Patrick Mork

When Valerie Bowden volunteered in Africa, she thought she was helping. What she discovered instead would shatter her view of charity forever. After uncovering heartbreaking corruption in the aid industry, Valerie made a bold choice — to stop “helping” and start building. From that moment, she dedicated her life to creating meaningful impact through entrepreneurship. Today, she’s the founder and CEO of CRDLE, an outsourcing company connecting US businesses with world-class African talent and giving hundreds of women the chance to thrive. In this powerful conversation, we dive into how Valerie turned pain into purpose and built a business that proves impact and profit can truly coexist. This episode is a reminder that even when systems are broken, one person’s conviction can rewrite the rules — and spark hope for thousands.

Valerie Bowden is the founder of CRDLE, a purpose-driven outsourcing company connecting US businesses with African talent. After uncovering corruption in international aid, she left the charity world to build a business that empowers women, creates sustainable jobs, and proves that impact and profit can thrive together.

Valerie Bowden

Founder and CEO, CRDLE

After witnessing corruption in international aid, Valerie Bowden walked away from the charity world and built CRDLE — a company that’s creating real change and empowering women across Africa. Her story is one of courage, failure, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

MUF #16 Valerie Bowden: The Truth About Charity No One Wants to Hear

Valerie Bowden: The Truth About Charity No One Wants to Hear

She saw the dark side of charity — and decided to build something better.
Valerie Bowden’s story is a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and the courage to create real change.

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into some of the toughest and most rewarding parts of leadership and life. From managing Millennials and Gen Z, to giving feedback that actually helps your people grow, to understanding what really matters to your team beyond profits. We’ll also talk about facing fear head-on, how to overcome it using Tim Ferriss’s “fear setting” method, and what it truly means to be a parent and a leader in a world that doesn’t always say thank you. This one’s personal. After 15 episodes, I realized this should have been Episode One. In this recording from Santo Domingo, I strip everything back to share why I created Mork Unfiltered and why I’m redefining what this podcast is really about. It’s about the messy middle of success, the power of vulnerability in leadership, and the hard truth that most companies don’t actually care about people; they care about profits. But real leadership? It’s about time. It’s about developing others. And it’s about creating the psychological safety that lets people grow and speak the truth. And then there’s the message from my son. A simple voice note that nearly brought me to tears and reminded me that parenting, just like leadership, isn’t about being liked. It’s about showing up, setting values, and giving your time. This episode is a reintroduction. A reset. A reminder that life, leadership, and love are all about learning in the messy middle.

Patrick Mork is a multicultural expert on change and resilience, a 3x Chief Marketing Officer and 2x founder who co-created the Google Play brand. As a #1 best-selling author of Step Back and LEAP, he blends raw storytelling with powerful frameworks to help leaders and teams bounce forward, lead with purpose, and thrive in times of radical uncertainty.

(Solo Episode) Patrick Mork

Former Google Play CMO, Best-Selling Author & Global Keynote Speaker

In this raw solo episode, I open up about redefining my purpose, what Mork Unfiltered really stands for, and the message from my son that reminded me why I do what I do.

MUF# 15 How One Message Changed My Perspective on Everything

I’m redefining what Mork Unfiltered really means and sharing the message from my son that reminded me what matters most.

What does it take to build a tech company in a country where everything seems to be falling apart? In this episode of Mork Unfiltered, I sit down with Juan José Pocaterra, Founder &amp; Chairman of Vikua and Co-founder &amp; CEO of Wawa — two companies transforming how people live and move across Latin America. Juan’s story is extraordinary. From navigating Venezuela’s political and economic chaos to scaling across 18 cities in three countries, he’s proof that purpose and perseverance can build light even in the darkest places. We dive into: <ul><li>The birth of Vikua and Wawa, and why fixing broken systems starts with data and courage</li><li>How he and his wife co-founded Wawa — and stayed married through it</li><li>The faith that kept him going when he had only 10 days of cash left</li><li>And why real entrepreneurs build not just for profit, but for people</li></ul> If you’ve ever wondered how resilience really looks in practice, this is it.

Juan José Pocaterra is one of Latin America’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. Recognized by Forbes as one of the region’s top emerging founders, he’s behind Vikua, a company helping cities become smarter through data, and Wawa, a mobility platform transforming how people commute across Latin America. A Harvard Kennedy School alum and Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, Juan’s story is about what happens when vision meets grit — and how resilience can rebuild even a broken system.

