The Business Leader Podcast

High performance. The buzz term du jour on LinkedIn and in the business community. The man who literally has a podcast on the topic has his doubts about whether people actually know its true meaning.Jake Humphrey is a former BBC and BT Sport presenter and the Founder of the Whisper Group, a multi-award-winning company that has emerged as the standout breakthrough broadcast production company of the last twenty years. Besides changing the landscape of broadcasting, the company has also been named Best Place to Work every year since 2017 and worked with a variety of broadcasters including Channel 4, BBC, BT Sport, and Amazon Prime, and produces content for Formula One, NFL, UEFA, and The Paralympics, amongst others.Humphrey's podcast, the High Performance Podcast, is a chart-topping smash hit that has evolved considerably since its launch in 2021. Hosting the podcast alongside Prof. Damian Hughes, the pair speak to some of the planet's most notable high performers and turn them into life lessons applicable to anyone. In this exclusive interview, we talk to Jake about failure, imposter syndrome, why high performance may not mean what you think it means, and much more.Here's what we discussed:What makes a great business leader? (00:13)Could you give us an overview of your career? (02:00)You talk to inspirational people on the High Performance Podcast all the time about mindset. How much do you work on your own positive and determined mindset? (09:38)Could you tell us about Whisper and what led you to set it up? (11:45)You mentioned that you're someone who suffers from imposter syndrome. Do you have tips for people who may be in situations as a leader and feel this way? (18:58)Some leaders get frustrated because their teams don't think the same way that they do. Have you experienced this or come across it on the High Performance Podcast? (22:24)Do you feel like there's a shift to a purpose-driven leadership landscape, compared to years gone by? (29:07)Has your perception of high performance changed since starting your podcast? (34:05)Have you noticed any particular traits that successful people have in common? (44:05)Failure is a part of business. Do you have any tips for people going through a tough period in their business lives? (46:10)The Good News Postcard: What was the defining moment for your company? (51:51)Thanks to Kiaran from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Rebel with a cause” is the term often associated with the president of Seat and Cupra. A quick glance at his LinkedIn reveals that Wayne Griffiths is not your usual business leader. He's a vehement fan of David Bowie, despises suits and ties and is almost always seen sporting jeans and a leather jacket.In 2016, Luca de Meo, who was recently named the most influential and successful person within the global automotive industry by Autocar UK, brought Griffiths over to Seat as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “I remember the first management meeting I attended,” Griffiths recalls, “I said ‘I know you guys think I'm just one of these German guys who will be here for a few years and go back to Audi or VW, but that is not the case.' I knew I was here to stay, and I knew that it was my destiny.” “This shift from combustion cars to electric cars is allowing a lot of new brands to enter the market,” he says. “When you're going through disruption, you need to disrupt yourself or you're going to disappear.” He attributes a lot of this change to the attitudes of the next generation: “I think this generation is looking for something different. They want to drive something different than what their parents or grandparents did, something that stands for their values. The old values of prestige, tradition, status, and luxury; are all taboo. They're looking to define themselves with contemporary values, sustainability, and emotion.”We spoke to Wayne about transforming Audi into a global brand, launching Cupra, and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you give us an overview of your career? (01:14)What led you to join Seat? (05:22)Looking at your career, when did electrification become a priority? (07:53)What was the reaction to your idea of launching a new electric car brand? (11:19)One of the ways you are disruptive is by hiring from outside of traditional industries. Why is that important to you? (14:46)Why have you made it a priority to embrace Spain and Cupra's roots in the country? (18:27)What are your thoughts on the UK Government's delaying of the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles? (22:20) The Good News Postcard: If you weren't a business leader, what would you like to be your job and why? (26:19)What makes a great business leader? (27:15)Thanks to Aleyna from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 minutes a day on personal training and development methods, according to research from the Centre for Management & Organisation Effectiveness. Inspiration can come from books, Ted Talks, podcasts and many more sources. But what about improv comedy?Neil Mullarkey is a unique communication expert who has spent over two decades helping organisations large and small transform their thinking through the power of improv… and yes, that is his real name. His latest book In The Moment provides a powerful case for a more collaborative and creative approach to work and how to achieve it even when embracing hybrid working.We spoke to Neil about the lessons all leaders can take from improv, getting the most out of hybrid and remote workers, and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you give us an overview of your career? (01:17)Was there a specific moment where you thought that the ethos of improv could benefit the business world? (04:20)Can you remember how you felt during that first corporate gig? Was there any imposter syndrome? (11:14)Have you had feedback from leaders saying that your sessions were exactly what they needed? (16:12)Are people surprised that your sessions are much more than just humour? (21:40)Your book includes tips for helping people in remote and hybrid working situations. How did you adapt your own practice during the pandemic? (26:58)Is there a characteristic or work-on that is consistent across your work? (33:55)The Good News Postcard: What was the highest and lowest point in your career and how did you get through it? (37:56)What makes a great business leader? (39:36)Thanks to Heneh from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you haven't heard of disruptive men's health brand Numan, it's time to start taking notice. Since its launch in 2018, the company has helped 430,000 men maximise their health. Having raised over $75m (£61.2m) in funding and boosting a team of over 150 people, the company offers personalised, integrated care in one digital platform and is the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Sokratis Papafloratos. We spoke to Sokratis about learning from a severe business failure, the key belief you need to look out for in an investor, and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you give us an overview of your career? (00:22)When you came to the UK in 1997, was the plan always to get into business? (02:36)Would you call yourself a good employee? (04:00)You sold TrustedPlaces to Yell after four years. Did you scale the company for acquisition, or did you get an offer you couldn't refuse? (05:33)What lessons did you learn from the sale that you applied to your next business ventures? (08:51)After TrustedPlaces, you launched Togethera and Upshot but decided to shut the business down after a few years. You were 36 at the time and had already been through a lot in business, but did you go through any trepidation or self-doubt? (10:08)Sticking with closing down Togethera and Upshot, some people try to raise funds to get out of the hole and some call it a day at the right time. Where would you class yourself on that spectrum? (17:11)Onto Numan – you need funding to pull off this brilliant vision you have. You're not a healthcare expert, but you do have experience in successful businesses. Do investors prioritise experience and vision over expertise? (20:20)You are an angel investor yourself. How much does receiving pitches from people change your thinking when preparing to pitch to someone else? (26:00)Could you tell us about the funding journey with Numan? (27:47)How have you found the experience of hiring people to help you scale Numan? (31:22)Could you tell us about Numan's marketing strategy? (33:57)What does the future hold for Numan? (35:45)The Good News Postcard: What superhero would you be and why? (37:27)What makes a great business leader? (38:32)Thanks to Ella from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I wasn't taught money management at school.” This is a long-held frustration by almost everyone who's attended formal education. But one company has taken matters into its own hands, with the mission to “make every kid smart with money” and become a household name in the process.The entrepreneur behind GoHenry, the financial technology company founded in 2012, is Louise Hill. Targeted at 6- to 18-year-olds, the fintech was born out of frustration after realising that there was nothing in society that could help teach her children how to be good with money in an increasingly digital world. The company now boasts over 2 million members and continues to from strength to strength.We spoke to Louise about creating a new market, the importance of getting out of the way as a good leader, being on both sides of an acquisition and much more.Here's what we discussed:Who is the Henry of GoHenry? (00:20)Could you give us an overview of your career before you set up GoHenry? (03:20)You'd imagine GoHenry to be set up by someone who has a background in the banking sector, which you don't. What made you take the step to start the business? (04:45)Would you say your lack of in-depth industry knowledge was actually a benefit? (06:53)Could you tell us about starting GoHenry with your Co-Founders? (08:07)Could you tell us about your funding journey? (09:09)Fast forward to 2016 and you broke the record for the largest equity crowdfunding on Crowdcube, raising £4m. Crowdfunding was in its infancy at the time, were you drawn to it as it was a disruptor like your company? (12:28)GoHenry can be regarded as a loud disruptor because most parents are aware of the brand. Were you nervous that established financial companies and traditional banks were going to squash your proposition in the early days? (14:45)How did you find the experience of hiring the right people to grow and scale the business? (17:23)GoHenry acquired Pixpay. Could you tell us about how this came about and any challenges you came across? (23:12)Did you pass on potential acquisitions because of a lack of cultural fit? (26:37)You expanded into the US after building a brand in the UK. Did you get frustrated that you had to start from scratch? (27:58)Did you find any differences between building a brand in the US, Europe and the UK? (29:18)You were acquired by Acorns in April 2023. Could you tell us how this came about? (31:40)You've been on both sides of an acquisition – when you acquired Pixpay in 2022 and were acquired by Acorns in 2023. Do you have any tips for people going through the process? (34:10)The Good News Postcard - If you went down a different career path, what would it be and why? (37:32)What makes a great business leader? (39:09)Thanks to Hayden from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Five years ago, AI education was provided by Hollywood. Fast forward to today and AI has smashed through the mainstream zeitgeist, and it's estimated that over 77% of companies across the globe either use or are exploring the use of AI. Working within a variety of industries, including banking, FinTech, and investments, TurinTech has solidified its place as the leader in AI-powered code optimisation. Along with three of his fellow co-founders, CEO Leslie Kanthan launched the business in 2018 with the vision of unlocking the full potential code and data with GenAI. In this exclusive discussion, we talk to Leslie about TurinTech's funding journey, acquiring talent, the negative view of AI, and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you give us an overview of your career to date? (00:11)Could you tell us about Turin Tech? (01:26)What made you take the plunge and actually start your own company? (02:55)You started a business with three close friends. Some people say that it's better to not know your co-founders, some say friends and family are best. Where do you stand on this in hindsight? (05:34)Could you tell us about your funding journey to this point and do you have any tips for companies raising funding? (08:00)How did you find the transition from builder to leader? (10:13)There's lots of talk of a talent shortage in tech. Have you struggled to build the right team to take your company to the next level? (12:13)Can you remember when you first started taking an interest in AI? (17:20)What does the future hold for AI and what changes need to be made to ensure that it doesn't end up being a negative for humanity? (19:42)As someone who works in the industry, do you get frustrated with the negative headlines around AI? (24:17)Is there a technology outside of AI that interests you? (27:50)The