In this episode of the 301 Podcast, Marcus Engel sits down with 18 year old entrepreneur Isabelle Dijkhorst, the founder of Foundity, a fast-growing startup built at Berkeley through LaunchX.

While most people her age are figuring out what to study, Isabelle is pitching at Web Summit, building tech, and flying across continents. But this conversation isn’t just about early success, it’s about what drives someone that young to think globally, build intentionally, and challenge the default path.

We talk about ambition, identity, and what it means to create your own opportunities, especially when you're not waiting for permission.

You'll hear about:

 * Growing up between two cultures and how that shaped her worldview
 * What she learned at 17 from pitching in front of thousands
 * The moment she knew she wanted to build something real
 * How she thinks about confidence, discipline, and failure
 * Why young founders might just be the least afraid of all
 * What it takes to build a global network  before you can drink legally

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Meet Isabelle Dijkhorst
02:00 – Growing Up Dutch-Ukrainian
08:00 – The First Sparks of Entrepreneurship
13:00 – Flying Solo to Berkeley for LaunchX
18:30 – Building Foundity & Finding Product-Market Fit
28:00 – Speaking at Web Summit & TEDx
35:00 – Confidence, Rejection & What Drives Her
45:00 – Advice to Young Builders & What’s Next

Connect with Isabelle Dijkhorst:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-dijkhorst/
Foundity: https://foundity.com/

Follow the 301 Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/301podcast
Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/themarcusengel

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts
💌 Business inquiries: studiobooking@weare301.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe,  it helps us bring more bold, young founder stories like Isabelle’s to life.





Start before you are ready - Isabelle Dijkhorst

In this episode of the 301 Podcast, Marcus Engel invited Vincent Hu, the founder of Imminence, entrepreneur, creative operator, and one of the most honest guests we’ve ever had on the show.

Vincent’s story is one of radical self-reinvention. From childhood trauma and self-betrayal to building a thriving business that helps coaches and creators grow with integrity, Vincent opens up about everything the highs, the rock bottoms, and the mirror moments in between.

In this raw and powerful conversation, you’ll hear how one man rebuilt his life by facing the darkest parts of himself, defining his values, and committing to doing good every single day.

You'll hear about:

 * How a childhood story of bravery still guides Vincent today

 * The family rupture at age 11 that changed everything

 * Why hitting rock bottom during COVID became his turning point

 * What “being an emperor” means to him and why he lives by it

 * How he built a $30–50K/month consulting business from scratch

 * The real cost of dishonesty — and the power of radical ownership

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Meet Vincent Hu
02:00 – Childhood, Family Values & Creativity
09:30 – Family Conflict & Emotional Fallout
15:30 – Moving to the Netherlands & Discovering Purpose
19:00 – COVID, Collapse & Rock Bottom
25:00 – The Turning Point & Rebuilding
31:00 – Founding Imminence & Business Growth
50:00 – Reflections, Identity & What’s Next

Connect with Vincent Hu:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamvincenthu
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamvincenthu

Follow the 301 Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/301podcast
Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/themarcusengel

🎧 Listen everywhere where you get your podcast from
💌 Business inquiries: studiobooking@weare301.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe – it helps us bring more raw, inspiring stories like this one to life.

Vincent Hu - The Alchemy of Self

In this episode of the 301 Podcast, host Marcus Engel sits down with Elles Ottens, an international model, TEDx speaker, life coach, and RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy) therapist.

From being scouted on King’s Day to walking for Dolce & Gabbana, Elles has lived the highs (and hidden lows) of the fashion world. But behind the glamor was a search for purpose, authenticity, and healing. In this deeply personal conversation, Elles shares how the pressure of appearances led her inward toward the power of the subconscious mind, RTT, and building a life that feels as good as it looks.

You'll hear about:

- Life behind the scenes of high fashion and why modeling isn't always as it seems.

- The mindset shift that changed Elles’ career trajectory.

- How Rapid Transformational Therapy helps people reprogram deep-seated beliefs.

- Tips for dealing with imposter syndrome and negative self-talk.

