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.