Good News Postcard: If you could live on another planet, what would it be and why? (29:03)What makes a great business leader? (29:54)Thanks to Holly from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She has an unstoppable global brand, her name has become a verb synonymous with class and style, she's a former Dragon, a renowned presenter and author, and a champion of British enterprise, Kelly Hoppen is without doubt an icon. However, Kelly's story isn't one of overnight success. She was relentlessly bullied at school, she's dyslexic, she suffered from severely low self-esteem, and her father passed away when she was just 16 years old. At 16 and a half, she convinced her stepfather's friend to let her redesign his kitchen. Around this time, her friend was having an affair with a famous racing driver, so she became the interior designer of his house as a front to their affair… and the rest, as they say, is history. Over the next four decades, Kelly has done work for some of the most well-known names on the planet, from the Beckhams to P. Diddy, and worked with homes, yachts, jets, hotels, restaurants, and more. She's written over a dozen books and won numerous awards.We met up with Kelly at her studio in West London to talk about how business has changed, building a global brand, being a Dragon, and much more. Here's what we discussed:Do you think you're a competitive person? (01:27)Could you give us an overview of your career? (02:20)Do you think you'd still have the same level of success if you started your business today? (04:27)Networking was a big part of your journey. Did you find that difficult as an introvert? (06:18)How did you find developing your leadership style as you grew the business? (08:28)Are there any practices from around the world that you wish we did more in the UK? (10:07)You haven't taken any external funding. Why is that? (11:23)Did you do any investing before you joined Dragons' Den? (13:48)Why is mentorship so important to you? (14:58)Did you have any mentors growing up? (16:27)What would you have done if you didn't go into interior design? (17:13)You are dyslexic. Do you feel that people's views of neurodiversity have improved? (17:49)How has your business been affected by supply chain struggles caused by Brexit and the war in Ukraine? (20:00)How does the current doom and gloom compare to other global crises you've experienced during the history of your business? (21:43) Are you still actively investing in businesses? (22:56)The Good News Postcard: If you went down a different business career, what would you have done? (24:00)What makes a great business leader? (25:14)What is one fact about you that people can't find online? (27:01)Thanks to Hayden from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fast-paced world of digital transformation, Natascha van Boetzelaer shines as a prominent thought leader on all things related to digital talent and organisations.As a seasoned expert based in the Amsterdam office of global leadership advisory firm, Egon Zehnder, she has been instrumental in guiding both disruptive start-ups and established companies through the intricacies of digital capabilities on a global scale.With a diverse portfolio of clients, Natascha collaborates with a wide spectrum of talent, ranging from visionary leaders driving transformation in traditional enterprises to trailblazing entrepreneurs leading pure-play ventures. She also partners with domain experts in critical areas like product and technology, growth, artificial intelligence, and data science, enabling companies to stay ahead of the digital curve.We speak to Natascha about the difference in leadership over the years, the benefit of hiring talent from outside your sector and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you give us a bit of a summary of your career to this point? (0:15)What was it about the entrepreneurial spirit that hooked you, especially in those formative years? (5:37)Was disruption something you actively sought out back then? (6:53)You mentioned spending a few years in Hong Kong after living in the Netherlands, was this quote daunting, especially with your young family, or was it just an incredibly exciting opportunity you couldn't turn down? (8:35)Did you notice a big difference in leadership style between Hong Kong and the Netherlands? (10:56)What kind of differences have you noticed between those leaders that you started with in the early days to the ones you're placing today? (13:22)We've spoken to people who believe that hiring someone that's completely outside of their sector can give their company the edge. Is this something you've noticed? (18:07)There's been a lot of talk about a talent shortage in the UK. Is this something you notice in other parts of the world too? (22:15)What kind of innovation are you seeing at the moment that really gets you excited and thinking this is going to be big in years to come? (24:40)A Goldman Sachs study reveals that 300 million jobs are going to be replaced by AI, but the Institute of Future of Work says 80% of the jobs that will be around in 10-15 years' time don't exist yet. So from a bird's eye view of this, as far as where we are heading, how do you view that, are you excited or a little more cautious? (26:34)As far as the placement of a person goes, would you prefer candidates to be a little bit more visible in their personal branding, or does it depend on the person? (28:09)What's the key improvement that you think some leaders need to really buck up their ideas and really focus on getting better? (31:37)The Good News Postcard: what is your favourite part of your job? (34:13)What makes a great business leader? (34:59)Thanks to Amy from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roc Nation is an undisputed juggernaut. Since Hip-Hop icon Jay-Z founded the company primarily with the intent of signing pop and rap artists in 2008, Roc Nation has grown into the world's preeminent entertainment company. Boasting clients such as Rihanna, DJ Khaled, Jess Glynne, and Alicia Keys, the company announced the formation of a game-changing sports management division, Roc Nation Sports, dedicated to sports representation for professional athletes in 2013. Michael Yormark was brought into the company a year later, and together, they've gone on to revolutionise the world of sports management forever. Meeting Michael at Roc Nation Sports International's London HQ, we spoke to him about being a disruptor, taking inspiration from his clients, the importance of leading by example, and much more. Here's what we discussed:Could you give us a snapshot of your working day? (00:10)Could you give us an overview of your career to date? (01:30)What drew you to sports as a career path? (03:48)You did a great job growing the Florida Panthers brand and that's what caught the eye of Jay-Z. How did you find the experience of growing a winter sport in a warm climate? (05:29)What made you switch over from the organisation side of the business to being a representative of athletes? (08:13)You've got big-name clients at Roc Nation Sports International, such as Kevin De Bruyne, Maro Itoje, Romelu Lukaku, and Siya Kolisi. Is there an X factor that draws you to an athlete that you want to represent? (10:23)You've taken a very specific stragetic move to sign Southern African athletes from a variety of sports. What led you to take such a disruptive decision? (12:57)Do you feel that working with high-performance athletes gives you extra drive with regard to your leadership? (16:05)Many leaders find themselves getting frustrated with the team around them for not being as high-performing as them, and not thinking in the same way as them. Is this something you've found while building your team at Roc Nation? (18:33)Do you believe that some British companies are missing out on growth potential by not tapping into strategic partnerships? (20:41)Why was it so important for you as an organisation to be vocal about societal issues such as racism, and to encourage your clients to do the same? (24:00)The Good News Postcard: If you had any three wishes, would it be and why? (26:56)What makes a great business leader to you? (29:00)Thanks to Hayden from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reviews can make or break a company. What about going on one of the biggest TV shows in the country and having a respected business say, “I like it because it's a good lesson on how not to run and set up a business.”That less-than-glowing review was by ex-career banker turned entrepreneur and business turnaround specialist, Jenny Campbell on the hit BBC show Dragons' Den in 2018. One of the men in the Den that day was Pasta Evangelists' Co-Founder, Alessandro Savelli. Fast forward to 2021 and the company was acquired by the world's largest pasta company, Barilla Group, for £40m.We spoke to Alessandro about bouncing back from a business failure, searching for Co-Founders to start a business with and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you give us an overview of your career? (1:57)Do you think your smartphone business was a bit ahead of its time? (3:39)Towards the end of your smartphone jewellery venture, was there a specific signal that you came across that went this is time to wind this down, or did the market do that naturally? (5:52)Could you tell us a little bit about the genesis of Pasta Evangelists and what your mindset was starting again after the failure of your previous company? (7:07)Your father was an entrepreneur. How much do you think having a support network around you during the difficult times of closing down your previous company helped? (8:54)How did you find the process of finding Co-Founders to help you to grow your business to where it is today? (10:08)How did your partnerships, such as your one with Harrods, come about? (14:56)How did you avoid spreading your business too thin by having too many commercial offerings? (16:35)How did the pandemic affect your business? (19:40)You ended up being acquired by Barilla Group. If you could go back and give yourself advice before this acquisition to make it easier, what would it be? (20:56)Do you consider yourself a disruptor? (23:55)I'm curious about the relationship that countries have with failure. What's the Italian attitude towards failure in a business sense? (26:17)Do you have any tips for business leaders and entrepreneurs who may be going through the fundraising process? (28:17)The Good News Postcard: What is your greatest strength and how does it benefit you? (29:50)What do you think makes a great business leader? (31:46)Thanks to Grace from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over 200 years since its first publication hit the streets, The Sunday Times business section has solidified its role in British culture as a must-read for business leaders and entrepreneurs.“With a nose for scoops”, Oliver Shah has risen to the role of Associate Editor at the publication, even writing a best-selling book along the way. In this exclusive interview, we talk to Oliver about the demise of brash business leader personalities, the current relationship between business and politics, being threatened by Sir Philip Green and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you give us an overview of your career? (03:22)What gave you an interest in business? (04:56)How do you reflect on Brexit? (07:25)You wrote Damaged Goods: The Inside Story of Sir Philip Green in 2018. How did that relationship come about and what led you to write the book? (09:49)Do you feel that the big, brash personalities of well-known business leaders, such as Sir Philip Green, are now a thing of the past? (13:36)You've been around exceptional leaders throughout your career, do any stick our mind in particular? (17:49)Many people, such as Jordan Peterson, are very critical of how ESG is perceived as a silver bullet. What is your view of ESG? (21:13)How do you reflect on the early days of the pandemic? (24:49)Do any post-pandemic success stories stick in your mind? (30:26)A number of companies have delisted from the London Stock Exchange or pulled their potential listings due to a lack of value. Does the Government need to do more to encourage investment and how do you compare them to Lord Mandelson's pro-business approach you mentioned before? (35:50)The Good News Postcard: What is your favourite ever good news story? (39:42)What makes a great business leader? (41:28)Thanks to Leo from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harriet Green is the real deal. She's run some of the world's largest companies and has been banging the drum on the tangible benefits of inclusivity for over two decades. From 2018 to 2020, she served as the Chair and CEO of IBM Asia Pacific, where she focused on driving innovation-led growth within the organisation. Prior to that, she was the leader and founder of the IBM startup Watson Internet of Things from 2015 to 2017. Green's expertise and leadership contributed to the advancement of IBM's initiatives on the Internet of Things domain.Before her tenure at IBM, Green held the position of CEO at Thomas Cook Group from 2012 to 2014. During her time there, she played a crucial role in transforming the company's fortunes. Under her leadership, Thomas Cook Group's market worth skyrocketed from £148m to over £2bn, and the company's share price experienced a