- Why success isn’t about the labels, but how you feel inside them.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro

0:12 – Meet Elles Ottens

0:51 – Networking at Amsterdam Founders Club

1:35 – What is RTT? Rapid Transformation Techniques Explained

3:07 – From Self-Doubt to Self-Discovery

7:15 – The Reality Behind the Runway

13:17 – Why Self-Belief Matters

20:03 – Creative Process as a Model

27:24 – From Fashion to Hypnotherapy

31:07 – Understanding the Subconscious

34:50 – Don't Believe Every Thought

41:09 – High Performance & Neutral Thinking

43:38 – Owning Your True Self

Connect with Elles Ottens:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellesottens?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

RTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypnocraftbyelles/?hl=en

Podcast: HypnoCraft https://open.spotify.com/show/1rFrQRiVW9QPWrJPJKTeKr?si=W6kT4tVxR7uAo_FOejw5vw

Follow the 301 Podcast:

Connect with Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/themarcusengel/?hl=en

Follow 301 Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/301podcast/?hl=en

Produced by 301 Studios. For inquiries, contact studiobooking@weare301.com.

Elles Ottens - Finding Balance in the Fashion Industry and Inner Peace

In this episode of the 301 Podcast, we sit down with Luigi Zottoli, one of the visionaries behind ChillsnSip, a social wellness Community with over 1000 members focused on the power of cold exposure and mental health.

Luigi shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small village in Southern Italy to moving to London in search of success. He opens up about his struggles with financial pressure, mental health, and the pivotal moments that led him to create Chills & Sip—a community focused on wellness and mental health through ice baths and social activities. It all got triggered by a documentary of ‪@YesTheory‬ [https://www.youtube.com/@YesTheory] and their "Project Iceman" with ‪@anders_hofman‬ [https://www.youtube.com/@anders_hofman] (watch it here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROQNfVc4BYI&t=0s])

In this episode, you'll learn:

 * The importance of personal fulfillment over financial success.
 * How Luigi's upbringing influenced his entrepreneurial journey.
 * The inception and growth of Chills & Sip.
 * Tips for building a genuine community.
 * Luigi's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and those struggling with mental health.

Timestamps: 

(00:00) - Introduction to Luigi Zottoli and Chills Sip
(03:25) - Luigi’s Early Life: From Southern Italy to London
(07:40) - Choosing Personal Fulfillment Over Financial Success
(11:55) - The Start of Cold Exposure: From Depression to Daily Ice Baths
(16:30) - Building a Community: How ChillsnSip Was Born
(20:45) - Overcoming Challenges: Pushing Through the Desire to Quit
(24:15) - The Viral Moment: When ChillsnSip Exploded in Popularity
(29:05) - Lessons in Community Building: What Luigi Did Right
(33:50) - The Future of Chills & Sip: Expanding the Vision
(37:30) - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Community Builders

Don't forget to subscribe to the 301 Podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs who are making a real difference. Share your thoughts in the comments below and share it with someone who would benefit from Luigi's insights!

 

Connect with Luigi Zottoli:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/growth-hacker-lz/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luigizottoli/?hl=en

Homepage: https://www.chillsnsip.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chillsnsip/?hl=en

 

Connect with The 301 Podcast:

Subscribe: ‪@engelmarcus‬

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/301podcast/

 

The 301Podcast is produced by 301 Studios for inquiries, contact marcus@weare301.com.

 

How Ice Baths Changed My Life: The incredible story of Luigi Zottoli of Cold Exposure & Community!

In this episode, Marcus Engel sits down with Alexis Mera Damen, an entrepreneur, copywriter, and e-commerce specialist. Alexis shares her transformative journey from working in a small sleepwear store in New York to founding her own fashion label and eventually transitioning into a thriving 6-figure freelance writing business.

As the founder of Hustle Global magazine, Alexis delves into the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial path and how she built a successful career by leveraging her skills in content writing and e-commerce.

