Doing business with the right mindset

1. To begin with, could you introduce yourself and explain what led you to create your podcast? The Savannah dedicated to entrepreneurial growth?

I am 34 years old and I am the founder of a performance marketing agency., Simba Digital, specialising in developing digital strategies to maximise our clients' growth and profitability. In practical terms, we support our clients in generating leads and sales through tailor-made media strategies.

Alongside this activity, my partner Alexandre and I launched the podcast The Savannah, two years ago now. The aim of this project is to promote entrepreneurship in Switzerland and internationally. We want to shine a spotlight on entrepreneurs in our region, as we feel that their achievements are not sufficiently recognised.

Through this podcast, we want to share these inspiring stories, encourage entrepreneurship, and show the reality of entrepreneurship, which is not just about success. There are also failures, doubts, and valuable lessons to be learned. La Savane is above all a space for sharing authentic experiences, where each guest brings their vision, their challenges and their keys to growing as an entrepreneur.

2. In your opinion, what mindset is essential for turning an idea into action and actually launching a business?

The first is curiosity and open-mindedness. You have to listen to what is happening around you: the market, customers, peers. Too often, we get stuck on an idea we are convinced of, without realising that the field is sending us other signals. Being attentive to feedback is what allows you to adjust your project and remain relevant.

The second element is self-confidence, but a clear-headed confidence. It is important to forge your own vision, while remaining adaptable. Believe in your idea, yes, but without closing yourself off to market realities.

Finally, the third point is taking action. Many entrepreneurs spend months trying to perfect everything before launching their business. However, success rarely comes from a perfect plan, but rather from a process of experimentation. You have to dare, test, make mistakes, learn, and start again. No one succeeds on the first try.

Above all, don't be afraid to share your ideas. An idea in itself has no value; it's how you execute it that makes the difference. The more you test, measure and improve, the closer you get to a viable model. The important thing is to move forward, adjust and maintain a go-getter mindset and a commitment to continuous learning.

3. In your experience, what are the three key skills that every entrepreneur should develop in order to grow their business sustainably?

The first is empathy and the ability to build genuine human relationships. We sometimes tend to forget it, but business is above all about people. Understanding others, knowing how to listen, and building trust, whether with customers, colleagues or partners, is a fundamental lever for progress.

The second skill is the sale. Knowing how to sell is essential, especially at the beginning. No matter how good the product or service is, if you don't know how to present it, defend it and convince people, the project will struggle to get off the ground. Selling also means learning to understand the real needs of the market and responding to them effectively.

Finally, the third key skill is data analysis. Today, figures are a compass. Knowing how to interpret data, whether financial, marketing or operational, enables you to make the right decisions, optimise what works and correct what is wrong. This is what enables an entrepreneur to ensure the sustainability and growth of their business.

4. Many project leaders struggle with fear of failure or imposter syndrome. How can you cultivate confidence and resilience in the early stages of entrepreneurship?

I believe that confidence and resilience come first and foremost from inner work. You have to learn to be comfortable with yourself, to be aligned with your values and to know why you are doing what you are doing. When you have a clear vision of what you want and the direction you are taking, you develop a form of inner stability that helps you overcome doubts.

Another key point is to reduce the importance of other people's opinions. We live in a society where we often place too much importance on what people think of us. However, in entrepreneurship, if we allow ourselves to be held back by this, we will never move forward. It is not a question of ignoring others, but rather of distinguishing between constructive feedback, which we should listen to, and external judgement, which we must learn to distance ourselves from.

Finally, confidence is built through action and perseverance. It is by trying, sometimes failing, picking yourself up and adjusting that you become stronger. Entrepreneurship is a continuous learning process. Determination, inner clarity and the ability to remain true to your values are, in my opinion, the pillars of resilience.

5. Finally, if you had to give one piece of practical advice to those who are still hesitating to take the plunge, what would it be?

Before embarking on an entrepreneurial project, I think it is essential to know why you are doing it. Motivations can vary greatly: some people want to make money, others are looking to solve a problem, improve something in the world or simply turn a passion into reality. But in all cases, you need to be clear about your underlying reasons.

It is also important to be aware of the alternatives. If the primary motivation is financial, for example, you need to ask yourself whether a salaried job could not bring the same satisfaction, with fewer risks. Entrepreneurship is not the only path, and it requires total commitment.

Especially in Switzerland, starting a business without conviction or a genuine desire to bring value to others often leads to failure. There are already many challenges to overcome, and in order to succeed in the long term, the project must be driven by a strong and sincere vision.

Finally, you need to be aware that entrepreneurship involves sacrifices: less stability, sometimes less time for your loved ones, and a more demanding lifestyle. It's a long-term life choice. So my advice is to find a reason that makes sense, a motivation strong enough to keep you going when things get tough.