‘How We Innovate’ podcast – with Esra Talu

This time, we’ll be talking with Esra Talu, the co-founder of GoGlobal and the Business Mentor at Microsoft for Startups. She’s also a University Lecturer, Board Member, and Advisor at multiple other companies. How does she do it all? Read below👇

About Esra

Esra Talu is a definition of a powerful woman. She is a highly energetic, enthusiastic, and self-motivated individual. Last year she joined Microsoft for Startups in the Middle East and Africa as a successful Business Mentor, where she’s bridging the gap between corporates and B2B tech entrepreneurs through tech enablement, knowledge sharing, and community building. But how did she get there? 

In 2019, together with Tara Lutman, she co-founded GoGlobal, where they combined their 25+ years of tech experience. GoGlobal brings together Individual Investors, Corporates, Institutions, and Tech Entrepreneurs, facilitating sustainable growth and expansion opportunities. They provide startups with strategic & networking support for global expansion & growing the startup beyond its original market.

In the meantime, she became an Advisory Board Member at NaturaGrowth LP, Arya Women Investment Platform, and manibux. She also discovered her inner lecturer and keeps sharing her knowledge with the students of Istanbul University and Poliversity – a Turkish e-learning platform. 

Few Questions to Esra:

1. What was your first job, and what was the most important thing you learned from it?  

My first job was working for a Publishing House as an editor & writer. I was translating articles & connecting with influential writers & public figures, and interviewing them for the group’s monthly magazines. I was only 20 years old and had no experience, but I learned bitterly after terribly failing with a few interviews how helpful it was to gather information & be fully ready about our guests before the interview.

2. Given the choice of anyone in the world, who would you have a beer with? 

Haha, difficult question. Elon Musk? Jeff Bezos? Bill Gates? Elon Musk would be fun. For sure.

3. How do you start your day / What does a typical day look like for you? 

Well, I wake up early. 6.30 am sharp. First, I have a coffee. Then a few minutes playing with my dog. Then I go for a walk. I like to have meetings near my house within walking distance – I care about zero-carbon emissions. If it is a distant location, I prefer to have a Zoom Call. Mondays, I start work at noon, and Fridays, I like not to schedule any meetings – I use it as a time to wrap up my week. Saturdays, I socialize with my family & friends. Sundays, I love to be at home. I relax & write my weekly article. I usually review my week ahead on Monday morning, take my notes, and plan.

4. What are three apps you can’t live without? 

Calendly, Zoom, Wix. Thank god we have them! 

5. Most influential book or movie? 

Oh! There are many. But one of them is The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli.

6. The first word that comes to your mind when you think of Poland? 

Friendship! I had a Polish classmate in Istanbul at elementary school. 

When can you expect the episode?

The episode will be published on the 21st of June 2022. Don’t miss it – follow us on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, where you can also check our previous episodes!

🎧 Listen to the episode here 🎧