On January 16th, 2026, host Stephan Spijkers sat down with Michael Richter for an honest and practical conversation about entrepreneurship, sales, and building businesses with intention.
Michael’s journey is anything but conventional. Starting his career as a chauffeur at just 18, he gradually moved into sales and business development, eventually founding multiple companies—including a successful venture in sales automation. Along the way, he learned some hard but valuable lessons, especially about the risks of relying too heavily on a small number of key clients and the importance of building resilient, diversified business models.
Throughout the conversation, Michael reflects on the constant tension between creativity and financial reality. While innovation fuels his work, he emphasizes that sustainable entrepreneurship requires discipline, smart decision-making, and a clear understanding of market dynamics.
Seeing Opportunities Everywhere
Michael shares how his entrepreneurial mindset allows him to spot opportunities in everyday problems—and then shape business models around them.
Learning Through Trial and Error
Change doesn’t happen overnight. Michael highlights the importance of persistence, experimentation, and being willing to try more than once before things click.
More Than Money: The Value of Knowledge
Not every investment comes with a price tag. Attracting people with market expertise and strategic insight, he explains, can be just as powerful as financial backing.
Building the Right Partnerships
From investor relationships to co-founders, Michael stresses the importance of being selective early on—and choosing partners who align with your values and vision.
Technology Needs a Human Touch
As AI continues to transform sales automation, Michael offers a grounded perspective: technology can enhance efficiency, but authentic, human communication remains irreplaceable.
The episode also dives into Michael’s current project—a decentralized review platform designed to give users a voice across any website. He openly discusses the challenges behind building it, from marketing strategy to investor expectations, offering valuable takeaways for founders navigating similar paths.
Curious to hear the full story?
🎧 Tune in to the complete episode on LinkedIn and explore real-world insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and staying human in an increasingly automated world.