Hero CXO

Alan Giles is the CEO and founder of Fractional Execs in the UK. He has many years as a senior International business leader under his belt, where most recently his engagements have been fractional. In this interview, we discuss what being a Fractional Exec is, how it benefits organisations, and why Alan started his business to support the market opportunity and demand.We discuss his progression from the military into technology, then into Sales and finally into leadership. Think you know what Fractional leadership is? This interview may change that.

This week we welcome Emily Monsell-Holden, founder of Hollow & Hill, a Marketing consultancy.Emily pulls on her two-decade experience to help her customers re-align their business, brand and cultural strategies. She has a fantastic list of customers and experience with the likes of Cafédirect, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Somerset House, Waitrose, The Royal Albert Hall, Foodism, The FT and AMEX.Emily is certified by the Carbon Literacy Trust, a judge on various industry panels, hosts her own "Year-on-Year" podcast, a soon-to-be TEDx presenter(!), all whilst finding time to do a spot of Amateur Dramatics and wild swimming.Enjoy the episode.

Neil helps people become better (and happier!) sellers.He is an accomplished and recognised expert sales trainer and coach, helping individuals at the start of the sales process uncover opportunities and set appointments for sales people.Neil has a varied career across a number of industries and rolls before he found himself working in sales in the Tech Start-Up world.  In addition to this, he is also known as MC SNYE B. - check him out on youtube! In Neil's words, you either win or you learn.

Sandy was part of the team of Chief Engineers to build and deliver the 750S; the latest and greatest supercar from McLaren.Sandy has been at McLaren for over 14 years, his second job out of University.  His expertise in engineering and drive to solve problems and stretch the envelope is clearly evident. In this episode, we talk about his education and career path, the 750S itself, overcoming challenges of having to be McLaren's chosen engineer to be front-of-camera for the vehicle launch, as well as giving advice as to how to get into engineering.

At time of recording, Andrew Rose was resident CISO for the $bn Cyber Security software company, Proofpoint. Andrew is an award winning CISO, public Speaker, Brand Evangelist, Industry Analyst, NED & Board Advisor, CISO Mentor, Ultra runner and keen VR gamer.In this interview we talk about the CISO role and the stress that comes with it. We also cover the cyber security threat landscape, including the cyber warfare between Russia and Ukraine.A delightful and insightful interview which will help and guide any aspiring technology leader into a career of IT Security.

Gautam is an old buddy and ex-colleague of mine. Some would say he was laid back, others would say lazy. I would say that he always found the quickest and easiest way to achieve the best results. Gautam's career is the stuff fairy tales are made of. He started at the bottom of a sales career, prospecting and cold calling, through to Account Executive, to Sales leader, to Cofounder and CEO of his own technology company.In this frank and candid interview, Gautam talks about his career, what it takes to be a CEO and the sacrifices made along the way.  Oneshot.ai is now seeking Series A funding having achieved their financial and product goals to date.  Keep an eye out, this guy, and oneshot.ai is going places.

Paul is an industry veteran when it comes to selling technology. From joining the Royal Air Force straight from school, Paul tells the story of how he accidentally fell into sales and has worked his way up to numerous sales leadership positions. He now finds himself living in Canada, enjoying the local sports but missing his family and warm British beer.  Paul offers some hard hitting advice to those thinking of moving into sales; can they deal with the rejection and long hours to make it work? Sales always looks easier from the outside, and in Paul’s words, “you don’t get to earn great money unless you’ve sweat blood”.

Amy is the Managing Director of Flume Marketing, based in Dubai.  She is straight talking with her passion, grit and discipline clear to see. Amy also talks about her career, how she got where she is today and how life and work is different in the Middle East. We also discussed the relationship between Sales and Marketing Teams as well as the role for AI in content creation in Marketing.

Martin is a seasoned executive who's carried revenue responsibilities and leadership for both global businesses and start ups. He's a rare Brit, in that he's multilingual, and he exploits that in doing business and building relationships with customers. Martin is the leader you aspire to be and he offers frank and honest opinions on his career and what it takes to be a leader. Aside from work, he also talks about his other passions; playing guitar, watching cricket and being a season ticket holder for Reading FC.

Amy hails from the North of England and has a broad career across Project Management and Sales, before she moved into Cyber Security. Amy is the Chief Commercial Officer and co-founder of Capture The Talent, a firm that provides Security testing (Penetration and vulnerability) as well as security training. Amy is no-nonsense and discusses the merits of being your own boss, the challenge of gender diversity (lack of) in the Tech industry and how everyone should have a go at being a sale rep. She also states that not everyone can be a leader and it's OK not to have the aspiration to be C-Suite. Sit back and enjoy.

Eddie is busy running three businesses right now. His career started as a Policeman, then lawyer, then Tech Entrepreneur! Eddie sold his Cyber Security firm for £seven figures and now spends his time building more businesses whilst helping others achieve their dreams with GoFounder.

John is a seasoned sport business executive with 30 years of experience, including the last 26 years as a team’s top executive. Specialist in franchise turnaround, corporate partnership / commercial sales development, top-line revenue growth, expense management, financial / accounting management, sales and marketing and in-house Food & Beverage operations. Experienced in all facets of club operations.

Mark is the Head of Marketing and Communications for Alderhey Children's hospital in Liverpool, UK.  He has a long career in communications and organisational leadership across numerous public sector organisations and charities. In this interview he tells us how he got where he is today, the challenges of working in the NHS during COVID, and offers advice should you be considering a career in Marketing and Communications.

Rob is the co-founder and CEO of Venatus, an advert monetisation platform for gaming, the web and apps.Rob shares how and why he founded Venatus, as well as the benefits of not going out on your own. He discusses advertising in the Metaverse, namely Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft.He has demonstrated a strong history of hiring the right people allowing him to delegate to people he trusts will get the job done.

Series 1, Episode 1. Avinash is the CEO and co-founder of Cyber Knight Technologies, a cyber security technology distributor in the Middle East. He is a lively and colourful character who came from a technical engineering background, progressing through technology sales roles to organisational leadership.  Avinash has an infectious passion and positivity. Since this interview was recorded, Japanese-based and Tokyo-listed public company, Macnica, has entered into talks with Avinash to acquire CyberKnight.