Juan José Pocaterra

Founder & Chairman of Vikua; Co-founder & CEO of Wawa

Venezuelan entrepreneur Juan José Pocaterra shares how he built smart-city startups Vikua and Wawa against all odds, turning chaos into innovation across Latin America.

MUF #14 From Chaos to Innovation: Juan Jose Pocaterra's Urban Revolution

Building Smarter Cities in Broken Systems: The Resilient Journey of Juan José Pocaterra

From Venezuela’s crisis to building smarter cities across Latin America — Juan José Pocaterra’s story is pure resilience. A must-listen for anyone trying to create impact when the odds are stacked against them.

Let’s be honest—most people suck at setting goals. We make resolutions in January, and by February they’re already dead. Why? Because we set the wrong goals, in the wrong way. In this episode of Mork Unfiltered, I break down what I’ve learned about goal setting from years of coaching leaders, teams, and writing my book Step Back and Leap. I’ll share why most people fail, and more importantly, how you can build goals that last. Here’s what I cover: <ul><li>The real reason most people give up on goals</li><li>How to set goals that align with your values and identity</li><li>Why goals build confidence, growth, and resilience</li><li>How to use the SMART framework without overcomplicating things</li><li>Practical tools to track progress and stay accountable</li></ul> This isn’t theory. It’s the same stuff I use with executives and teams around the world—and it works. If you’ve ever struggled to follow through, listen in. This episode will give you the tools to finally make your goals stick.

Most people give up on their goals because they set them the wrong way. In this solo episode, I share how to create goals tied to your values—so they actually stick and help you grow into the person you want to become.

MUF #13 Unlocking Goals: How to Set and Stick to the Ones That Truly Matter

We don’t fail at goals because we’re lazy. We fail because we set them the wrong way. In this episode, I’ll show you how to fix that—and start hitting goals that transform your life.

What does it take to raise over €1 billion and build 3,200 EV charge points across nine countries in just four years—while staying grounded and purpose-driven? In this episode of Mork Unfiltered, I sit down with Julien Belliato, co-founder and Deputy CEO of Electra, one of Europe’s most ambitious EV charging startups. Julien is not your typical tech founder. He’s an engineer, systems thinker, and sustainability warrior who’s driven by impact, European energy sovereignty, and the daily adventure of building something that matters. We talk about: <ul><li>The messy middle of startup life—the setbacks, fears, and rituals that keep you centered</li><li>Why charging in urban areas is the real unlock for mass EV adoption</li><li>How design, speed, and user experience differentiate Electra from the giants</li><li>Julien’s candid take on the myths and realities of clean tech and EV adoption</li></ul> If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to build a purpose-driven company at massive scale—or you just love a good story of grit, impact, and vision—this episode is for you.

Julien Belliato is the co-founder and Deputy CEO of Electra, a French EV charging startup revolutionizing urban fast charging across Europe. With a background in engineering, infrastructure, and energy, Julien brings a rare mix of operational rigor and environmental conviction. Under his leadership, Electra has raised over €1 billion and deployed more than 3,200 charge points across nine countries—making EV adoption simpler, faster, and more user-friendly than ever before.

Julien Belliato

Co-founder & Deputy CEO, Electra

Electra co-founder Julien Belliato joins Patrick Mork to share the highs, lows, and lessons from building Europe’s fastest-growing EV charging network.

MUF #12 Scaling Mountains & Charging Cities: Julien Belliato’s Mission to Electrify Europe

From scaling mountains to EV charging networks—Julien Belliato and the Electra team have raised €1B and built 3,200+ charge points across Europe. Hear his journey on Mork Unfiltered with Patrick Mork.

In this episode of Mork Unfiltered, I sit down with Andrew Parker, founder and CEO of Papa, to explore one powerful question: Why is connection the cure? What started as a way to support his grandfather has become a national platform delivering millions of visits and tackling loneliness as a true healthcare challenge. Andrew shares the personal stories that inspired Papa, the messy middle of building a purpose-driven company, and why companionship is more than kindness—it’s medicine. If you’ve ever wondered how human connection can change lives, this conversation will give you both inspiration and practical lessons in resilience, leadership, and purpose.

Andrew Parker is the founder and CEO of Papa, a fast-growing platform connecting older adults with companions known as Papa Pals. A Y Combinator alum and healthcare innovator, Andrew built Papa on the belief that connection is the cure, reshaping how we understand loneliness, care, and human health.