Episode Highlights:

 * Career Beginnings: Alexis talks about her early days at the Fashion Institute of Technology and her first job in a small sleepwear store.
 * Founding a Fashion Label: Learn about the challenges and successes Alexis faced when she launched her own fashion line in 2015.
 * Transition to Freelance Writing: Discover how Alexis pivoted to content writing and built a 6-figure freelance business developing content strategies and writing for SaaS companies in the e-commerce and retail sector, including Shopify and more.
 * Hustle Amsterdam & Hustle Global: Alexis discusses her side project, Hustle Amsterdam, and its evolution into Hustle Global, a platform for sharing entrepreneurial stories and educational content.
 * Work-Life Balance: Insights into how Alexis manages her time and avoids burnout while juggling multiple projects.

Key Takeaways:

 * The importance of having a plan and strategy when starting a business.
 * The value of niching down in your service offerings as a freelancer.
 * How to leverage SEO and thought leadership in content marketing.
 * The significance of learning from failures and continuously adapting.

Don't forget to subscribe to the 301 Podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs who are making a real difference. Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how Alexis story has inspired you!



(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Introduction

(00:33) - Early Career and Transition to Corporate Fashion

(02:32) - Launching a Fashion Label and Initial Struggles

(05:06) - Success and Challenges in the Fashion Industry

(07:37) - Burnout and Stepping Away from Fashion

(11:28) - Transition to Content Writing and Freelance Business

(15:40) - SEO and Content Strategies

(21:00) - Moving to Amsterdam and Starting Hustle Amsterdam

(25:15) - Managing Freelance Work, Side Hustles, and Work-Life Balance

(31:23) - Future Aspirations and Closing Remarks

 

Connect with Alexis Mera Damen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-mera-damen/

Homepage: https://www.alexisdamen.com

Subscribe to her Hustle Global: https://www.hustleglobalnews.com

Connect with The 301 Podcast:

Subscribe on Youtube:  @engelmarcus  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCx243qQx3icWTDhriiqz74Q]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/301podcast/

 

The 301Podcast is produced by 301 Studios for inquiries, contact marcus@weare301.com.

 

From Fashion to Freelance: Alexis Mera Damen's Journey to a 6-Figure Freelance Writing Business

Welcome to another exciting episode of the 301 Podcast! In this episode, our host Marcus Engel sits down with the incredibly talented Adi Singh. Adi is a YouTuber, videographer, travel vlogger, and course creator who has captivated audiences with his cinematic shots and engaging storytelling.

We explore Adi's journey from an engineering student to a full-time content creator, offering valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring videographers and travel vloggers. Adi shares his unique approach to making everyday situations look cinematic, the importance of storytelling in videos, and how he balances filming with enjoying his travels.

Key Takeaways:
 * The importance of practice and learning in content creation.
 * How to make your videos stand out with minimalistic and cinematic shots.
 * The reality of monetizing a YouTube channel and the importance of diversifying income streams.
 * Staying true to your brand and audience while navigating sponsorships and collaborations.

🔗 Important Links: 

Follow Adi and his wife on Youtube: Let's meet abroad Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@LetsMeetAbroad] 

Skillshare Course: Adi Singh Skillshare [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fskl.sh%2F3VtECXq&e=AT25X8BcPKE1OTKXDyMlgE0iWxRiwKq-0C6AmhaAwp_ufbwIWJJv9fOiMpx7PshEKjtN6W1Xh33B3enc31uD46R7xDYicKae759VfTe9B54ogrYZ7JvZV10]

Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews with the hottest up-and-coming entrepreneurs, artists, and creators. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and practical advice from the 301 Podcast!

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Guest Introduction: Adi Singh

(01:32) - Creative Process and Filming Techniques 

(03:16) - Balancing Filming and Enjoying the Moment

(05:10) - Evolving as a Travel Content Creator

(07:37) - Importance of Gear for Beginners

(08:22) - First Camera and Early Filming Experiences 

(10:07) - Self-Taught Journey and Skillshare Course

(11:12) - Reflecting on the Journey and Motivation

(13:01) - Tips for Aspiring Content Creators

(15:28) - First YouTube Video and Initial Motivation

(17:11) - Overcoming the Early Stages of Content Creation

(20:45) - First Viral Video and Realizing Potential

(22:54) - Monetization Myths and Realities

(24:23) - When to Start Monetizing and Reaching Out to Brands

(27:24) - Biggest Mistakes and Learning from Them

(30:15) - Staying True to Your Brand

(33:39) - Balancing Work and Relaxation

(37:08) - Finding Balance and Staying Sane

(40:48) - Memorable Moments and Favorite Places

(42:53) - Recap and Final Thoughts

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the podcast by leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and colleagues. Your support helps us bring more amazing content your way!