staggering increase of 829%. Following the announcement of Green's departure, the company's share value suffered a significant drop of over £350m. This incident highlighted the impact of her leadership on the organisation's financial performance and investor sentiment.In addition to her roles at IBM and Thomas Cook Group, Harriet Green also served as the CEO of Premier Farnell from 2006 to 2012 and has been a board member of BAE Systems, a leading multinational defence, security, and aerospace company. Green's notable achievements and track record in driving growth and innovation demonstrate her strategic vision and ability to deliver substantial results in various industries.We talk to Harriet about how innovation-led growth could get us out of the global economic struggles, restructuring a business with empathy, the importance of building trust with your employees and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you tell us about what Tikkun Olam is and why it's so important to you? (00:55)Could you give us an overview of your career to date? (03:04)How do you reflect on the improvement we've seen in the last few years in regard to ESG? (06:25)You've always been very outspoken about digital transformation before it was widely accepted. Why was that so important to you and where did the drive to make a decision like this come from? (12:10)Could you tell us about how you got your job as CEO of the Thomas Cook Group? (16:38)How do you reflect on your departure from Thomas Cook? (18:46)You oversaw the cutting of over 2,500 jobs at Thomas Cook. How did you deal with making difficult decisions like this and do you have any tips for people who may have to do the same? (25:39)Your career has seen you travel all over the world. Have you seen any business practices that stick out in your that you wish people did more elsewhere in the world? (30:33)Do you have tips for leaders looking to build trust with their employees? (35:36)The Good News Postcard: What's your favourite book and why? (39:49)What makes a great business leader? (42:41)Thanks to Rose from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OCI is a trailblazing commercial process outsourcer that possesses the power to reshape supply chains and propel organisations to unprecedented heights of growth. In addition to bagging the prestigious Overall Scale-Up Business Award at the esteemed 2022 Scale-Up Awards, the company was also named the fastest-growing company in the UK and the third fastest-growing company in Europe.At the helm of OCI, is the company's founder Oliver Chapman. Under his tutelage, since its founding in 2010, the company has ungrown astronomical growth and revolutionised the supply chains of some of the world's largest companies. We talk to Oliver about his hustle mindset at a young age, being a business disruptor, why the UK is anti-industry and much more.Here's what we discussed:Did you always have an entrepreneurial mindset? (00:45)Could you give us an overview of your career? (03:24)Did you find youth to be an asset when you were setting up your business? (08:45)How have you grown OCI to where it is today? (12:01)Have you always been a disruptor in and out of business? (16:50)Could you tell us about how you've overcome the challenges of growing your business? (20:00)You've described yourself as stubborn - how have you found securing the right talent to grow your business? (22:25)What has your funding journey been to this point? (25:22)What real impact have you seen from the war in Ukraine? (29:54)Do you get frustrated when big global issues that affect UK business aren't reported on correctly? (35:00)As an international company, would you say that the UK is an attractive destination for investment? (37:46)What are your long-term plans for OCI? (46:09)Have you had a chance to reflect on your journey and appreciate where you've come from? (50:10)The Good News Postcard: What was your dream job when you were younger? (51:48)What makes a great business leader? (53:57)Thanks to Leo from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adversity. A word associated with so many high-profile business figures since the dawn of time. James Dyson had 5,126 failed prototypes before coming up with his now legendary bagless vacuum. Self-made multi-millionaire Inger Ellen Nicolaisen, Founder of Nikita Hair, overcame being raised by an alcoholic father and being a homeless 15-year-old with a daughter to care for. These inspirational stories shed light on the never-say-die attitude of entrepreneurship.Lewis Raymond Taylor's story is one of hardship and pain but it's also one of the most beautiful examples of how taking responsibility for yourself and your actions can transform the trajectory of your life, both personally and professionally.We talk to Lewis about his upbringing, which included three prison sentences, how he's overcoming the negative stereotype of the life coaching industry and his plans to build his company to become a unicorn in less than a decade.Here's what we discussed:Could you give us an overview of your upbringing? (01:06)Could you tell us about how The Coaching Masters and what led you to establish it? (04:04)Did you have an entrepreneurial upbringing? (09:20)You have a history of being a disruptor growing up - how did you feel about being disruptive in the business world? (14:18)How important is baking IP into your business offering? (17:50)There is a negative stigma of life coaches in the business community – because there are so many of them promising people the world. How do you overcome this stigma? (22:54)What has your funding journey been to this point? (26:42)We're on the tail end of a market where tech valuations were completely through the roof. How have you found the appetite of the investors you're talking to? (28:58)How have found getting the right people around you to help grow the business? (31:55)The Good News Postcard: When you were 10 years old, what job did you want and why? (37:49)What makes a great business leader? (39:45)Thanks to Dexter from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social media. Influencers. Gen Z. There are many businesses and their leaders who still don't fully grasp the importance and scope of these influential terms. One young entrepreneur was on the ground floor of the social media revolution and built and sold a company worth tens of millions of pounds.Timo Armoo is a name you should get to know. We met with him at Servcorp's beautiful office at The Leadenhall Building in London to discuss building his company Fanbytes, the importance of baking IP into a business, what it's like when money hits your bank after an acquisition and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you give us an overview of your career? (02:04)How did you feel selling your first business at 17 for six figures? (06:14)You started Fanbytes as social media was on the rise. Do you think you would have been successful in another period of time? (11:30)Could you tell us about the growth you achieved with Fanbytes? (13:34)What made you choose angel investors over Venture Capitalists, is this something that was premeditated or was this something that developed over time? (17:29)When did you decide to exit the business: did you build an exit strategy to the business, or was there a lightbulb moment during your journey? (20:42)How did you settle on Brainlabs being the company that you were going to sell to? (24:28)What were the craziest moments from the acquisition? (27:43)How important was developing a personal brand to you? (34:00)Why did you find that creating your own technology and systems was so important? (38:21)As someone who started their business at a young age, how were you received in rooms filled with people that were more experienced than yourself? (39:42)Is there any part of you, now that you've exited, that would try and improve the VC landscape? (41:59)Where do you see the tech valuation bubble ending up? (44:02)What technology is intriguing you at the moment? (45:14)Are you putting pressure on yourself for what to do next? (47:08)The Good News Postcard: What is your favourite characteristic and why? (49:42)What makes a great business leader? (50:26)Thanks to Grace from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Obediah Ayton was raised in the UK but began his professional career studying accounting in the United States of America. Upon his return to the UK, he got a job working at a Family Office under a German entrepreneur, learning about buying companies and becoming a keen Investment Analyst. He then set up shop in the Middle East with a dream of building his own companies.Despite starting with nothing, he set up several businesses including an accounting company and a media company, before moving into food and beverage management. Now, he runs a holding company that invests in start-ups and has amassed a loyal LinkedIn following of over 64,000 people. He covers topics such as tips for entrepreneurs looking for funding in the UAE and explanations of ruling families, local family offices and groups.We talk to Obediah about why companies should aim to be camels, not unicorns, how the Family Office ecosystem works in the UAE, and more.Here's what we discussed:Most of the companies are aiming to become unicorns but on LinkedIn you talk about businesses aiming to become camels instead. Could you tell us more about the concept of being a camel? (00:16)Could you give us an overview of your career to this point? (02:24)What drew you to the UAE? (05:02)Could you explain the system that you have in the UAE with regard to Family Offices? (07:04)Have you noticed a trend in the size of company that successfully gains investment in the UAE? (14:21)How does the UAE view companies with large valuations but are still pre-revenue? (18:27)What is the tech scene like in the UAE? (21:26)You mentioned on LinkedIn that Dubai is more B2C and Abu Dhabi is more B2B. Could you tell us more about this? (25:01)No conversation about the UAE is complete without covering the criticisms, regarding LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of the media etc. How is the way the Middle East is viewed around the world regarded there? (26:57)How do companies find looking for talent on the ground in the UAE? (35:21)How are you feeling about the opportunities in the UAE over the next decade or so? (39:42)The Good News Postcard: What's your favourite sport and why? (42:43)What makes a great business leader? (44:58)Thanks to Chloe from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fred Reichheld is a legend in the field of customer loyalty. If you've ever received a text or email asking to rate a product or service, you can thank Fred for that. Although the system isn't without its critics, it's estimated that NPS (Net Promoter Score) is now used by two-thirds of Fortune 1000 companies.Since its initial development in the early ‘90s, Fred developed the NPS system to measure how likely customers were to recommend a company to a friend. His latest book, Winning on Purpose: The Unbeatable Strategy of Loving Customers, builds on the early system and is a must-read for any businessperson pursuing sustainable success.We talk to Fred about the good and the bad of the NPS system, how it's developed over time, how NPS is a key indicator for the quality of a company's leadership and much more.Here's what we discussed:What would a younger you say about your success? (00:14)Could you give us an overview of your career? (01:00)Where did your passion for customer loyalty come from? (02:32)How much has the NPS changed since you first came up with the concept? (05:04)Could you give some examples of companies that you feel have done NPS in the right way? (16:51)Have you noticed differences in the application of NPS across the world? (22:31)Would you say there is a direct correlation between NPS and good leadership at a company? (24:45)Who are the most inspiring business leaders you've met? (30:30)Have you noticed a dip in overall customer service since the pandemic? (34:05)The Good News Postcard: What is your advice to your younger self? (38:40)What makes a great business leader? (40:16) Thanks to Finley from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I don't think there are many organisational psychologists in this world that can claim to be endorsed as a Jedi by Mark Hamill. Professor John Amaechi OBE can. On top of this, John is also an award-winning, international best-selling author, a sought-after public speaker, an executive coach, and the Founder of APS Intelligence. John's CV and list of achievements is a fitting testament to this big thinker (and that's not a reference to his 6 ft. 10 in. stature). Often outspoken, and frequently driven crazy by people who think facts and evidence should bow to opinion, John Amaechi's talks have garnered millions of views online. His passion for topics including building high-performing teams and effective organisational design that maximises productivity have seen him become a frequently cited LinkedIn influencer and bestowed with the accolade of being a LinkedIn Top Voice since 2020.We talk to John about being an introvert, securing talent for his business, his passion for winning, and much more.Here's what we discussed:Some people believe that you need to be an extrovert to be successful in business. You've described yourself as an