The U Lab with Hurratul

Welcome to The U Lab Podcast.

My name is Hurratul and I'm a 3x founder, researcher, Stanford GSB LEAD alum, and author of Power before Purpose.

The U Lab is a research-led platform at the intersection of venture capital, global capital allocation, and entrepreneurial venture outcomes.

Having built and scaled ventures across 5 countries, and I’m now doing structured research, analyzing how capital actually flows, how ventures succeed or fail, who gets funded and where the system is fundamentally broken.

At The U Lab, you'd learn about:

- Venture capital dynamics and funding patterns

- Global capital allocation and financial power structures

- Research-backed insights on venture outcomes

I host The U Lab Podcast, where I speak with founders, investors, operators and researchers to capture the operating principles and decision-making frameowrks behind building companies under uncertainty.

This is where research meets real-world execution, with lessons packed in every single episode.

If you’re interested in venture capital, global finance, building and scaling a venture, technology or the future of innovation you’re in the right place.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • iHeartRadio
  • PlayerFM
  • Podchaser
  • BoomPlay

Episodes

C.E.O. Mindset with James Keyes

Thursday Jan 22, 2026

Thursday Jan 22, 2026

In this episode, I sit down with James Keyes - former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, bestselling author, and a leader whose journey is defined by resilience, reinvention, and an indomitable spirit.
We talk about the hardest chapters of his life, the mindset that allowed him to keep rising, and the discipline required to lead through uncertainty. His story is a masterclass in grit, clarity, and long-horizon thinking.
If you’re building something, rebuilding something, or fighting through a difficult season - this conversation will remind you of what’s possible when you refuse to break.

Monday May 05, 2025

What does it take to build a tech company in the middle of a war?
In this episode of The Unstoppables, host Hurratul Maleka Taj talks to Dana Sydorenko—Ukrainian veteran, AI-driven tech founder, and investor—about her incredible journey from the frontlines of combat to the frontlines of innovation.
Dana opens up about:
Her life as a combat paramedic during the war in Ukraine
How she launched a defense apparel business under fire
Building GameTree, a revolutionary AI platform transforming how gamers connect and fight online toxicity
Her role as an investor with Flyer One Ventures
What true resilience, leadership, and purpose look like in practice
This isn’t just a story about business. It’s about bravery, vision, and creating impact in the face of chaos.
If you’re an entrepreneur, gamer, tech leader, or someone seeking purpose-driven stories, this episode is for you.
🔗 Follow, share, and hit that bell icon—because this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

Friday Jan 31, 2025

What if embracing death was the secret to living fearlessly? In this transformative episode of The Unstoppables, host Hurratul Maleka Taj sits down with Jill Greenbaum - Buddhist practitioner, Appreciative Inquiry expert, and End-of-Life guide - to explore the profound connection between mortality and unstoppable living.
 
Most people avoid thinking about death, but what if facing it head-on could unlock true resilience, purpose, and power?
 
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
️ The mindset shift that turns fear into fuel
️ Why accepting mortality leads to bold, intentional living
️ How Appreciative Inquiry helps reframe challenges and build resilience
️ The role of Buddhist wisdom in navigating uncertainty
️ Real-life stories of transformation through end-of-life work
️ Practical tools to overcome fear, embrace life, and live with unstoppable courage
 
Key Takeaways:
When we acknowledge our mortality, we stop wasting time on fear and self-doubt.
Appreciative Inquiry can help shift our mindset from problems to possibilities.
Buddhist principles, like impermanence and mindfulness, create clarity and resilience.
Facing death teaches us to live intentionally, love deeply, and lead boldly.
 
Practical Exercise for You:
 
At the end of this episode, take 5 minutes to reflect on this question:
 
If today was my last day, how would I live differently?
 
Drop your answer in the comments! Let’s inspire each other to live fearlessly.
 
Subscribe & Stay Inspired If you loved this conversation, make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!
 
Follow Us for More Inspiring Content:
 
Follow Us for More Inspiring Content:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/hurratul
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/hurratul
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/hurratul
Twitter → https://x.com/Hurratul
 
Want to be featured or collaborate? Contact me on LinkedIn.
 
Who Should Watch This?
This episode is perfect for:
️ Entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty and risk
️ Leaders who want to inspire resilience in their teams
️ Anyone facing fear, doubt, or major life transitions
️ People interested in Buddhism, mindfulness, and personal growth
️ Those who have experienced loss and want a new perspective on death
 
Join the Conversation What was your biggest takeaway from this episode?
 
#EmbracingDeath #FearlessLiving #JillGreenbaum #MindsetShift #UnstoppableMindset #Buddhism #Resilience #EndOfLife #PersonalGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #OvercomingFear #LiveWithPurpose #TheUnstoppablesPodcast #Motivation #SuccessMindset #Mindfulness #DeathAwareness #SelfImprovement #SpiritualGrowth #LifeLessons #Gratitude #LiveFully #Transformation #PodcastInterview #LifeChanging

Monday Jan 13, 2025

How do you hold onto hope when life challenges you at every turn?
In this powerful episode of The Unstoppables with Hurratul, meet Professor Jack Fuchs, a man who’s faced unimaginable adversity as a leader, a father, and a mentor.
From being fired as a company leader to witnessing his son struggle with bullying and mental health issues, Jack’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. His journey proves that while some pain never fully heals, it can be channeled into something greater—helping others, saving lives, and inspiring change.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to find hope even in the most uncertain and difficult situations.
Why resilience and strong principles are essential for a meaningful life.
How Jack turned personal tragedy and rejection into global influence as an investor, teacher, and entrepreneur.
️ About Jack Fuchs:
Jack Fuchs is not just an investor and educator—he is a father, mentor, and global leader in entrepreneurship. With over 20 years of experience teaching at institutions like Stanford, Berkeley, and Technical University of Munich, Jack helps entrepreneurs navigate the toughest decisions with integrity and resilience.
Don’t miss this powerful conversation! Tune in as we explore Jack’s incredible journey of resilience, hope, and transformation.
Listen now and share this story of perseverance and hope to inspire others!
#TheUnstoppables #JackFuchs #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealthAwareness #Leadership #HopeAgainstOdds #StartupStories #Parenting #Inspiration #Motivation #BelieveInYourself

Monday Oct 14, 2024

We often find ourselves overwhelmed by everyday frustrations, convinced that our struggles are insurmountable. But then, there are stories like Gricha’s that remind us of the true meaning of resilience and the power of never giving up.Imagine a father standing against the medical fraternity’s predictions, refusing to accept that his son would never walk again. For 5 long years, Gricha fought relentlessly without seeing a single sign of progress. Yet, he held onto hope. He kept going, even when the path seemed endless. Today, his son, Nikita, who was once 100% paralyzed, can walk again—albeit with the support of a stick. And now, he's training for the Paralympics. ‍️Gricha’s story is a living testament to where medical science might reach its limits, but the power of love and unyielding determination can create miracles. It’s a reminder to be grateful for the things we take for granted, to hold our loved ones closer, and to never underestimate the strength that lies within us.This isn’t just a story of a father’s battle—it’s a story that teaches us about courage, gratitude, and the indomitable human spirit. ️ Take a moment to listen to this story—it might just change the way you see your own challenges.

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