Watch Hannah at Women Techmakers Barcelona 2018.

Throwback to the first Startup Grind Barcelona fireside chat of 2018 when Cecilia Tham, CEO of MOB (Makers of Barcelona), entrepreneur, activist and all-round awesome woman single-handedly dissolved my doubts about dreaming big, making an impact, and becoming a mother at the same time. OK, behind the scenes we’re all a bit *argh*, but on the surface at least, Tham is cool and collected. She owns it, and her message to all of us is that we can own it too.

When was the last time you searched for an ad on YouTube and watched the whole thing? Your answer represents the challenge facing all businesses, not just those who can afford flashy above-the-line campaigns. More and more, consumers choose what advertising they are exposed to and engage with, so when they choose you, it's because they really want to hear what you've got to say.

For me, branding is often about being bold, and sometimes brave. Brave moves must be timed correctly. But they often differentiate brands that truly believe in themselves and their proposition from those who would rather conservatively play by the rules.

The Startup Grind Barcelona conference 2017 was a first. A union of ambitious entrepreneurs who dream of life in the Valley, and a thoroughly cool line up of cosy fireside chats, many of whom now know there's more to life than San Francisco.