introvert, so what would you say to this belief? (00:51)Could you tell us what led you to create your business, APS Intelligence? (05:23)Was there a figure in your life growing up that embodied leadership to you? (08:01)Along with being an introvert, you've also described yourself as a lazy person. Why do you feel it's important to talk about this? (10:18)How have you found the experience of securing talent for your business? (14:14)Some business leaders get frustrated that their staff don't think the same way that they do. Is this something you've experienced or seen with your clients? (18:26)Could you tell us about your funding journey with APS Intelligence? (21:55)Could you tell us about your career in the NBA? (23:49)Businesspeople are obsessed with the mindset of elite athletes. How do reflect back on the leaders you encountered in your sporting career? (28:01)Is there still a negative view of failure or do you notice that people are beginning to see the positives that come with failure? (32:20)You deal with a number of business clients at APS Intelligence. Is there a trend that you've noticed among your clients that gets you really excited about the future? (34:57)The Good News Postcard: Within your workplace, how do you maintain respect and collaboration with your colleagues? (39:14)What makes a great business leader? (41:37)Thanks to Oliver from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even if you've never heard of The Sidemen, there's a teenager in your life who has. One of the world's most renowned YouTube factions, this content group is a juggernaut but they need smart representation to make the most of their commercial opportunities. Enter Arcade Media and its Co-Founder, Jordan Schwarzenberger.Jordan's savvy representation has seen The Sidemen launch three fast-growing businesses: fried chicken restaurant Sides, premium alcohol brand XIX Vodka and the official Sidemen membership club, Side+. The group also has an estimated following of over 138.7 million subscribers and an estimated 37.9 billion views.In this exclusive interview, we talk to Jordan about the lessons business leaders learn from content creators, speaking to the biggest brands in the world, developing his leadership style and much more.Here's what we discussed:For those who may not know, could you explain who The Sidemen are? (00:25)Could you give us an overview of your career to date? (04:06)Where do you think your can-do attitude came from? (12:54)Did you always have an entrepreneurial spirit? (16:17)You're in the room the some of the biggest brands in the world. Do you ever get intimidated or have imposter syndrome kick in? (19:01)Could you give us an idea of how many people work behind the scenes for The Sidemen? (23:03)You're still very young but have had to manage a number of teams. How have you changed and developed your leadership style? (26:47)Could you tell us about your funding journey? (30:21)The creator economy is growing rapidly, despite still being in its infancy. What do you see as the risks creator economy? (33:39)What lessons do you think business leaders could learn from the creator economy? (40:05)The Good News Postcard: Are you happy with what you've achieved to date and where do you see yourself in 5 years time? (44:36)What makes a great business leader? (47:24)Thanks to Ben from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making the trip to meet with John Caudwell, founder of the Caudwell Group – which included mobile phone retailer Phones4u – at his house in Mayfair, showed just how far this young “ginger curly-haired boy” from the streets of Stoke-on-Trent has come.We talk to John about his career, his new book Love, Pain and Money: The Making of a Billionaire, selling his baby, why anyone could do a better job than some of our politicians, and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could a business like Phones4u exist today? (03:00)If we went back to speak to a young Caudwell and told him that one day he will become a billionaire, and help over 65,000 children through Caudwell Children, what would your reaction be? (04:19)Could you tell us about the early years of building the Caudwell Group? (06:12)When you were losing money at the Caudwell Group, did any part of you think that it was time to pack it in and admit failure? (08:04)The Caudwell Group was known for having great talent. How did you manage to retain that talent? (09:54)When you exited the business in 2006, was it a difficult decision or did you have your heart set on selling? (11:34)Did you have any seller's remorse after exiting your business? (13:19)Some people believe it's best to prepare for a sale from when you first start your company, but others believe that it can become a distraction while building a business. Which approach do you believe is best? (15:13)The Caudwell Group was well known for its company culture. In a world of working from home, do you think it would be difficult to build a similar culture today? (17:02)What are your thoughts on the trend of companies raising a lot of money, with wild valuations, before even turning a profit? (19:19)What is your prognosis for the UK economy currently? (20:56)There's a train of thought that billionaires should be brought into discussions about policy, and the delivery of those policies because they aren't affected by a four- or five-year campaign cycle like politicians are. What are your thoughts on that? (23:27)Do you feel you've been successful? (24:51)You're a big advocate of sustainability, and you put your money where your mouth is with your developments such as 1 Mayfair. You also famously predicted the 2008 financial crisis before it happened. Looking at sustainability and what is going on in the governments around the world at the moment, what do you think the future holds? (27:12)How did you find the experience of writing your book, Love, Pain and Money: The Making of a Billionaire? (30:06)The Good News Postcard: What has been your most challenging moment and how have you overcome it? (31:52)What is one fact about you that people can't find online? (33:27)What makes a great business leader? (34:19)Thanks to Denis from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Built and sold a company, struggled with alcohol and mental health and launched an investment firm – and he's still under 30. Dominic McGregor co-founded the award-winning marketing agency behemoth Social Chain, boasting clients such as Apple, McDonald's, BBC, and Boohoo.Social Chain grew to a business worth over £300m with 700 staff, alongside Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett. After exiting the business at the age of 27 and having gone through struggles of his own at the start, McGregor was certain that he could assist founders in their business ventures by imparting his knowledge and experiences gained from working at Social Chain. He co-founded Fearless Adventures, a venture capital firm that provides funding and support to founder-led businesses.We spoke to Dominic about developing his leadership style at a young age, tips to raise funding in a turbulent market, his sobriety and much more.Here's what we discussed:What would a younger you say about your career path to this point? (02:53)Could you give us an overview of your career? (04:19)How did you develop your leadership style? (09:09)Do you believe that being young worked in your favour when setting up The Social Chain? (12:20)After selling Social Chain, did you have any reservations about not having a business partner by your side in your next venture? ( 14:06)Could you tell us about Fearless Adventures? (16:19)You set up Fearless Academy, which is a fully funded course to make education free for anyone who doesn't have the means to be able to afford it. Why was this such an important part of the business that you wanted to start? (18:21)Why did you go back to university to study History after you sold Social Chain? (20:32)You've been open about having a problem with delegation previously, what advice would you have for people who are going through the same experience? (21:51)An early venture you started didn't work out, how did you handle that failure? (23:33)What was the most significant challenge you faced?(25:21)How do you personally deal with stress? (27:53)Social Chain came around at the perfect time in history. Do you think that you would have been successful at a different time in life? (30:22)How did you find your experience working with Government on its social media strategy? (32:44)What tips do you have for entrepreneurs going through the fundraising process?(33:34)The Good News Postcard: What was the defining moment for your company?(37:43)What makes a great business leader? (39:24)Thanks to Kiaran from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marmite: beloved by some, and loathed by others. Over the past few years, Matt Gubba has solidified himself as social media Marmite. What began as outspoken talk about the Government's handling of the Covid-19 lockdowns developed into a rallying cry about the potential for Governments around the globe to limit personal freedom. But there is much more to this business leader than many social trolls are willing to find out.In this conversation with Matt Gubba, Founder and CEO of BizBritain, we cover the changing funding landscape, failure, creating the International Liberty Forum, and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you tell us a little bit about your early entrepreneurial journey? (00:37)Could you tell us about what BizBritain does and what led you to set it up? (05:55)Where did your drive to support SMEs come from? (08:42)How has the funding landscape changed since you first set up the business in 2012? (10:33)How did you find taking the reins as CEO of BizBritain? (15:16)You've been a CEO for over 10 years now. Many leaders say the role can be quite isolated. How do you handle this? (17:26)Do you experience moments of self-doubt, and if so, how do you overcome them? (21:34)Do you believe the general view of failure has changed in recent years? (23:24)Do you feel that having entrepreneurialism in the family helped get you to where you are today? (26:29)Could you tell us about the International Liberty Forum? (29:00)With being very vocal during the Covid lockdowns and setting up the International Liberty Forum, you've been very vocal on behalf of the 'little guy'. Where do you think this mentality has come from? (32:40)Would you say you are a happy person? (36:14)The Good News Postcard: Who is your inspiration in business? (39:07)What makes a great business leader? (41:22)Thanks to Maria from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's safe to say that firing yourself is a rather unique experience in business. But this is an entrepreneur that has made a career of challenging the norm and thinking differently. Whether it's taking on the male-dominated insurance industry or questioning the culture of high company valuations (AKA “Ponzi schemes”), she's not afraid to blaze her own trail.With refreshing honesty and unwithering self-reflection, in this conversation with Sam White, Founder of Freedom Services Group & Stella Insurance, we cover being “unemployable”, leading teams across the globe, raising funding as a woman, and much more.Here's what we discussed:If we listed your achievements to date to a younger Sam White, what would her reaction be? (00:23)Were you an entrepreneurial person from a young age? (01:03)Could you give us an overview of your career to this point? (02:17)You describe yourself as “unemployable”, is that something you notice in your peers too? (05:28)You started a psychology degree at university, you have a podcast called “Human Business”, where does your fascination with the mind and what makes people tick come from? (07:20)You've fired yourself as CEO – could you tell us about that story? (10:16)You've always been a disruptor with your businesses, but as this disruptive native always been within you and how did it manifest itself? (13:43)Did you find that leading teams in the US and Australia were different to ones in the UK, and if so, how did you adapt your leadership style? (15:21)What has your funding journey been like? (19:25)You touch on female funding in your own podcast, have you been shocked at the stories you've heard on the podcast and in the female entrepreneurs you come across? (23:10)Have you noticed an improvement since you first started fundraising to now? (25:41)Do we need to change the relationship and view of failure, and did you notice a difference in the attitudes towards failure between the US and elsewhere? (31:47)What are your thoughts on the trend of companies raising a lot of money, with wild valuations, before even turning a profit? (37:48)The Good News Postcard: What is the hardest challenge you've ever faced as a business? (42:06)What makes a great business leader? (43:28)Thanks to Oscar from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest on The Business Leader Podcast rose to fame on Dragon's Den having founded the male cosmetics brand War Paint. Danny Gray's most recent venture is JAAQ, an interactive mental health platform that gives users access to knowledge from experts and known figures with lived experience. We talk to Danny about building a brand in the face of hate, revolutionising an entire industry, and helping people manage