faced as a leader navigating today’s fast-changing digital landscape.

This episode also explores how Northeast Business Solutions, Inc. has harnessed the power of technology — including strategic partnerships with digital providers like PLDT Enterprise — to deliver smarter, scalable, and future-ready solutions to clients. A must-listen for forward-thinking entrepreneurs and executives looking to lead with vision, agility, and purpose in the digital era.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, Michaelstamaria, northeastbusinesssolutionincComment
Ep 347 - Dan Gonzales and Earl Valencia - The Hustle Behind Startup Mindsets
Ep 347 - Dan Gonzales and Earl Valencia - The Hustle Behind Startup Mindsets

In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Dan Gonzales and Earl Valencia, co-authors of Startup Mindsets, to unpack the emotional and mental journey of building startups—especially through the lens of the Filipino experience. Dan, a Filipino-American writer with a tech background, reflects on his path from tech skeptic to ecosystem builder, while Earl, a pioneer of the Philippine startup ecosystem and co-founder of IdeaSpace, shares how a billion-peso fund came to life after a bold pitch to MVP. They dive into the irrational realities of entrepreneurship, the truth about failure and regret, and why mindset—not just execution—is what defines success. Packed with grit, vulnerability, and decades of hard-won wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone standing at the edge of starting something meaningful.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, cake2go, luismesina, marilenyapComment
Ep 346 - Luis Mesina and Marilen Yap - The Hustle Behind Cake2Go
Ep 346 - Luis Mesina and Marilen Yap - The Hustle Behind Cake2Go

In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Luis Mesina and Marilyn Yap, the visionary founders and owners of Cake2Go. A homegrown cake brand that redefined convenience and taste in the Philippines long before online delivery was mainstream. From humble beginnings in a side porch with a borrowed oven, to running 18 stores and pioneering the takeout cake model, Luis and Marilyn share their incredible 20-year journey filled with grit, innovation, and heart. This episode also talks about thriving during the pandemic, passing the torch to the next generation, and how tech—especially digital solutions from PLDT Enterprise—has helped them grow in the digital era.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, cake2go, luismesina, marilenyapComment
Ep 345 - Ben Alderson - The Hustle Behind BA Mentor
Ep 345 - Ben Alderson - The Hustle Behind BA Mentor

In this episode of Hustleshare, we talk with Ben Alderson—startup mentor, angel investor, and founder of BA Mentor, a platform supporting early-stage founders with practical, no-fluff guidance. With a career spanning engineering, management consulting, startup founding, and venture capital, Ben unpacks the uncommon path that gave him a uniquely grounded lens for helping founders succeed. He shares hard truths about fundraising in the Philippines, the difference between real traction and noise, and why execution—not theory—separates the winners. Candid, deeply tactical, and full of firsthand insights, this is a must-listen for any founder serious about making better decisions, faster.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, benalderson, bamentorComment
Ep 344 - Joseph de Leon - The Hustle Behind Manila Angel Investors Network
Ep 344 - Joseph de Leon - The Hustle Behind Manila Angel Investors Network

In this episode of Hustleshare, we talk with Joseph De Leon—partner at Gravitas Prime, founding member of MAIN (Manila Angel Investors Network), and a cornerstone of the Philippine startup ecosystem. JDL shares his fascinating path from global ad strategist to M&A advisor, and how his eclectic background helped him shape a uniquely sharp lens for evaluating startups. He breaks down the realities of angel investing, why most founders miss the mark on valuation and ambition, and what it really takes to build a world-class business from the Philippines. Packed with wit, frameworks, and brutally honest insights, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about turning hustle into lasting value.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, josephdeleon, manilaangelsinvestorsnetworkComment
Ep 343 - Shumate Royo - The Hustle of an Ecosystem Builder
Ep 343 - Shumate Royo - The Hustle of an Ecosystem Builder

In this episode of Hustleshare, we welcome Shumate Royo, a passionate educator-turned-ecosystem-builder whose journey redefines what it means to lead with purpose. From her humble beginnings as a history teacher with a heart for youth empowerment, Shumate takes us through her incredible transition into entrepreneurship—co-founding one of the Philippines’ first community-driven coworking spaces, The Office Project. Now a central figure in building the Philippine startup ecosystem, Shumate reflects on her time leading DevCon, contributing to national innovation policy, and mentoring future founders. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, community, and the unshakeable value of staying true to your mission. Whether you're a founder, educator, or advocate for innovation, this episode is packed with hard-earned insights and heartfelt lessons you won’t want to miss.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, shumateroyo, ecosystembuilderComment
Ep 342 - Nichel Gaba - The Hustle Behind PDAX
Ep 342 - Nichel Gaba - The Hustle Behind PDAX

In this episode of Hustleshare, we welcome Nichel Gaba, the founder and CEO of PDAX, a groundbreaking cryptocurrency exchange in the Philippines. Nichel takes us on his remarkable journey from a risk-averse banking professional at HSBC to a trailblazer in the crypto space. He shares his insights on the evolution of the Philippine startup ecosystem, the importance of timing in entrepreneurship, and the unique regulatory landscape that supports innovation. With a passion for making crypto accessible to Filipinos, Nichel discusses the challenges of fundraising, building a resilient team, and navigating the complexities of the fintech industry. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a crypto enthusiast, or someone curious about the future of finance, this episode is filled with valuable lessons and inspiring stories that you won't want to miss!

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, nichel gaba, pdaxComment
Ep 341 - Josiah Go - The Hustle Of The Marketing Guru
Ep 341 - Josiah Go - The Hustle Of The Marketing Guru

Josiah Go, Chairman of Mansmith and Fielders and a pioneer in business model innovation, shares his journey from hustling at a machine shop during college to building multiple successful businesses and training thousands of entrepreneurs. In this season premiere of Hustleshare, Josiah opens up about the lessons from his father that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, the power of sacrificing weekends for knowledge, and why understanding business models, not just marketing, is crucial for success. He dives deep into value chains, innovation, and avoiding the "law of foolish fellowship." Whether you're building your first startup, scaling a business, or simply curious about how true business mastery is forged, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, alwynrosel, qboinnovationComment
Ep 340 - The Hustle Behind QBO Innovation
Ep 340 - The Hustle Behind QBO Innovation

Alwyn Rosel, the new Executive Director of IdeaSpace and QBO Innovation Hub, shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Navotas to becoming a key builder of the Philippine startup ecosystem. In this episode, she reflects on her early hustle in the BPO industry, her crash course in startups through DOST and AIM, and the passion that fuels her work today. Alwyn opens up about the power of community and the importance of humility and relationships. If you’re curious about ecosystem-building, inclusive innovation, or what it really takes to lead with impact, this episode is filled with insights you won’t want to miss.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, alwynrosel, qboinnovationComment
Ep 339 - The Hustle Behind Lenderlink
Ep 339 - The Hustle Behind Lenderlink

Christo Georgiev, co-founder and CEO of LenderLink, a credit data platform bridging gaps in the Philippines’ lending ecosystem, joins us to talk about the credit data revolution he’s spearheading in the Philippines. From growing up in post-communist Bulgaria to building startups across three continents, Christo shares how he’s tackling one of the country’s most persistent financial problems: fragmented credit information. He dives into lessons from early failures, leading FinScore through the pandemic, and why he left a successful exit to start again. Christo breaks down how LenderLink is changing the game by connecting financial institutions, aggregating credit data in real time, and giving millions of Filipinos better access to formal credit. If you're into fintech, startup grit, or building infrastructure that actually makes lives better, this one's for you.

Read More
startupsHustleshare Podcastinterview, lenderlink, christogeorgievComment