In this episode of The Doing Epic Stuff Podcast I trade words with the infectiously affable Kenny Robertson (née Kurniawan), Community Leader of Startspace; a free business support service specifically for new and early-stage business founders, provided by State Library Victoria.

I love Kennie. 

She makes everyone else around her feel good and that’s a rare and powerful thing, especially in the early-stage founder community where wins and effort aren’t necessarily in harmony. 

Having personally been a member of Startspace for some time (this very episode was recorded, edited and produced on location but, full disclosure, not in the spiffy dedicated podcasting facility, hence the low-level bg noise…) eventually having Kennie behind the mic felt like a no-brainer. We unpack her entrepreneurial aspirations, side quests and setbacks from humble origins selling handmade bracelets to Indonesian classmates to being a one-time Co-Founder of a Sustainable Tourism start-up. 

A spell in corporate retail followed by a shock resignation was soon followed by a sojourn to Melbourne, Australia. But it wasn’t until Kennie returned to her native land that the potential to financially leverage others' desires to explore the nation of over 100 active volcanoes became clear to her. 

An apparent step back taken in order to gain a better view…

There are all manner of hard-earned experience gems to be discovered from our discussion; navigating challenging co-founder partnerships, the pitfalls of a thriving business built upon an unclear (primary) product/market fit and tips on managing our mental health when our big idea becomes our biggest problem.

Dig it.

& don’t forget to be YOUR Epic!

Mike Drohan

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doingepicstuff.substack.com