their mental health.Here's what we discussed:What was your motivation for starting War Paint? (0:46)You got offers from all of the Dragons after your appearance on Dragons' Den. What was the post-show experience like? (02:41)What were you doing prior to founding War Paint? (04:34)The types of products you have in the War Paint range, like bronzer, foundation, primer, and concealer, are all things that have been a part of the make-up routines of many women for decades. Why do you think these products haven't typically been adopted by men historically? (07:31)This industry is interesting because make-up branded for men is not saturated at all and you can look to the women's cosmetic industry to see specific trends and issues. I think one issue that comes up in women's cosmetics is make-up as a way to achieve perfectionism. How can you be an empowering cosmetics brand instead of perpetuating the issue you were trying to resolve? (13:08)How did you manage to deal with the initial hate you received on social media towards your brand from a business sense? (15:34)Is there such a thing as bad press? (19:29)Could you tell us about your new venture JAAQ? (22:17)Because mental health is sensitive and giving advice on health is serious. How do you ensure the platform is giving sound advice and abides by any ethical rules? (25:23)What is your strategy for scaling your businesses? (28:04)Founding a business, you inadvertently become a leader whether you like it or not. Are you a natural leader? (29:44)How do you manage your own mental health, along with the stress that comes from being an entrepreneur? (32:02)The Good News Postcard: What was the highest and lowest point in your career and how did you get through it? (37:05)What makes a great business leader? (39:08)Thanks to Heneh from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest on The Business Leader Podcast is Ezechi Britton MBE, a tech founder, early-stage investor and a seasoned NED. In addition to roles as chairman of Uome and Strategic Board Advisor for Venture Studio from Crisis, he is also a founding member at VC firm Impact X Capital and Code Untapped, which aims to help coding and tech professionals from minority and ethnic backgrounds access roles in financial services.Here's what we discussed:Could you tell us about your journey to this point? (01:45)What is it that motivates you to get involved in a business? (08:21)In a climate of uncertainty we're in currently, do you have a piece of advice that you give to the companies that you work with that could be relevant to our listeners? (12:33)Would you encourage business founders to remain confident through this period of uncertainty? (14:36)Can founders be optimistic about raising investment? (17:38)How could you get people from minority backgrounds to get investment in a way that's more sustainable? (21:09)What trends are you noticing in the tech space when it comes to diversity? (23:47)Do you feel the pandemic has deepened inequality in the tech sector? (28:55)Do you think the UK tech scene has the potential to match Silicon Valley? (31:23)The Good News Postcard: If you weren't a business leader, what would you be and why? (35:28)What makes a great business leader? (36:49)Thanks to Aleyna from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest on The Business Leader Podcast is Or Lenchner, the CEO of public data collection platform Bright Data. He is also the founder of the Israel-based digital media agency Dmarketing, and was a part of the founding team and head of customer relations for Trophit, a patent-pending technology company.We speak to Or about Bright Data's lawsuit against Meta, the differences between the Israeli and American tech scenes, the importance of public data for businesses, and much more.Here's what we discussed:Can you tell us a bit about your journey to where you are now? (00:38)Did you always want to be a CEO? (03:12)How does the CEO role differ to other C-Suite positions? (05:49)How important is it for businesses to utilise data to inform business decisions? (07:22)There has been a societal awareness about the use of data and controversy around data being unknowingly collected, or data breaches where information is leaked. How do you ensure that Bright Data technology is ethical and safe? (12:00)At the beginning of this year, Bright Data filed a lawsuit against Meta to protect access to public data that the tech company - formally Facebook - has tried to close access to. Why did you think this was important? (14:12)What's the secret to scaling a business successfully and what characteristics are important to have in your core leadership team? (18:39)Did you come across any challenges working in a company that had been acquired? (21:25)Could you tell us about your journey to founding your own company before working at Bright Data? (23:21)How has your military experience helped your career in business? (25:50)As CEO, you have an important role in influencing and cultivating a company culture – what values do you think are important in this culture? (28:14)How does the tech scene differ in markets across the globe - for example Israel and the US? (30:16)The Good News Postcard: If you could choose to be any fictional character, which would it be and why? (32:56)What makes a great business leader? (33:45)Thanks to Tasmin from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest on The Business Leader Podcast is Manny Medina, the co-founder and CEO of Outreach, a Seattle-based sales tech company that reached unicorn status in 2018 and is valued at $5bn. He has previously held positions as CEO at the hiring platform GroupTalent and Director of Business Development for Microsoft.We talk to Manny about the secrets to facing adversity as a CEO, how he scaled a billion-dollar company, and the importance of product-market fit to success.Here's what we discussed:Can you tell us a bit about your journey to where you are now? (00:48)Do you believe your background being different to the normal story of a tech CEO has made you a better leader? (03:01)What attracts you to the idea of being a CEO of a company? (05:37)What do you think is the most important thing in leading a company as a CEO? (07:31)What is the secret to scaling a business to unicorn status? (10:51)When thinking about business development, what is the most important aspect of it? (14:13)How is the economic climate impacting your company and your users? How are you preparing the business for external strain? (17:21)What is the most challenging thing about being a CEO? (20:27)What does it take to be a great CEO and do you ever have moments of self-doubt? (25:49)How did you find the process of restructuring your business and transforming company culture? (29:08)Do you think diversity has been an integral part of Outreach's success? (33:36)The Good News Postcard: What is the best and worst thing about your job? (35:39)What makes a great business leader? (37:14)Thanks to India from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest on The Business Leader Podcast is Sian Gabbidon, the Founder of Sian Marie, a UK-based premium loungewear company. She is a media personality with over 100K followers on Instagram and was the winner of the hit BBC show The Apprentice in 2018. Sian has grown her business from a small swimwear brand she founded in her bedroom, to a known loungewear brand with over 60K followers on Instagram.We talk to Sian about the secrets to creating a unique fashion brand, her experience on The Apprentice, and the role her personal brand has in the success of her business.Here's what we discussed:Could you tell us about your business journey up to this point? (00:45)What was it like becoming an overnight star from your appearance on The Apprentice and how did it affect your business? (05:34)Do you feel that the exposure from being on The Apprentice was more valuable to you then the investment? (07:39)You recently ended your partnership with Lord Sugar. What was the reason for this and was it an amicable split? (09:19)We're in a cost-of-living crisis and a recession is looming - how have you prepared your business for this? (10:52)Do you have any tips on how fashion brands can stand out in a saturated market? (13:48)You have 114,000 followers on Instagram – how important is it for your business for you as a person to cultivate your own personal brand? (16:33)Do you ever just want to turn off the public-facing part of your life because it must require a lot of upkeep? (21:32)Do you feel you received positive support from other business leaders after your win on The Apprentice? (24:40)You've expressed your opposition to fast-fashion brands and how unethical they are – how do you make sure your supply chain and the production of your clothing is ethical? (27:53)Does there need to be a collective psychological shift in the way consumers purchase clothing because of the impact its having on people and the planet? Will this change in our lifetime? (31:28)How did you develop your leadership style? (33:09)What qualities are lacking among today's leaders? (36:14)The Good News Postcard: If you could live in any decade, other than this one, what would it be and why? (38:30)What makes a great business leader? (40:08)Thanks to India from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embracing YouTube before most people had even heard of it, through perseverance and grit, Caspar Lee rose to become one of the biggest content creators on the planet.From his bedroom as a teenager in South Africa, he built his channel amassing a seismic following and leading him to collaborate with many of the world's biggest stars including Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson, Anna Kendrick, Ed Sheeran and Kevin Hart.Caspar leveraged his success and co-founded a global influencer marketing business. The company operates globally with 100+ employees and boasts many of the world's leading brands as clients, including Coca-Cola and Google. He also co-founded Creator Ventures, a $20m VC fund investing in start-ups alongside a syndicate of top creators, musicians, athletes and actors.Here's what we discussed with Caspar LeeCould you explain your background for our viewers? (00:47)When did people start to accept your career as a YouTuber? (02:56)When it comes to becoming a YouTuber, what would you say are the secrets to success? (04:17)What would you say to businesspeople who said they couldn't monetise YouTube? (05:36)How have you found the transition from YouTuber to entrepreneur? (07:32)How have you learnt your leadership skills? (09:31)Running a business of 100+ people is difficult, but especially at the moment. How are you finding this? (10:58)Are there any other markets you'd see yourself going into? (12:44)What do you look for in the businesses you invest in? (14:17)When investing, are you looking for a yield and exit at a certain time or do you have a long-term view of it? (16:23)There was a trend of companies celebrating fundraising instead of focusing on making money. Do you think this is starting to change? (18:04)What are your tips for people looking to raise investment? (19:56)Why do you do what you do? (21:51)Do you find yourself learning from other cultures a lot? (23:14)Do you feel that failure can be a good thing? (24:43)What makes a great business leader? (26:19)Would you like to go into TV? Dragons' Den for example? (27:12)Some people see money as the by-product of doing well - do you agree with that? (28:05)Answer the Internet: What does it mean to build a personal brand? (29:14)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest is the founder and CEO of JBM, an executive search firm working with fast-growing tech start-ups and scale-ups. He is also the host of his own podcast, 40 Minute Mentor, which is one of the top careers podcasts in the UK.We talk to James Mitra about pivoting a business, the executive search market and much more. Here's what we discussed:Can you tell us a bit about your journey up until this point? (00:50)What has been a significant challenge you've faced in growing your business and how did you overcome this? (06:18)How did you know it was the right time to pivot your business? (14:54)What is a common challenge those in executive roles are facing right now? (18:44)It's well-reported and known that we are experiencing a skills shortage in the UK. Why would say are we experiencing this? (25:37)Some experts have said that businesses that focus on talent acquisition will be one of the lucky businesses to succeed this year. Is there any way you are preparing your business to capitalise on this? (30:16)Is success based on hard work or luck? (35:09)Good News Postcard: If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be and why? (38:54)What makes a great business leader? (40:41)Thanks to India from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we say farewell to 2022 and welcome in a new year, what is the state of the UK M&A market? To find out, we've spoken to the CEO of specialist M&A advisor BCMS, Jonathan Dunn.With over three decades of industry experience, Jonathan talks all things M&A in 2023, as well as trends to look out for and comparisons to the Great Recession.Here's what we discussed:What were some of the key M&A trends that we saw in 2022? (00:56)How did Trussonomics and the short-lived Liz Truss government impact the M&A market? (03:23)Did