Adi Singh - Turning Passion Into A Profession

In this episode of the 301 Podcast, host Marcus Engel interviews the multi-talented Paul Snijder, a creative, video editor, NFT artist, and entrepreneur. Paul shares insights into his journey, from working with big brands like JBL and G-Star to his latest venture, Cloud Citadel, a unique social media platform focused on community building.

Join Marcus and Paul as they discuss Paul's career evolution, his experience working with Don Diablo on a groundbreaking NFT project, and the challenges of balancing multiple projects while maintaining mental well-being. Discover the motivation behind Paul's decision to pursue his passion project, Cloud Citadel, and the importance of patience in the entrepreneurial journey.

Paul emphasizes the importance of creativity, the benefits of persistence in managing multiple ventures, and what it takes to build a successful community in the digital space. 

🔗 Important Links:

 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulsnijder
 * Paul Snijder LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsnijder/
 * Website: https://www.cloudcitadel.com/

Stay tuned for the next episode of the 301 Podcast, where we continue to explore the journeys of the hottest entrepreneurs, artists, and creators. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and practical advice from the 301 Podcast!

Episode Highlights
 * (00:00) - Introduction
 * (05:30) - Early Collaboration with Bram Krikke
 * (09:50) - Insights on Brand Success in Social Media
 * (16:21) - Reflection on Achievements and Recognition
 * (22:20) - Venture into NFT Market and Collaboration with Don Diablo
 * (29:05) - Courage and Confidence in Pursuing Ideas
 * (35:29) - Concept and Purpose of Cloud Citadel Social Media Platform
 * (42:15) - Challenges Faced in Building Cloud Citadel
 * (45:03) - Balancing Workload and Mental Health Concerns
 * (48:01) - Decision to Pursue Passion Over Comfort

Paul Snijder -

In this episode of the 301 Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Yves van Veen, the founder of Boost Your Flow. Yves is a well-being and vitality trainer, a certified Wim Hof instructor, and an entrepreneur with a unique approach to balancing well-being and high performance culture.

Yves shared anecdotes from his past, including his experience founding a startup during his master's studies and transitioning from a corporate setting to focusing on employee well-being.

Yves emphasizes on the importance of self-awareness, the benefits of breathwork and cold exposure in managing stress and what it takes to create high performing cultures. His journey and expertise serve as an inspiration for listeners seeking to optimize their energy and focus in both personal and professional settings.

🔗 Important Links: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yves.vanveen

Yves van Veen Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvesvanveen/

Website: https://www.boostyourflow.nl/over-yves/

Stay tuned for the next episode of the 301 Podcast, where we continue to explore the journeys of the hottest entrepreneurs, artists, and creators. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and practical advice from the 301 Podcast!

Episode Highlights:

(00:00) - Introduction 

(00:27) - Introduction to Yves van Veen and Boost Your Flow

(02:34) - Yves' journey from high-energy child to calm entrepreneur

(07:05) - Transition from marketing consultant to well-being trainer

(19:58) -  The pivotal moment leading to the founding of Boost Your Flow

(34:59) - Balancing well-being and performance in high-performance culture

(44:15) - Coping with stress, energy management, and breathwork techniques

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the podcast by leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and colleagues. Your support helps us bring more amazing content your way!





Yves van Veen - Don't Go For The Ordinary

In this inspiring episode of the 301 Podcast, host Marcus Engel sits down with the multifaceted Erica Isotta Surace, a TEDx speaker, author, startup founder, and community builder. There are not many days that you talk to such an inspiring person like Erica. I have never met anyone who has the ability to turn every hardship and every challenge into an opportunity to grow or make an impact.

 

Erica discusses the importance of community, her approach to entrepreneurship, and the lessons she's learned from founding her own companies. She also delves into her experiences with corporate culture, the tech industry, and the power of meaningful connections.

