• Start by solving a real, personal problem—deep connection to the issue increases your chances of success.
• Charge money as soon as possible, even for a basic version, to validate demand and value.
• Be transparent with customers about your stage and use early adopters' feedback to shape your product.
• Let go of perfectionism—speed of execution and iteration matter more than flawless launches.
• Focus on delivering outstanding value to your first 10–100 customers before scaling up marketing or hiring.
• Invest in your own well-being and surround yourself with ambitious, like-minded people for support and growth.
• There's a low-risk path to entrepreneurship: keep your day job while validating your idea and transitioning gradually.

[00:00] Introduction – The narrator opens the episode, introducing the theme of breaking free from corporate constraints and investing in yourself.

[00:49] Phil Better Welcomes Listeners – Phil sets the stage for the episode, highlighting stories of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial triumph.

[01:38] Introducing Danika Chilibeck – Phil gives Danika’s impressive background at Shopify and Rewind, and introduces her latest startup, Bahia AI.

[02:17] Danika Joins the Show – Danika introduces herself and clarifies the pronunciation and meaning of Bahia.

[02:29] Why Leave Corporate? – Danika shares her journey from having side hustles to co-founding her own company and leaving corporate life for entrepreneurship.

[06:03] Getting First Customers – Danika details the excitement and process behind landing their very first customers at Bahia AI.

[08:13] Handling Early Stage Skepticism – Danika talks about managing client expectations and building trust as a young and new company.

[11:16] Growth as a Founder – Insights on personal growth, overcoming perfectionism, and embracing speed as a startup leader.

[14:11] Lessons from Shopify & Rewind – Danika discusses customer focus and advice received from other founders that shaped Bahia’s approach.

[16:51] Investing in Yourself – Danika’s routines and strategies for showing up as her best self, from wellness habits to networking.

[18:24] Power of Founder Community – The importance of supportive peers, mastermind groups, and staying accountable with fellow entrepreneurs.

[21:12] Ottawa’s Startup Scene – Danika shares what it’s like building a startup in Ottawa and resources for founders in the city.

[23:36] Vision for the Future – Danika’s goals for Bahia AI over the next decade and ambitions to become the #1 hiring superpower.

[24:57] Staying Competitive in AI – Strategies that keep Bahia AI focused and competitive in a rapidly evolving AI industry.

[27:21] Advice for Aspiring Founders – Danika breaks down a lower-risk approach to launching a startup and the value of solving real problems quickly.

[29:41] Navigating Part-Time Entrepreneurship – How Danika managed working on Bahia AI alongside her tech job and the benefits of transparency with management.

[33:19] Advice to Her 10-Year-Old Self – Danika’s personal message about following your passions and not getting swayed by external expectations.

[35:03] Connect with Danika & Bahia AI – Information on how listeners can follow Danika, connect on LinkedIn, and become a customer.

[35:51] Closing Remarks – Phil wraps up the episode and encourages listeners to invest in themselves.

[36:11] Outro – Narrator shares final motivational thoughts and invites listener engagement.