the post-pandemic M&A boost continue in 2022? (05:36)What M&A trends might we see continue from 2022 to 2023? (07:56)How would you compare this financial time against other times of turbulence, such as the Great Recession in 2008? (09:48)How important is the role of confidence as opposed to cautiousness in boosting M&A? (12:55)Which industries do you think will experience an M&A boom in 2023? (15:50)Which industries might suffer in 2023? (17:34)Are we likely to see a change in buying and investment in the UK from overseas? (18:39)Is overseas confidence in UK business changing in any way? (20:18)Are there other M&A trends you think we'll see in 2023? (21:31)What advice would you give to a seller going into the new year? (22:48)The Good News Postcard: Would you rather only be able to travel to the past or only be able to travel to the future and why? (25:42)Thanks to Mia from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that's good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest is a partner at Local Globe and Latitude and a board member at Innovate Finance. Yvonne Bajela is a founding member and VP at Impact X Capital, a venture capital firm investing in companies led by underrepresented founders at the Seed and Series A stages.Previously a Senior Investment Manager at Mitsui & Co, she led over $200m in investments in companies including TransferWise, and has played a pivotal role in leading a wide range of investments in companies including Predina and Marshmallow while at Impact X.Here's what we discussed:How did you get into investment? (01:05)Did you have role models growing up that were in the sector you work in now? (03:06)You were a Senior Investment Manager at Mitsui & Co. and were the youngest investment manager across 90,000 global employees within the group. Have you ever been intimidated being in these positions or have you felt largely comfortable being in the roles you've been in? (05:05)What do you look for in a business when deciding to invest in it? (06:34)For companies you look to invest in, would you say the team is more important than the product or service itself? (07:47)What is the difference between a business that makes it and a business that doesn't? (08:23)Do you see luck as a factor in the success of a business? (09:09)What questions should a business owner ask an investor to make sure that they are the right investor for them? (10:23)How can business owners grab the attention of investors? (11:35)Do you think being an extroverted business leader helps when it comes to gaining investment? (13:06)From your work with businesses, would you say there is a common flaw you might see come up time and again? (13:46)How do you think the investment space will change as a result of the global economic crisis? (14:57)How can businesses continue to achieve funding despite the economic conditions? (17:02)Why did you feel there was a need for a venture capital firm like Impact X Capital? (18:09)What implications does it have to not have more diverse people in investment? What does it mean for the business landscape of the future? (18:51)It's important for there to be investors from more diverse backgrounds. How can entrepreneurs or those from a finance background break into investment? (19:59)How have you dealt with failure? (20:59)Is there any particular factor that comes into play when a business fails? (22:16)From working with various business owners, what would you say is the most effective way to lead? (24:25)What kind of challenges can arise in a relationship between a business owner and an investor? (25:31)What is the benefit of having a company board? (27:39)What is the power of having a NED on your board? (29:27)Answer the Internet: Why do business owners need investors if they have a steady stream of revenue? (30:40)What makes a great business leader? (31:52)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dubbed a child prodigy, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE was the youngest girl to pass A-level computing at 11 years old. She then went on to receive a Master's in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Oxford at the tender age of 20.Having held positions at Goldman Sachs, Hewlett-Packard and Deutsche Bank, Imafidon is no stranger to having a seat at the table. However, she soon realised the table was far from diverse. In between stints on Channel 4's Countdown and running her own project, Stemettes - a social enterprise that aims to empower and enable young women in the STEM sector.This very special interview is brought to you by Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate.Here's what we discussed:You had quite an unusual school experience. Would you describe what growing up was like for you? (01:09)Did you have any role models growing up? (02:04)What was the driving factor in you applying yourself at school? (05:45)What keeps you motivated now? Especially in your work with Stemettes? (09:23)Why have women and girls traditionally been excluded from STEM subjects and industries? (13:58)What motivated you to start Stemettes and use your experience and knowledge to enable and help other girls and women? Why is this an important issue? (23:34)It's known that female business owners face more barriers in starting a business and achieving funding. Is there anything specific you did to achieve initial funding? (29:58)How do keep motivated? (32:41)What would you say is the biggest technological threat of the future? (35:36)Do you ever doubt yourself or have negative self-talk? (42:01)How do you view failure and adversity in your professional and personal life? (44:40)Questions from Queen Ethelburga's students (48:47)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest is the founder of Enter the Arena, a business coaching company that aims to empower female business owners in investment. She is a serial entrepreneur and an expert in raising investment and scaling businesses, she is also the recent author of the book RAISE: The Female Founder's Guide To Securing Investment. Here's what we discussed:Can you tell us a bit about your journey up until this point? (00:56)Did you have any role models in your early business life? (03:30)Was there anything in particular that drew you into helping other businesses grow? (05:11)Why do you feel investment into female funded businesses in an area that needs particular attention? (07:00)Only 15% of venture funding goes to female founders and only 6% of scale-up companies are led by women. Why are there so few female business owners? What are the barriers women face in getting into business? (09:40)Because the business world is male-dominated, the space may understandably seem intimidating for women, how can women who are at the start of their journey or thinking about going into business approach going into business if they do feel intimidated? (13:31)Which sectors do female business owners receive the most amount of funding? (17:04)Can there be opportunities during this period of time? And what can a business owner do to scale their business even in a global recession? (19:22)Is there a common doubt or issue that you see across all of the female founders you work with? (22:22)Businesses are part of the fabric of society, so when there aren't many female business owners what implications does this have on society? (27:23)How can our listeners tackle raising investment in the wake of a global economic crisis when investors are likely holding onto cash during this period? (30:56)Answer the Internet: What are investors in a start-up allowed to do? (33:42)What makes a great business leader? (35:32)If a female founder reads your book and realises that they don't want to raise funding, what would be your advice to them? (37:23)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest is the co-founder and CEO of Daaci, an AI music composition platform. Rachel Lyske is a vocal coach at the BRIT School of Performing Arts, having worked with artists signed to record labels including Dirty Hit, Atlantic, Infectious and Square Leg Records and is a music consultant for the music exam body ABRSM.Here's what we discussed:Can you tell us a bit about your journey and how you went into the music industry? (00:58)Did you always know you wanted to be a CEO and founder? (08:05)Are there any characteristics that you've taken from your time as a composer in the tech world? (11:22)Does this type of technology get its information and data from popular music that already exists? Are you having to be aware of the potential ethical consequences of a technology like this – for example, copyright? (14:17)Have you had much backlash about the Daaci offering (from the music industry for example)? (18:33)Do you see AI becoming an integral part of other creative industries outside of music? For example, in film? (22:15)There are fears about the likelihood of AI taking jobs once performed by humans. Where does this kind of technology leave the job of composition done by humans? (25:20)In 2022, you secured £4m in seed funding. What was your process in achieving this funding and do you have any advice for our listeners on how they can achieve funding? (28:54)Reports say that only 3% of VC funding goes to female-founded businesses – have you experienced any challenges as a female founder? (32:09)Answer the Internet: How do people get AI to do what they want? (34:49)What makes a great business leader? (36:09)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest is the CEO of Babbel, a language learning platform and ecosystem that has sold more than 10 million subscriptions and over 60,000 courses for 14 different languages.Arne Schepker joined the company as CMO in 2015 before taking the role of CEO in 2019 and scaling the business from a start-up to a household brand, increasing its headcount from 250 to over 750.Here's what we discussed:Can you tell me a bit about what your life was like growing up and how this has led you to the point you're at now? (0:57)You helped scale Zalando before you joined Babbel. What is the secret to effectively scaling a business? (05:14)Did you always want to be a CEO? (08:05)What can leaders do to make their team work to the best of their ability? (12:39)How do you as a CEO cultivate healthy conflict in your organisation? (14:55)How did you utilise the pandemic to your benefit? (17:22)What has been your biggest challenge either as a company or you as a CEO personally? (22:01)Has learning changed due to shorter attention spans/social media/convenience culture? (27:25)You've experimented with holocracy and self-management at Babbel – can you explain what this is and why you find this interesting? (31:56)Answer the Internet: How do people become CEOs? (37:25)What makes a great business leader? (38:15)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest on this episode is a former UK Special Forces operative, best known for appearing on the hit Channel 4 TV show SAS: Who Dares Wins. He is also the Founder and Managing Director at BreakPoint, a training company that utilises special forces techniques to deliver courses and workshops for corporate teams and leaders.This is our conversation with Ollie Ollerton.Here's what we discussed:You definitely need to have a particular personality type to join the special forces – so what was your life like growing up and what motivated you to join the special forces? (0:55)Do you believe that people who have experienced a great deal of adversity, pain and trauma are the ones who are more likely to have better discipline, willpower, resilience and motivation? (14:01)When going through those points of discomfort, how can you motivate yourself to continue striving for that end goal? (18:57)How do you deal with self-doubt? (24:34)With the work that you do with managers and leaders, what would you say is the most common limiting belief these people have? (28:09)As a business leader, how can you cultivate camaraderie and cohesiveness? (31:57)How do you think business owners can deal with adversity involved with navigating uncertainty? (37:22)What did being faced with the possibility of death so frequently teach you about life? (41:05)Answer the Internet: How am I supposed to find motivation in life? (46:29)What makes a great business leader? (49:00)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When some people talk in the business world, you can't help but sit up and listen. Whether he's tackling tough subjects or helping leaders through his speaking and facilitating skills, our guest on this episode is a self-proclaimed compassionate provocateur that you need to take note of.David McQueen is the co-founder of the professional coaching company Q Squared and Black Founders Hub, a network for black-owned high-growth businesses. He is a Non-Exec Director for Forbes Family Group and Our Game Football, a public speaker and coach to executive-level leaders and the host of The Brave Leader Podcast.Here's what we discussed:You have an interesting story because you were an accountant and then you went into IT and now you are a business founder and a speaker and coach. Can you tell us a bit about your journey to where you are now? (01:01)You being a charismatic and funny person lends itself to your own public speaking style, and people really relate to your authenticity. Do you think being authentic is important in being a good leader and