 

Join us as Erica opens up about her personal story of resilience how she beat cancer, overcame a miscarriage, the founding of her publishing house, and her latest venture, the D2 Collective. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, community building, and turning adversity into action.

 

Key Moments:

(00:00) - Introduction to the 301 Podcast and Erica Isotta Surace

(02:10) - Erica's perspective on being a dreamer vs. a realist

(04:04) - Erica's transition from Ireland to LinkedIn and the corporate world

(07:04) - The downside of experiencing a high level of corporate services

(12:25) - Erica's decision to leave LinkedIn and her corporate misfit feeling

(17:00)  - How Erica turned personal hardships into impactful projects

(20:39) - The birth of WomenPlot and Erica's TED talk

(23:26) - Erica's approach to overcoming tough times and sharing her story

(26:43) - The inception of D2 Collective with Nastia 

(31:39) - The growth and achievements of D2 Collective

(41:39) - Erica's advice for aspiring founders and entrepreneurs

 

Don't forget to subscribe to The 301 Podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs who are making a real difference. Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how Erica's story has inspired you!

 

#Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #Resilience #The301Podcast #EricaIsottaSurace #WomenPlot #D2Collective #TechIndustry #CorporateCulture #Inspiration

 

Connect with Erica Isotta-Surace:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-isotta-surace-22b99794/

D2 Collective Website: https://www.thed2collective.com/

 

Connect with The 301 Podcast:

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/ @engelmarcus [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCx243qQx3icWTDhriiqz74Q] 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/301podcast/

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with someone who would benefit from Erica's insights!

 

The 301 Podcast is produced by 301 Studios For inquiries, contact marcus@weare301.com. 





https://youtu.be/Bl9vzWf8T44





Erica Isotta Surace - How I Turn Every Adversity into Action

Join us in this inspiring episode of the 301 Podcast as our host, Marcus Engel, sits down with the multi-talented Eva Glasbeek, a creative freelance filmmaker and photographer. In this conversation we explore what creativity is, what it takes to make it as a filmmaker and photographer, and the journey of teaching the next generation of freelance videographers.

 

Eva shares her personal experiences, from her early days experimenting with a camcorder to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the creative industry. Get a glimpse into her online academy that empowers others to make a living from their cameras.

 

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

 

- Eva's preference between filming and photography

- Her beginnings in videography and the evolution of her career

- The importance of just starting and creating content

- How Eva turned a filming mistake into a signature style

- Tips for brands to work effectively with creative professionals

- The role of speed in content delivery

- Insights into Eva's online academy for freelance videographers

- The challenges of being self-employed and how to manage them

- Eva's future aspirations and projects

 

🔗 Important Links:

Eva's Online Academy: https://academy.evaglasbeek.com/videography-photography-course/

Eva Glasbeek's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byevaaluna

Eva Glasbeek's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-glasbeek-1ab088203/

 

📅 Next Episode: Stay tuned for the next episode of the 301 Podcast, where we continue to explore the journeys of the hottest entrepreneurs, artists, and creators.

 

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and practical advice from the 301 Podcast

 

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to the 301 Podcast and Eva Glasbeek

(00:46) - Filming vs. Photography: Eva's Perspective

(01:57) - Eva's First Content Creation Memories

(04:10) - Realizing the Potential to Make a Living from Creativity

(06:52) - Transitioning from Studies to Full-Time Creative Work

(10:23) - Learning from Failures and Accidental Success

(15:24) - Developing a Creative Style and Process

(20:15) - Working with Brands and Maintaining Creative Freedom

(22:31) - The Importance of Speed in Content Delivery

(26:03) - Eva's Online Academy for Aspiring Videographers

(29:48) - Advice for Starting Videographers

(33:16) - Balancing Work and Recharging Creatively

(37:16) - The Most Difficult Part of Being Self-Employed

(40:03) - What's Next for Eva 

(41:48) - The Best Business Advice Eva Received

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the podcast by leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and colleagues. Your support helps us bring more amazing content your way!

Eva Glasbeek - Don't Be Afraid to Be You

The interview podcast for the hottest up and coming entrepreneurs, artists and
creators. Get inspired with two weekly episodes, presented by your host Marcus
Engel.