Скачать или смотреть Business Insider Secrets | Episode 20 | Elaine Harding

In this episode of the Business Insider Secrets podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Elaine Harding, the founder of Augment Aero, an innovative tech startup focused on augmented reality solutions for the aircraft maintenance sector. Based in Southampton, Elaine shared her unique journey from being a class clown in school to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Elaine's educational background was a mix of academic achievement and playful mischief, which she attributes to her ability to learn quickly and adapt. After breezing through her GCSEs, she faced challenges during her A-levels, ultimately leading her to explore various career paths, including a stint in double glazing sales and later as a mortgage advisor. Her experience in sales taught her valuable lessons about self-sufficiency and the importance of resilience.

Transitioning into recruitment, Elaine found her niche in the aerospace industry, where she gained extensive knowledge and experience. This led her to establish her own recruitment firm, which she successfully ran for several years before pivoting to her current venture, Augment Aero. The idea for her startup emerged from a conversation with an AI expert, which sparked a series of events that culminated in securing a significant grant and attracting investors.

Throughout our conversation, Elaine emphasized the importance of building relationships with investors and the value of having a supportive team. She shared insights into the challenges of fundraising, the significance of self-belief, and the necessity of being prepared for investor meetings.

Elaine's passion for her work is evident as she discusses the potential impact of Augment Aero's technology on aircraft maintenance, aiming to improve efficiency and safety in the industry. As she gears up for the launch of her product, she invites listeners to connect with her and learn more about the exciting developments at Augment Aero.

This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the belief that with the right mindset, anything is possible. If you're interested in the intersection of technology and aviation, or if you're considering a startup journey of your own, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.

00:00:06 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:00:55 Elaine Harding's Background and Business Overview
00:01:52 Elaine's School Experience and Education
00:03:47 Transition to A-Levels and Early Career Choices
00:05:22 Early Aspirations in Dance
00:06:40 First Jobs and Career Beginnings
00:12:01 Transition to Mortgage Advisor and Recruitment
00:14:05 Starting Her Own Recruitment Firm
00:15:33 The Risk of Entrepreneurship
00:19:13 Reflection on Career Successes
00:20:15 Introduction to Augment Aero
00:22:52 Overview of the Business and Its Purpose
00:25:14 The Importance of Technology in Aircraft Maintenance
00:28:01 The Journey to Securing Funding
00:30:00 Understanding EIS and SEIS Investment Schemes
00:32:29 The Fundraising Process and Building Relationships
00:36:04 The Role of Investors in Business Growth
00:38:25 Team Building and Company Culture
00:41:54 Introduction to Augment Aero's Technology
00:46:15 Future Plans and Product Launch
00:47:31 How to Get in Touch and Learn More
00:48:40 Key Considerations for Startups Seeking Investment


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