Refundee vs the Scammers: How One Startup Recovered £100 Million
In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, we sit down with Stuart McFadden, founder of Refundee, recording live from FOUNDRY Wandsworth in London. Stuart shares his career journey from studying law to working in financial services during the 2009 financial crisis, before experiencing the highs and lows of startup life at Monzo.After a short stint at NatWest, Stuart co-founded Refundee in 2021, bootstrapping the business with minimal funding. Refundee helps victims of financial scams recover money from banks, tackling increasingly complex and modern fraud schemes.Stuart discusses the ethical responsibility behind the work, the importance of transparency, and building a strong remote-first company culture. With nearly £100 million recovered for clients, Refundee is on a mission to lead the industry while protecting consumers.
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The Power of Partnership in Business: Matt Evans’ Story
In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, we talk with Matt Evans, co-founder of Garden Room Studio. Matt shares how he and his wife Elle combined their backgrounds in marine industries, photography, and design to create a business focused on stylish, functional garden and interior spaces.He reflects on the early challenges they faced, from launching the company shortly after their honeymoon to navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Matt also speaks honestly about balancing work with raising young children and the importance of setting boundaries to keep family life strong.Alongside the business journey, Matt discusses his involvement in the local community, including coaching lifesaving at Sandbanks and competing in national championships. His story highlights the value of determination, balance, and staying connected to the things that inspire you.
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From Tel Aviv to Eastbourne: Adas’ Story of Reinvention & Authenticity
In this episode of Work This Way, host Adam Walker sits down with Adas Goldshtein-Coleman, a FOUNDRY Eastbourne member with an extraordinary life story.While most UK teenagers move straight into work or university, Adas took a very different path, completing two years of mandatory military service in the IDF after growing up in Israel. She opens up about her experiences living in Israel, her travels through South America and India, and how these journeys shaped her worldview. Adas also shares deeply personal moments, including the loss of her father and how discovering Buddhism influenced her life. Adas talks about founding her innovative child-led preschool in Tel Aviv, her move to the UK, and her current venture: Visibly Authentic Brands (VAB), a female-led creative hub, offering branding and marketing services rooted in authentic storytelling.The conversation also explores her ADHD diagnosis, the impact it’s had on her work and personal life, and her commitment to living authentically. Adas’ story is one of resilience, curiosity, and boldly creating a life aligned with her values.
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Betting on the Right Platform: George Meressa's Amazon Advantage
In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, Adam Walker sits down with George Meressa, founder of Clear Ads and member of FOUNDRY Poole. George shares his incredible journey, from challenging beginnings to building one of the leading Amazon advertising agencies in the world.He opens up about the bold risks that shaped his career, including sponsoring major events to connect with Amazon sellers and travelling globally to win high-value clients. George also discusses why he pivoted early from Google Ads to Amazon Ads, spotting the platform’s untapped potential before most people did.We dive into his recruitment philosophy, how he adapts to the fast rise of AI in advertising, and the mindset that’s kept him pushing forward through uncertainty. If you’re an entrepreneur or marketer looking for real-world insights on growth, resilience, and staying ahead of industry shifts, this conversation is packed with value.
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Beyond the Ward: Women’s Health, Healing & Entrepreneurship
In this episode of Work This Way, Adam sits down with Karolina Ahmed — a dedicated midwife who transformed her career to become a successful aesthetics entrepreneur. Karolina opens up about her journey from emigrating from Lithuania to London at just 15, navigating cultural and language barriers, and pursuing her long-held ambition to work in midwifery.She speaks candidly about her fertility struggles, a period that prompted her to step back from healthcare and eventually discover her passion for aesthetics. That path led her to create Face Up, a practice known for its professionalism, care, and personal touch.Karolina reflects on the emotional demands of midwifery, the challenges and triumphs of being a female entrepreneur, and the vital role community and personal support have played along the way. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and a commitment to providing care on her own terms.
Welcome to Work This Way by FOUNDRY, a new business podcast speaking to real people. No wannabe influencers, no nonsense pseudo health advice, just real human stories across the UK. Our members, partners and ambassadors speak to us about their business stories, sharing the ups and downs, the ugly truth about work in the 21st century.Here's the pitch, 25 minutes of your life, once a week, to learn about an interesting person and business. They could be your future business partner, customer, lover or a friend. I'm Adam your host, and I cannot wait to share these awesome people and their stories with you.