The first episode of “Meet the Next Gen” podcast by MeetInc., hosted by the dynamic Freehour founder Zach Ciappara, sets the stage for an engaging exploration of the journeys and challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in Malta.

The premiere episode features insightful conversations with Emma Tranter, a photographer and media manager, Stephen Ellul, founder of digital agency Growth Bully, and Zack Ritchie, founder of Archipals and designer. Each guest offers a unique perspective on their entrepreneurial paths, reflecting the diverse landscape of Malta’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.

Emma Tranter: From Local Photographer to International Content Creator

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Emma Tranter’s journey began with a passion for photography at local parties and has evolved into an international career as a content creator for music artists. Tranter recounts her initial steps into the industry, documenting local events and persistently networking to gain opportunities. Her breakthrough came in 2017 when her creative portrayal of an underwhelming event caught the eye of international artists, leading to her first tour.

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Now, with over nine years of experience, Tranter has worked with seven major artists and covered significant events like sports races and music festivals. Her work extends beyond photography to include social media marketing and tour management, showcasing her versatile skill set. Emma’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of leveraging every opportunity to build a career.

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Zack Ritchie: The Curious Creative Behind Archipals

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Zack Ritchie’s entrepreneurial narrative is driven by his unrelenting curiosity and desire to explore different facets of creativity. Initially uncertain about his career direction, Ritchie found his niche in graphic design and commercial illustration. His journey took a pivotal turn in 2020 when he embarked on a year-long project, drawing daily and experimenting with various artistic styles.

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Ritchie’s creation, the character Peppe, became the cornerstone of his work, allowing him to explore and express diverse narratives and styles. His venture into NFTs opened doors to collaborations with prominent artists, further expanding his creative horizons. Today, Archipals stands as a unique brand blending artistic innovation with commercial viability. Ritchie’s story underscores the significance of staying true to one’s curiosity and continuously evolving one’s craft.

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Stephen Ellul: Building Growth Bully from the Ground Up

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At 26, Stephen Ellul has established Growth Bully, a Gen Z-powered marketing agency that has quickly made its mark. Ellul’s fascination with communication and business strategies began in his teenage years, selling custom phone cases and jailbreaking iPods. This early entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for his later ventures.

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Ellul’s agency, Growth Bully, differentiates itself by leveraging the digital fluency of Gen Z to craft compelling marketing campaigns. His journey reflects a blend of hands-on experience and a relentless drive to innovate in the digital marketing space. Ellul’s narrative is one of adaptability and the relentless pursuit of excellence, showcasing the potential of young entrepreneurs in transforming industries.

Themes of Curiosity, Passion, and Resilience

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The common thread weaving through the stories of Tranter, Ritchie, and Ellul is a profound sense of curiosity and passion. Each entrepreneur highlights the importance of staying curious, embracing new opportunities, and continuously learning. Their discussions reveal a shared commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territories.

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Emma Tranter on Creativity and Persistence

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Tranter’s experience emphasizes the significance of persistence and the willingness to take risks. Her ability to transform challenges into opportunities and her commitment to continuous learning and adaptation stand out as key takeaways. For Tranter, creativity is not just about capturing moments but about crafting narratives that resonate with audiences.

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Zack Ritchie on Curiosity and Innovation

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Ritchie’s journey illustrates the power of curiosity in driving innovation. His approach to blending artistic creativity with commercial applications showcases how staying curious can lead to groundbreaking ventures. Ritchie’s story is a reminder that embracing uncertainty and experimenting with new ideas can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

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Stephen Ellul on Passion and Strategic Thinking

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Ellul’s entrepreneurial path underscores the importance of strategic thinking and leveraging one’s strengths. His ability to identify market gaps and craft solutions that resonate with contemporary audiences highlights the role of passion and strategic foresight in building successful ventures. Ellul’s focus on creating a dynamic, forward-thinking agency reflects his commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Conclusion: The Future of Maltese Entrepreneurship

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The inaugural episode of “Meet the Next Gen” podcast offers a captivating glimpse into the minds of Malta’s emerging entrepreneurs. The stories of Emma Tranter, Zack Ritchie, and Stephen Ellul not only inspire but also provide valuable insights into the entrepreneurial mindset. Their journeys reflect a blend of creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking, offering a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs.

As Malta continues to nurture its startup ecosystem, the experiences shared by these young entrepreneurs will undoubtedly serve as a beacon for others. “Meet the Next Gen” promises to be an essential platform for uncovering the narratives that define the future of Maltese entrepreneurship, fostering a community of innovators ready to make their mark on the global stage.