speaker? (04:40)On your LinkedIn, you post a lot about being your authentic self and being - do you think people should be the same version of themselves at work and out of work? (06:45)What role does self-esteem have in an executive's ability to lead well? (09:46)How can business leaders recognise their strengths and weaknesses? (12:34)When it comes to resilience, how important is it to have a team that is honest and will give honest feedback? (14:33)How can business leaders navigate the personalities of their team members and manage conflict? (17:10)How important is having the personality type where you don't take things personally in being a great leader? (20:52)What is the importance of defining a company narrative and values? How can business leaders do this? (25:11)How can business founders ensure they are considering diversity in every business decision and not just paying lip service/tick-box exercise? (28:34)Do we need to speak about race more in a professional setting and how can we speak about these topics? (36:50)Answer the Internet: How is company culture formed? (47:17)What makes a great business leader? (48:45)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Confused by AI? The metaverse? AR? How will it affect your business? Do you even need to take any of this seriously? This episode's guest is Bernard Marr, a best-selling author, influencer, futurist and strategic business and technology advisor to governments and businesses. His books, which explore data, performance indicators, business management and business trends have been translated into over 20 languages and won multiple awards. One of his most recent books Business Trends In Practice focuses on the future events and circumstances shaping the way businesses operate.Here's what we discussed:Can you tell us a little bit about your experience growing up, your journey and what lead you into business? (01:04)A lot of your work focuses on the intersection of business and technology. What made you interested in this merger? (03:43)Do all businesses from any sector need to keep up with developments in AI and the utilisation of data? (06:01)How will AI impact jobs that are currently done by humans? (15:15)One thing you pick up on is the pace at which technology is advancing – you say it's advancing exponentially at a rate never seen before in history – what are the benefits of this but what are the potential risks? (21:23)You talk in your book about the shifts in global power trend very interesting – that countries like China and India will become more powerful than the US. You also speak about the rise in political and cultural polarisation and use things like Brexit and the Trump presidency as examples of this increasing polarisation. How do these factors impact businesses? (25:01)Is the metaverse a threat to business or a positive development? (30:52)Answer the Internet: Why is Blockchain Technology (and cryptocurrencies) promoted as something "big", "revolutionary", and "never seen before", if it's just a technique to account for transactions? What is so revolutionary about using blockchain to make transactions? (43:13)What makes a great business leader? (47:18)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can business leaders learn from comedians? Dealing with failure? Speaking to crowds? Relating to an audience? What about using the lessons learnt from a breakup to make yourself a better leader? Our guest on this episode is an award-winning stand-up comedian, best-selling author and host of ‘The Breakup Monologues' podcast, Rosie Wilby.Rosie's latest book, The Breakup Monologues: The Unexpected Joy of Heartbreak, explores what skills someone can learn from breakups and why they can actually be beneficial. She's also the founder of a boutique music PR agency and a patron of the LGBTQ charity Switchboard. We talk to Rosie about building resilience, failure and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you tell us about what growing up was like for you and how you got into comedy? (00:59)What role has your sexuality had in either excelling your career or holding you back? (07:58)There's a belief that many comedians have faced adversity or had some problems that made them turn to comedy. Do you think this is true? (13:23)A big part of stand-up is failure. How have you learnt from those negative experiences? (16:34)Confidence in yourself and being able to speak in front of lots of people is an essential part of their job. Do you have any advice for our listeners on how to develop this skill and ultimately not care so much about what others think of them? (18:42)Resilience is a big part of being a comedian because you persistently face rejection. How do you build resilience? (21:44)What challenges have you seen people have with professional relationships in the workplace? (25:23)Why are breakups so important in teaching us life lessons? (28:37)Answer the Internet: How do you get over a fear of public speaking? (34:07)What makes a great business leader? (36:51)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Donnelly is the co-founder of Lottie, the care home comparison platform that has changed the sector forever. Previously the founder of VERB, a digital marketing agency for luxury and premium brands, Chris has been on the receiving end of numerous accolades, including being named in Forbes' 30 under 30 in 2020.He hit the headlines across the country for giving staff the day off to go to the pub when the world opened up after a lockdown. But Chris Donnelly has a strong track record of cultivating a positive workplace culture. His employees get time off if they suffer a miscarriage or are going through IVF. Chris is one of the most reflective and open guests we've had on the podcast. This is our conversation with 'Britain's best boss'.Here's what we discussed:What was it like getting the title of 'Britain's Best Boss'? (01:29)You let men and women alike take time off if they suffer a miscarriage, and you recognise IVF treatment and adoption as times employees can have time off too – why is it important to recognise these moments in the workplace? (02:20)Your business partner is your brother. How has the experience of running a business with a family been for you? (03:51)How do you vet care homes to ensure they aren't just paying lip service to residents? (08:07)Lottie is now valued at £45m and it was founded at the beginning of 2021. What is the secret to scaling so rapidly? (10:38)You recently acquired another company Found for £1.5m. Were there any challenges you faced during this experience? (13:40)Do you have any tips for people going through the process of an IPO? (16:24)You post a lot about workplace culture on LinkedIn. What kind of workplace culture do you try to cultivate and why is it essential for business leaders to consider culture as important? (20:49)Have you experienced backlash from your well-publicised incentives for your employees, such as having the day off after the lockdowns or letting people have time off for IVF treatment? (23:47)Where did you the motivation to start luxury marketing agency VERB? (25:59)You achieved funding for Lottie from some big names – (Angel and Zoopla exec David Wascha and former Airbnb and Facebook Director Caroline Hudack and Monzo founder Tom Blomfield to name a few) – how can listeners attract the attention of big-name investors? (30:11)What is the hardest thing about being a business founder? How have you overcome this challenge? (37:12)Answer the Internet: What do CEOs do all day? (40:08)What makes a great business leader? (41:30)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you talk to Steve Oliver, the Founder and CEO of musicMagpie, you can see, hear and feel how the upbringing he received from his parents and the links they built between the business they ran and the community they serve, has influenced him. Operating with a sense of purpose and duty, we met with him at his office to talk about his business, his recent IPO and his views on a whole host of topics.Here's what we discussed:Could you tell us about your upbringing? (00:31)Your father owning a post office must have had an influence on you? (01:53)Do you feel time is repeating itself and you're a community-driven businessman now? (03:15)Moving onto musicMagpie, the business had thirty shops initially, but you took the brave decision to close these and go fully online. Could you tell us about this? (04:32)How long did it take to make the decision? (06:14)Moving forward, can you tell us why you felt an IPO was the right thing for the business? (08:09)What is your advice to anybody considering an IPO? (11:27)Did you let your staff know that you were going through the process to IPO? (15:13)Has your leadership style changed since you've become a listed company? (16:55)You have spoken a lot about musicMagpie's commitment to sustainability – where does this passion come from? (18:46)Do you feel the role you play is insignificant though - if Russia, China, the USA, Brazil and India don't act, for example? (21:05)Should there be harsher punishments for companies that greenwash or don't act now? (22:10)What is the next big challenge that you want to undertake? (22:58)Revenues have dipped recently – can you tell us why? (24:47)Are you able to attract the talent you need being based in Stockport? (28:04)What is your view on working in the office or remotely? (29:21)You mentioned leadership there - do you believe the command-and-control style of leadership is dying out? Will we see another Sir Alex Ferguson? (32:03)Could you tell us about your expansion into the US? And do you have aspirations of further global expansion? (34:18)Is your management style different in the UK and US? (36:20)Do you feel that Britain is becoming less great? (38:14)In your opinion is broken Britain fixable? (40:27)What do you do to relax and switch off? (41:55)What makes a great business leader? (43:37)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest on this episode is an award-winning leadership coach, speaker, educator, and author of the book Real Wins, which draws on her experience coaching in sport, government, and education. She has had roles spanning across these sectors and has transformed the lives of professionals, young people, athletes, and the internal culture of many organisations. Her pioneering work and coaching and leadership programmes have transformed the lives of professionals, young people, athletes and the culture of many organisations.This is our conversation with Michelle Moore.Here's what we discussed:Can you tell me about your experience from school age to where you are now? (01:03)How can someone identify what their own individual values are? (13:43)Why do you think it's so important to "define success on your own terms"? (17:18)Within entrepreneurialism, many business leaders feel they need to be high functioning in every aspect of their life. Is this culture problematic? (23:08)What did your experience as an athlete teach you about life? (27:59)What are your top tips or techniques for dealing with adversity? (31:07)What lessons should you take away from a 'win'? (34:43)Answer the Internet: Where does self-worth come from in a person? (40:48)What makes a great business leader? (43:07)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The business world's attitude towards mental health has undergone a sizeable transformation in the past decade. But one young entrepreneur is refusing to accept the slow rate of change and "one-size-fits-all" approach.Our guest for this episode founded an app offering 1:1 therapy, counselling and career coaching sessions after suffering depression due to an undiagnosed health issue. MyndUp now services over 50,000 employees from global brands, including Savills, Dentons, CVC, The Prince's Trust, and Avast.This is our conversation with MyndUp founder and CEO, Joel Gujral.Here's what we discussed:You've been open about your struggle with mental health and how this motivated you to start MyndUp – what was your experience like and how did it lead you to this point? (0:55)What was your own personal journey and story to founding the business? (04:34)How did failure in your early businesses affect your scaling of MyndUp? (06:25)Do you think society's understanding of mental health is flawed? (09:38)Do you think there needs to be this double-edged approach to mental health - psychology and life coach? (11:15)What impact has the pandemic had on mental health? (12:38)Are large organisations just paying lip service providing mental health services or does it even matter because employees are benefitting? (14:03)Could offering good mental health support help a business? Such as improved productivity and team cohesion? (15:28)Have mental health issues risen or are we just more aware of them? (17:07)Is flexible working good or bad for mental health, or is it too soon to tell? (20:06)What can business leaders do to support their team members when it comes to mental health? (21:55)What are the strengths of being a young entrepreneur? (24:55)Do you have advice for young entrepreneurs who may experience imposter syndrome because of their age? (26:00)How did you secure funding? (27:27)How do you balance your own mental wellbeing whilst being the CEO of a company? (30:44)Answer the Internet: How much does it cost to create an app? (35:55)What makes a great business