AMA: Stefan Manku, founder of Talk to Stefan

It's not unusual for founders to hit a wall. Stefan Manku founded Talk to Stefan, a coaching service to help founders get back on track.

Hi Stefan! Tell us a bit about your company.

Talk to Stefan is a service to help founders get clarity.

How did the ideas for Talk to Stefan come about?

I looked at what I'd done in a few startups that I'd worked for and combined that with skills I'd learnt working as a volunteer counsellor at well-known UK charities.

Can you share any practical tips or processes to help people work remotely?

Where possible, carve out a specific working space. It helps to separate personal/work life.

Very important. How do you keep your team aligned?

It's just me and contract designers/developers as and when I need them. In that case, it's about having clear expectations/deadlines and keeping in touch regularly.

What is the biggest mistake you've made as an entrepreneur?

The list is endless. From releasing a product without understanding how the market worked to spelling the company name wrong when registering at Companies House!

How would you best describe your business philosophy?

Experiment and learn. Get comfortable being uncomfortable and you'll figure it out as you go - it's a lot easier being surrounded by good people.

Love that. What motivates you?

Being able to do what I find interesting, on my own timelines without having to report to anyone! That seems like the dream lifestyle.

And finally Stefan, what does a Friday night look like to you?

At the moment it's very chilled; some good food and a good film/TV show. I'm definitely falling asleep earlier on Friday nights the older I get!

You're definitely not the only one! Thanks so much for your time Stefan. All the best.