Hustleshare

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.“If this is already happening to me and to these people who have the good background and we still have to go through this, what about the rest of the people? That was when I told myself... I just want to make it easier for people coming after me.”Resources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlyngabon Website: https://getyourvisa.app Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getyourvisa.a

Gillian Santos, co-founder and CEO of AniTech, and Neil Kho, co-founder of Arka, join the Founders Only podcast to share how they turned research backgrounds and last-minute grant wins into real, working agri-tech startups. They talk about the hustle of building in a close-knit industry, earning trust from the ground up, and why working in agriculture isn’t just about deploying tech—it’s about solving real-world problems with people, persistence, and a whole lot of heart. With support from Villgro Philippines, they’re proving that collaboration—not competition—is what will move the industry forward."It all comes back to what you don't measure, you don't know. And what you don't know, you can't solve." – Gillian SantosResources:LinkedIn (Gillian Santos): https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-santos-3aa1ba115 Website (AniTech): https://www.anihan.tech LinkedIn (Neil Kho): https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilkhoWebsite (Arka Inc.): https://arka.asia Links/Sponsors:Villgro Philippines: https://villgrophi

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,

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.Resources:Earl Valencia (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/earlvalenciaDan Gonzales (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangonzales1/ Website: https://www.startupmindsets.com/book 

In this episode of Hustleshare, we sit down with Luis Mesina and Marilen 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 Marilen 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.Resources:Website: https://cake2go.com.phThis episode is brought to you by Onecfo PH and PLDT Enterprise (MSME FiberBiz & %G SIM Only Plans)Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acast.com/s/hustleshare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.“I don't promote burnout culture. You've got to have a little bit of an outlet and you've got to be able to stay healthy. But you have to be obsessed with the problem and you have to be obsessed with the customer. And you have to prioritize the most important activities at the right stage of your growth journey.”Resources:LinkedIn

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.Are you looking to learn more about your transactional superpowers?https://quiz.influentialu.biz/JDL negotiated a special rate for the Philippines for their self-guided training program (PHP 125/month instead of $125) https://influentialu.store/collections/coursesAre you a founder wanted to turn your idea into an investible s

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.This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://

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!This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acast.com/s/hustleshare.

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.This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acast.com/s/hustleshare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acast.com/s/hustleshare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acas

Alex Aronson, co-founder of Helios, a groundbreaking startup focused on democratizing solar energy in the Philippines, takes us on a journey from his roots in the Bay Area to his impactful career in the Philippine startup scene. He shares his passion for building high-performance teams and solving pressing consumer problems, particularly in the renewable energy sector. With a wealth of experience from his time at Bookie and Plantina, Alex discusses the challenges and triumphs of launching Helios, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and affordability in solar solutions. If you're curious about the future of energy, the startup hustle, or how to make a meaningful impact, this episode is filled with valuable insights and inspiration.This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acast.com/s/hustleshare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shad Dela Cruz, the co-founder and CEO of Flying Tigers Express, talks about his journey, from his humble beginnings in Bacolod to navigating the vibrant startup ecosystem in Cebu. He shares his evolution from a tech enthusiast to a leader in the logistics industry. After experiencing the highs and lows of startup life, including a challenging first venture, he found his calling in revolutionizing delivery services in the Philippines. Shad discusses the importance of solving real-world problems, building a solid team, and the relentless hustle that drives success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a logistics aficionado, or someone looking for motivation in the face of adversity, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration you won't want to miss.This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acast.com/s/hustleshare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mari Martirez, co-founder and CEO of Rezbin, shares his inspiring journey from building startups to driving social impact through waste management innovation. After working in key roles at successful startups like Kumu and STORM, Mari took the leap to create Rezbin, a platform revolutionizing waste segregation and recycling in the Philippines. He opens up about navigating failure, rediscovering purpose, and applying his extensive experience to build a tech-driven environmental solution. Whether you're a startup founder, sustainability advocate, or someone seeking inspiration from resilience and reinvention, this episode is filled with valuable insights and advice you won't want to miss.This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acast.com/s/hustleshare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Priya Thachadi, co-founder and CEO of Villgro Philippines, shares her inspiring journey from grassroots activism to driving social impact through entrepreneurship. After a diverse career spanning journalism, public policy, and social enterprise development, she moved to the Philippines to establish Villgro Philippines, a pioneering incubator supporting impact-driven startups. Priya opens up about the challenges of building an ecosystem from scratch, overcoming self-doubt, and empowering entrepreneurs from underserved communities. Whether you're a founder seeking impact, an aspiring changemaker, or someone navigating career pivots, this episode is rich with insights and advice you won't want to miss.This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acast.com/s/hustleshare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ursel Murillo-Laureno, founder and CEO of EdFolio and SkoolTek, shares her inspiring journey from being a school principal to launching a successful startup that empowers educators. In this episode, Ursel dives into the challenges of building a tech platform outside of Manila and how her passion for education fueled her entrepreneurial path. From navigating funding hurdles to balancing multiple ventures, she offers invaluable insights on perseverance, strategic thinking, and community-building. Whether you're an aspiring founder, an educator, or someone passionate about impactful innovation, this episode is packed with lessons that will motivate and inspire you.This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acast.com/s/hustleshare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our 6th anniversary episode, Jerry Tieng of OneWorkforce joins us in this episode to share his incredible tech journey spanning 3 decades. Jerry shares his humble beginnings in software development that started with servicing clients to Binondo and how he grew his software dev shop thru word-of-mouth. Jerry also shares how they've been able to stay stable and profitable through the years despite the changing specs of clients and the sacrifices he made to become successful.This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acast.com/s/hustleshare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beryl Li, co-founder of Yield Guild Games (YGG)—the world's first and largest decentralized network of gaming guilds specializing in blockchain games and Web3 education—returns to the show to share how her startup has evolved since the Play-to-Earn boom. She discusses YGG’s journey through crypto market fluctuations, the challenges of scaling a Web3 company, and their strategic shift towards "Future of Work" initiatives. As a pioneer in the Philippine crypto space and a founding team member of Coins.ph, Li offers insights into financial discipline, Web3 team building, and adapting business models during market downturns. Currently, she leads YGG’s transformation into a platform that connects Filipino talent with digital work opportunities in AI and cybersecurity.Founders Only is brought to you by PayMongo, Qapita, GoTyme, and SeekCapBeryl’s Top 5 Founders:Ron Hose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronhose/Stephanie Sy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefsy/Renz Chong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renz-chong/Christian

Raymond Del Rosario, President of Fisher Mall, shares his remarkable journey from doing small hustles in the States to revolutionizing the retail landscape in the Philippines. In this episode, Ray dives deep into the entrepreneurial spirit instilled by his father and the challenges of breaking into the highly competitive mall industry. From navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic to attracting top-tier brands, Ray offers invaluable insights on leadership, resilience, and thinking outside the box. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply fascinated by the hustle behind thriving enterprises, this episode is packed with lessons that will inspire and empower you.This episode is brought to you by OneCFOFor show notes, go to Hustleshare.comHustleshare is powered by Podmachine Test https://plus.acast.com/s/hustleshare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.