In our most recent episode of the Thriving Business Podcast, we were honoured to sit down with innovation and commercialisation expert Daniel O'Connor. Daniel is on the UN Task Force for Innovation and Competitiveness and has been helping inventors and R&D teams to commercialise their ideas for more than 40 years, so he knows a thing or two about funding start-up ventures! Together we broke down some of the myths and misconceptions that set many start-up founders on the wrong track. We explored the key elements of what it really takes to successfully commercialise innovative ideas and attract funding for start-up ventures.

From his early days of first commercialising a novel telephone accounting system through to the creation of his esteemed Inventors Academy, Daniel reveals the truth behind funding and debunks the myth of the "wealthy investor" who is sitting around, waiting to write a big cheque. He unpacks the top six things that investors are really looking for in a start-up venture. And hint, it’s not the ROI!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Daniel first commercialised his own tech product in the 1980s, overcoming early challenges.
• The role of the UN Task Force in fostering innovation in developing economies.
• Why the myth of the “wealthy investor” can derail your start-up’s growth and how to shift your focus.
• The top six things investors really care about (and why ROI is not number one on the list).
• Key lessons from Daniel’s Inventors Academy on how to approach funding and minimise risk for investors.

Key Takeaways:

• Funding doesn’t always come from wealthy individuals—it’s about finding the right partner who shares the same market needs.
• Investors care more about risk mitigation than return on investment. Learn to talk about how you can reduce risk, not just promise high rewards.
• Successful commercialisation is about strategy, timing, and understanding the landscape—what works for big companies might not work for startups.

If you’re a startup founder or inventor looking to scale, subscribe to the Thriving Business Podcast for more actionable insights from industry experts.

Links & Resources:

Get a FREE copy of Daniel’s book FUNDING EARLY STAGE INNOVATION here:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/k9dx4ofwmlnrtyxgcsr4d/FUNDING-EBOOK.pdf?rlkey=bve7ir0llq59oeyaxoo6q30x7&e=1&dl=0

Connect with the Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com

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Episode Overview:

In this episode, Kate and Sam dive into a discussion of how they’re using AI in business as a tool for organisation, strategy, and even as a coaching assistant. They discuss some of the most recent AI developments that are impacting businesses in previously unimaginable ways. They discuss the continuing implications of AI-generated content, how it can be embraced positively, and the importance of discernment in the digital age.

Key Takeaways:

1. Using AI to Help with Overwhelm and Task Management: Sam discusses her feelings of overwhelm due to numerous unfinished tasks and the need for better prioritisation. Kate and Sam discuss how they’re using AI to help organise tasks and set priorities, and using AI as a personal assistant.

2. The Future of Coaching with AI: Kate and Sam discuss new coaching bots that are being embraced by some coaches. They discuss how, like in all other industries, coaches should not feel threatened by AI, but rather embrace it as a value-add.

3. The Evolution of Podcasting with AI: Kate discusses a new AI-tool she came across that creates engaging podcasts based on existing content, highlighting the rapid advancements in AI.

4. Challenges of Trust and Authenticity in a Digital World: The hosts discuss their concerns about the potential for AI to create content that blurs the lines between reality and fabrication. It highlights the importance of critical thinking and discernment, especially for younger generations consuming content online.

5. The Role of Human Experience: Kate and Sam reflect on how AI, while powerful, cannot fully replicate human understanding and emotional intelligence. Both share insights from their children about the challenges of navigating truth in an age of misinformation.

Subscribe to our podcast for more discussions on business, motherhood, and the impact of technology!

Connect with the Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com

In this episode, Kate and Sam discuss the enduring challenge of finding time to juggle all the balls as a business owner and specifically, how to make time to work ON your business, not IN it. It's not an easy task to balance client-focused work with the things that help your business grow long-term, like marketing activities — but it's essential. Join them as they talk through each other's experiences with finding the time to stay growth-focused while delivering top-notch service to clients, and more.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Identifying Time Sinks: Understanding where your time is currently being spent and how to evaluate its effectiveness.
• Setting Priorities: The importance of prioritising tasks that align with your business growth goals and vision.
• Delegation Strategies: Tips for identifying tasks to delegate and finding the right team members to support your business.
• Time Management Techniques: Exploring tools and methods to enhance productivity, including time blocking and the Pomodoro Technique
• Creating a Business Routine: How establishing a consistent daily routine can help streamline operations.
• Work-Life Balance: Strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between personal life and business responsibilities.

Connect with the Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com