Making a Living from Your Side Hustle
I've taken my side hustle which helps entrepreneurs test their business ideas and create messaging that resonates with customers, to a full-time venture. In this talk, I will talk you through the early stages of developing an idea and how to validate this idea with potential customers, through to building on this by monetising and transitioning away from a side-hustle to a full-time venture.
I'm Dr. Chloe Sharp, author of "Make Products That Matter," a comprehensive guide to research-driven product development. As an experienced innovation consultant and exited co-founder of SnapOut, I've helped numerous startups and SMEs secure over £10 million in funding while providing expert UX and innovation services.
My expertise spans product management, UX research, and innovation leadership. I've successfully built a 300-member strong UX community (UXMK) with speakers such as Barclays Ventures, Akendi and Open University, led complex innovation projects, and established new services within existing SMEs. My experience includes working as a product manager and leader at one of the UK's leading grant agencies, where I honed my skills in strategic decision-making and product management.
As an ILM5 qualified coach, I mentor leaders, founders, and product development teams, emphasising data-driven, evidence-based approaches to business and product strategy and building innovation cultures. My background in user research, market analysis, and product management enables me to build compelling evidence for informed decision-making.
My academic credentials, including a PhD in sociology specialising in grounded theory, have informed my scientific approach to product research and discovery. I apply this theoretical knowledge to practical, context-specific situations, helping businesses innovate effectively.
We'll explore how to uncover hidden opportunities through user research, use lean validation techniques to test ideas before scaling, and strategically position your business in a way that differentiates it from competitors. You’ll also learn how to break into niche markets effectively whether through emerging technologies like AI and VR, or cultural intelligence—can be your biggest advantage.
This talk will include real-world case studies, actionable frameworks, and lessons from startups that successfully turned niche ideas into thriving businesses. Whether you're an early-stage founder or looking to pivot your existing venture, this session will equip you with the tools to find your niche, innovate with confidence, and scale strategically.
Scaling a digital business from a one-person operation to a high-performing team is a challenge many solopreneurs face. Without the right strategies, growth can lead to inefficiencies, miscommunication, and burnout.
In this session, I will guide solopreneurs through the essential steps to prepare for team expansion while maintaining agility and focus. Attendees will learn:
- When and how to start building a team – Identifying the right moment to scale and the first roles to hire
- Delegation strategies that work – How to offload tasks effectively while maintaining quality and vision
- Systems and workflows for seamless collaboration – The must-have tools and processes to keep operations smooth
- Avoiding common scaling pitfalls – How to prevent growing pains that can slow down success
This presentation is a no-fluff, deeply personal exploration of what it really takes to move from the stability of a corporate job to the rollercoaster ride of a start-up. Vladimir Baranov, a founder, coach, and veteran of fintech and space-tech startups, shares the mindset shifts, tactical preparations, and gut-check moments that define this transition. You'll get a candid look at what it's like to go from having a clearly defined role to wearing every hat. He breaks down how to prepare mentally and financially, build early momentum, and learn by doing. Topics include managing risk, building your “why,” navigating ambiguity, and learning how to sell (yes, even if you hate it). Whether you're considering joining a startup or starting your own, this talk will help you assess your readiness, and your appetite. It’s not about a perfect plan; it’s about momentum, resilience, and radical ownership. Full of founder truths, lived lessons, and a few laughs.
Networking isn’t just about business cards or LinkedIn connections—it’s about building real relationships that open doors. Sure, it can feel awkward or even a little cringe, but with the right mindset, it doesn’t have to be.
Modern networking is about quality, not quantity. It’s not about meeting as many people as possible—it’s about connecting with intention, online or in person. In this session, we’ll cover practical strategies for building authentic relationships that can boost your career or business. We’ll discuss how to network with purpose, make a lasting impression, and turn connections into real opportunities.
If networking feels intimidating, you’re not alone. It’s tricky for most people! But when approached the right way, it can be one of the most valuable tools in your career. Let’s make it work for you.