leader? (37:14)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world of investment. The confusing old boys club - or at least that's the perception. Is that a fair characterisation? In this episode, we talk to a renowned chairman and non-executive director who's literally written the book about the world of investors.David Pattison cut his teeth in the world of advertising and has now become one of the UK's leading voices for young businesses. A graduate of Harvard Business School, David has been on all sides of the M&A process, including leading two exits with significant multiples, managing mergers, building international networks, working with private equity and venture capital, fundraising, acquiring businesses and running large multi-country P&Ls. His new book The Money Train explains everything founders need to know about investors and is a must-read for business leaders.Here's what we discussed:How did your time at Harvard Business School set you up to be an entrepreneur? (01:00)Is intuition a big part of what makes a successful entrepreneur? (06:02)What was the experience of scaling your own business like? (10:03)Should entrepreneurs think about their exit strategy when they are starting? (15:07)What is the most common or biggest mistake entrepreneurs make? (18:00)Say an entrepreneur has just set up a business – how can they know which type of investor to seek out? (21:50)What are the most common challenges businesses have in investment and how do they overcome it? (25:45)In your book, you distinguish between a rational and emotional investor – what differentiates these two types of investors? (29:59)Can a business that goes through the process of due diligence before an investment become a better business? (33:59)How can people effectively scale their business and achieve funding during a recession? (36:33)Answer the Internet: Why do people invest in making businesses when they would probably get a better return and far less hassle with even a conservative diversified stock portfolio? (41:10)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

From being a Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel to founding an innovative cyber security and data analytics company, Oz Alashe MBE has solidified his place as one of the UK's leading voices in the tech sector.A man who's made a name for himself walking the walk, Oz has a passion for cyber security, impactful leadership and social equality. His background has given him a unique insight into the socio-technical realities and human aspect of cyber security.He also has a decorated track record of developing strategy, driving innovation and leading implementation in both the public and private sectors. Here's what we discussed:What inspired you to get into cyber security? (0:44)How has your military experience transcended the world of cyber security? (03:13)What are currently the most common cybersecurity threats? (05:36)What exposed you to the world of tech and led you to set up your company? (07:42)Why do you feel it's important to focus on human errors and the roles humans play in cyber threats? (10:51)What are the most common human-caused errors that open up a business to the threat of cyber attacks? (13:10)What can businesses do to reduce the risk of cyber attacks? (17:10)How has the pandemic and working from home impacted the threat of cyber attacks? (21:59)How will cyber threats change in the future? (24:37)You've recently raised £22.4m in a Series B funding round. Could you tell us what the process was like and do you have any tips for other founders going through that process? (29:56)How has your leadership style and technique changed as your business has grown? (34:56)Answer the Internet: Why aren't cyber attacks something worthy of a declaration of war? (39:35)What makes a great business leader? (41:37)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

You're 26. You've just founded your own company. You've just met the love of your life. And then you find out you're going blind. Liz Jackson MBE is not your usual entrepreneur. Today is Co-Owner and Sales and Marketing Director and Co-Owner of global mergers and acquisitions company BCMS, but there is so much more to her story than that.This is her story in her words and an episode of The Business Leader Podcast you will not want to miss.Here's what we discussed:What has your journey been like from when you were at school to now? (01:01)Did you have any role models growing up who inspired you? (03:56)Can you explain how you went blind at the age of 26? (05:40)How did you overcome that challenge and maintain the confidence of your teams when this happened? (09:03)What is the most common mistake made by businesses during a merger or acquisition? (12:31)What risks should business leaders avoid that could affect an exit? (19:17)What are some of the unique challenges in acquiring a business overseas? (21:31)Could you tell us about Diamonds and Colours? (22:47)Is there something fundamentally unique and beneficial about being a female leader? (25:54)What would you say is the most significant realisation you've had about being a leader? (29:48)Why is it important for an entrepreneur to not treat their business like their baby? (35:23)What advice do you have for female leaders or entrepreneurs that are looking to get into executive roles but may lack confidence? (38:43)Answer the Internet: In a business merger, what happens to the executives in each of the companies? (41:55)What makes a great business leader? (42:56)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vegan. A polarising word that has divided people for decades. No matter where you stand on the spectrum of feeling toward veganism, it's largely accepted that the cause has an image problem. Confrontational. Angry: these are just a few of the terms regularly associated with the movement. Earthling Ed, aka Ed Winters, is well aware of this and has become a beacon for the cause with his speech and debate style. His viral debates and stream of content have amassed millions of views online. Ed has spoken at over 1/3 of UK universities and has taught as a guest lecturer at Harvard University in both 2019 and 2020. He's also founded two restaurants and an animal sanctuary, housing over 100 animals rescued from slaughterhouses. In this episode, we talk to Ed about the power of persuasion, using empathy to connect with people in conversations and much more.Here's what we discussed:Can you tell us about your journey to becoming vegan? (01:08)Can you tell us about your journey to becoming known/famous? (02:55)You are known for your videos debating the public about their views on veganism. Has your debate style changed the longer you've done these? (06:14)Have you always had the type of personality to put yourself out there in front of people to seek a solution? (10:03)What skills do you need to be someone who can debate in a healthy way? (14:01)How can you ensure that you don't miss the point of what someone is trying to communicate by being offended? (17:43)Many of our listeners are business owners who need to utilise the power of persuasion to get people to believe in their idea and help them secure funding. How have you mastered the power of persuasion? (25:50)How did you develop your own personal brand into something that now makes you money and sustains you? (28:36)How can you really make sure that every aspect of your business's supply chain is living up to its claim to be ethical and sustainable? (33:51)What is an example of a brand that is saying that they are ethical and sustainable and actually living up to this? (38:16)Do entrepreneurs ever pitch to you for investment? (42:37)Have you looked for investors in your business ventures? (44:53)Answer the Internet: Can you explain the argument that consumers should be responsible for climate change when 100 companies are responsible for most of the emissions? (45:49)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can the man who helped orchestrate the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan teach you about improving your business? The answer is quite a lot. The guest on this episode is Chris Paton, who has had roles in the French Ministry of Defence, UK Ministry of Defence, and the Royal Marines before founding a consultancy that supports businesses to become more effective and improve their culture and performance.Here's what we discussed:Can you tell me a bit about your path to founding and now working as the MD of Quirk Solutions? (00:53)Is there a parallel between the types of people that go into the army and then the types of people that go into business? (04:09)What are the characteristics of a great leader? (06:48)How did you end up in the military and what was your experience like? (09:59)How can a business leader enable their team to work in an effective way without micromanaging? (13:00)You helped businesses adjust back to a post-pandemic world. So many companies and organisations would talk about how this was an opportunity to reset and reshape the way they operate for the better – have you witnessed this? (17:00)From your work, do you think there is a common mistake most or many businesses make? (20:07)Now businesses face a potential economic crisis and supply chain crisis caused by the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and lockdowns in China. What advice would you give to a business on how to navigate this? (28:46)Do you think gaming is something that businesses should do regardless of big 'norm-changing' events like the pandemic? (36:09)Answer the Internet: Am I a bad employee or I'm at the wrong place? (41:19)What makes a great business leader? (44:04)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday. The company that's stolen a day of the week and reinvented the way that dating apps work. Imagine creating a business model where your product only works one day a week. It's not exactly the recommended strategy in any business manual but for the past few years, dating app Thursday has taken social media by storm with their viral stunts and unique personality. The company is happy not fitting in with the norm and founders George Rawlings and Matt McNeill Love have serious ambition. If you think you know Thursday and its story, think again. If you've never heard of them, it's time to pay attention. This is an interview you won't want to miss.In this exclusive interview, we sat down with the founders of Thursday to discuss their fast-growing brand, the funding landscape, their approach to marketing and much more.Here's what we discussed:Could you tell us about your background before setting up Thursday? (00:42)What led you to start a dating app? (03:28)For those who don't know what the app is, could you talk us through the user journey? (07:39)Are you worried that the idea for Thursday doesn't have the longevity you'd hope? (12:38)How have you funded the business to this point, and do you have any tips for people going through the process of raising? (14:53)Could you tell us about your approach to marketing and if it's got you into any hot water? (24:50)How do you generate your marketing ideas? (28:15)How do your personal brands fit into the overall brand identity of Thursday? (29:58)How does the wording and attitude towards marketing compare between the UK and US? (34:10)Everyone's very quick to claim to be offended. Do people need to chill out more and can brands like yours help achieve this? (36:30)Being co-founders can be tricky. Do you two ever clash? (37:30)Do you worry that you'll lose the energy and vibe you have as the business continues to grow? (38:37)You're still only a year or so in but do you think about an exit or IPO? (39:21)Have you considered other verticals outside of dating, such as business networking? (40:27)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our guest for this has held executive roles at Barclays, Barclaycard, and American Express. Now, Sarah Webb is the President for UK & Europe at OFX, where she is responsible for all commercial growth in the region. She has a wealth of experience in leadership and 20 years of experience in bank payments.In this exclusive interview, we discuss imposter syndrome, how to encourage women to get into the finance sector and much more.Here's what we discussed:Did you always know you wanted to work in finance and technology? (00:54)Did you have any role models that inspired you growing up? (01:38)Do you feel like you've faced any barriers as a woman in finance? (02:37)What leadership skills have you cultivated to create your style of leadership? (08:39)Have you experienced imposter syndrome and do you feel that women are more susceptible to it? (11:52)What advice would you have for women looking for roles in finance? (14:00)What would you like to leave as your legacy in the role? (15:59)What leadership traits and characteristics do you like and dislike in people? (17:36)How can you cultivate healthy disagreement in a team? (19:41)Do you see inflation subsiding globally sooner, rather than later? (21:36)For those that don't know, what makes a currency strong? (23:45)Answer the Internet: If joy became the national currency, what kind of work would make you wealthy? (25:42)What makes a great business leader? (27:06)Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world's leading business figures. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.