Andrew Parker

Founder & CEO, Papa

Andrew Parker, founder of Papa, joins Mork Unfiltered to explore why connection is the cure and how human companionship can transform healthcare and lives.

MUF #11 Why Connection Is the Cure? A Conversation with Andrew Parker

Why Connection Is the Cure? A Conversation with Andrew Parker

Why is connection the cure? Founder and CEO of Papa, Andrew Parker, reveals how one idea to help his grandfather grew into a movement tackling loneliness and redefining care.

Let’s be real—hiring the right people can make or break your company. Get it right, and you’ve got a rocket ship. Get it wrong, and you’re burning time, money, and energy you can’t get back. In this episode of Mork Unfiltered, I sit down with Alfredo Vaamonde, a three-time founder and co-founder of Papa (the health-tech unicorn tackling loneliness), to talk about his latest venture: Mission Hires. Alfredo’s company is rewriting the rules of recruiting using AI to match companies and nonprofits with talent that truly aligns with their mission and values—not just candidates chasing the next shiny startup. We get into: <ul><li>Why most hiring processes are broken and what it’s costing companies</li><li>How AI is transforming the way we find, screen, and engage top talent</li><li>Why mission-driven hiring is the key to resilience and retention</li><li>Alfredo’s personal journey as a founder—from Venezuela to scaling a unicorn</li><li>The loneliness of entrepreneurship, and how to cope when the grind gets real</li></ul> Whether you’re a founder scaling your team, a leader trying to find better hires, or a candidate frustrated by today’s broken recruiting process, this episode is going to change the way you think about hiring.

Alfredo Vaamonde is a three-time healthcare founder and entrepreneur. Born in Venezuela and raised in South Florida, Alfredo has dedicated his career to solving meaningful problems—from tackling loneliness at Papa to reinventing how companies hire with Mission Hires. With deep experience in healthcare, tech, and now recruiting, Alfredo brings a unique perspective on purpose-driven entrepreneurship, AI innovation, and what it really takes to scale companies that matter.

Alfredo Vaamonde

Founder & CEO of Mission Hires | Co-founder of Papa (health-tech unicorn)

Hiring is broken—and Alfredo Vaamonde is here to fix it. In this episode of Mork Unfiltered, we dive into how Mission Hires is using AI to connect companies with mission-driven talent, and what founders can learn about building resilient teams.

MUF #9 The Future of Hiring: How Alfredo Vaamonde and Mission Hires Are Redefining Talent with AI

Hiring is broken. Alfredo Vaamonde is fixing it. Discover how Mission Hires is using AI to match mission-driven talent with companies that actually give a damn.

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Mork Unfiltered is where authenticity meets transformation. No fluff, no unicorn fairytales, just real, unfiltered conversations about what it truly takes to lead, grow, and reinvent yourself. Hosted by Patrick Mork, serial entrepreneur, three-time CMO, best-selling author, and leadership coach. 

This podcast goes beyond the polished success stories to explore the personal challenges that leaders and high achievers rarely discuss.

It brings raw honesty to topics like loneliness, depression, failure, and fear—alongside the resilience, purpose, and grit it takes to overcome them. 

Through unscripted interviews with founders, executives, and thought leaders, as well as Mork's own reflections, this show will delve into the messy middle of success. Whether you’re building a business, rethinking your career, or seeking personal growth, Mork Unfiltered offers real stories, practical tools, and a candid look at what it means to live and lead authentically.

MUF #16 Valerie Bowden: The Truth About Charity No One Wants to Hear

DESCRIPTION

Today's Host

Patrick Mork

Today's Guests

Valerie Bowden

Recent Episodes

MUF #16 Valerie Bowden: The Truth About Charity No One Wants to Hear

DESCRIPTION

Today's Host

Patrick Mork

Today's Guests

Valerie Bowden

Related Resources

Recent Episodes

MUF# 15 How One Message Changed My Perspective on Everything

MUF #14 From Chaos to Innovation: Juan Jose Pocaterra's Urban Revolution

MUF #13 Unlocking Goals: How to Set and Stick to the Ones That Truly Matter

MUF #12 Scaling Mountains & Charging Cities: Julien Belliato’s Mission to Electrify Europe

MUF #11 Why Connection Is the Cure? A Conversation with Andrew Parker

MUF #9 The Future of Hiring: How Alfredo Vaamonde and Mission Hires Are Redefining Talent with AI