He turned UGC into a business that helps creators pay real bills | The Start Smart Podcast EP8 скачать в хорошем качестве

He turned UGC into a business that helps creators pay real bills | The Start Smart Podcast EP8

In this episode of the Start Smart Podcast, host Rex Zhang sits down with Ben Aratame, a former Cluely team member, content creator with 200K on TikTok, and founder building in the UGC + software space. Ben shares how his story really started in high school, where content creation began as a “random hobby,” eventually growing into a platform that opened doors into startups. He talks honestly about feeling lost after graduation, hitting a low point, and then deciding to lock in by trying everything: personal training, real estate, dropshipping, ads, growth, and more—until he found the intersection that actually fit him. They break down what it was like working at Cluely behind the scenes, what he learned about marketing and agency, and why he believes “motivation” is overrated compared to building a life you genuinely enjoy. Ben explains his “stacking wins” mindset, why trying things once builds confidence faster than overthinking, and how to increase your “surface area” to engineer luck through outreach, content, and putting yourself in more rooms. The conversation also dives into how UGC can turn into a real business, why agencies don’t scale long-term, and how young founders can build faster than ever with today’s tools. Throughout the episode, Ben emphasizes action over perfection, outcomes over aesthetics, and choosing the path that makes you excited to do the work every day. This episode is for students and early builders who feel stuck, unmotivated, or unsure of their direction—but want a real framework for getting momentum and creating opportunities. The Start Smart Podcast features conversations with founders, innovators, and ambitious builders with one goal: to inspire and prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. Contact Host: rexzhang12321@gmail.com