Top 100 most popular podcasts
What if becoming mortgage-free wasn?t about earning more money, but about using what you already spend more intelligently?
In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Jinesh Vora, Founder and CEO of Sprive, the UK fintech app helping homeowners pay off their mortgages faster without changing their lifestyle.
Jinesh shares his journey from a 14-year career at Goldman Sachs to fintech founder, shaped by a three-generation family legacy of entrepreneurship. He reflects on leaving a high-paying corporate role, bootstrapping a startup through the pandemic, and building trust with banks and lenders in a highly regulated industry.
The conversation explores scaling a fintech responsibly, from angel and venture funding to securing a major TV-for-equity deal with Channel 4. Jinesh also shares candid lessons from pitching on Dragons? Den, alongside insights on leadership, resilience, AI, and avoiding growth at all costs.
This is a practical conversation about financial freedom, fintech innovation, and building a purpose-led business that helps people take control of their money.
Timestamps
01:49 The birth of Sprive: A mortgage app revolution
11:10 Jinesh's entrepreneurial journey and family legacy
14:39 The Goldman Sachs experience
24:01 Navigating the pandemic and launching Sprive
32:09 Networking and angel investors
34:11 Dragon's Den experience
41:15 Hiring strategies and team building
48:49 Future vision and personal goals
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Find out more about Sprive App here
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
How do you build a creative business from scratch and ensure it steadily grows without compromising on quality, craft, or values?
In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Penelope Chilvers, English footwear designer and founder of the eponymous luxury brand, and they talk about building a resilient business rooted in craftsmanship, customer closeness, and long-term thinking.
Penelope shares her unconventional journey from training as a painter to launching a footwear business in London as a single parent. She reflects on learning her trade from the ground up, building a brand without formal business training, and why necessity ? not strategy ? drove her early entrepreneurial decisions.
Penelope talks about the importance of craftsmanship, materials, long-term supplier relationships, and how staying close to customers has shaped everything from design to retail strategy.
James and Penelope discuss growth, from opening stores and expanding internationally, to raising investment and introducing clothing alongside footwear. Penelope shares why steady, organic growth has served her better than chasing trends, how slow fashion has become a competitive advantage, and why durability, purpose, and trust now matter more than ever.
This is a thoughtful conversation about learning your craft, respecting the people who help you build, and creating a business designed to last.
Timestamps:
02:59 From painter to designer
07:59 The first big orders
15:00 Sustaining quality and craftsmanship
22:52 Family and business dynamics
29:50 Expanding into the American market
35:52 Men's range and iconic products
47:58 Slow fashion and ethical production
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
How do you create a modern PR strategy that builds brand relevance and marketing-led businesses able to thrive through cultural and technological change?
In this episode of All About Business, James sits down with Francesca Gamble, founder of GTN Consultancy, to explore the future of PR, marketing, and business in an AI-driven world.
With a career spanning global agencies, luxury fashion brands, and major cultural moments ? including Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, and the London 2012 Olympics ? Francesca shares her journey from agency leadership to launching her own independent consultancy. She explains what it really takes to build a modern PR and marketing business without hype, awards, or ego, and why so many agencies fail by prioritising image over impact.
The conversation dives deep into brand partnerships, celebrity collaborations, and equity-based deals as powerful growth strategies for challenger brands. Francesca breaks down why great products still fail without strong marketing, how cultural relevance directly drives sales, and why results matter far more than industry accolades.
Looking ahead, Francesca offers a bold and timely perspective on the future of PR and advertising in the age of AI. As automation accelerates across marketing, media, and communications, she argues that being human, authentic, and culturally aware will become the ultimate competitive advantage. A no-nonsense conversation about entrepreneurship, independence, brand relevance, and building a business that lasts in a rapidly changing world.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
04:38 Starting a PR business
10:08 The role of PR in modern marketing
17:54 Celebrity partnerships and brand collaborations
32:28 The importance of flexibility and client relationships
42:24 The reality of entrepreneurship
51:03 Successful celebrity brand partnerships
58:00 The future of PR and female founders
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
What if the future of food isn?t bigger, faster, and more centralised, but local, decentralised, and community-powered?
In this episode of the All About Business podcast, James is joined by Pete Russell, Founder of Ooooby and Co-Founder of DECENT, to explore how technology, ethical entrepreneurship, and optimism can transform the global food system from the ground up.
Pete shares his journey from running a highly profitable industrial food business to building one of the UK?s leading local food platforms, connecting independent farmers and producers directly with their communities. The conversation dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, scaling purpose-led businesses, and the challenges of building alternatives to industrial food supply chains.
A key theme of the episode is steward ownership, a business model that separates profit from control. Pete explains how steward ownership protects mission, prevents mission drift, and ensures long-term impact over short-term returns, offering a compelling alternative to traditional shareholder capitalism.
James and Pete also explore the future of commerce and AI, with Pete presenting a bold vision of a shift from the attention economy to the intention economy. As artificial intelligence reshapes how we discover and buy products, Pete argues that traditional marketing and advertising may become obsolete, replaced by systems that prioritise values, trust, and genuine human needs.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
02:03 Meet Pete Russell: The Visionary Behind Oooby?s Food Revolution
03:06 What Is Oooby? Decentralizing the Global Food Supply Chain
06:25 Farm-to-Table Logistics: How Oooby Empowers Local Farmers
10:12 The 1.9% Disruptor: Why Low-Margin Tech is Saving Small Farms
14:45 Debunking the Myth: Why Local Food Costs Less Than Supermarkets
19:30 The Awareness Gap: Why Traditional Food Systems Still Dominate
27:05 17 Years of Resilience: Pivoting Through Near-Death Business Challenges
33:40 The Software Pivot: Solving the Logistics Nightmare of Local Food
40:00 Future of Food: AI, Agentic Commerce, and Decentralized Platforms
56:15 What wakes you up on a Monday?
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Find out more about Oooooby and how to sell local food online
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Building a billion-pound business is one thing, but what does it take to scale globally, exit successfully, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs?
In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Richard Harpin, founder of HomeServe, the home emergency repairs and improvements launched in 1993. Richard talks about his journey from early failures to growing a FTSE 100 multinational across the UK, France, Spain, the US, Canada, and Japan that sold for £4.1 billion in 2022.
Richard shares how a plumbing insurance model sparked the subscription-based affinity partnerships, the challenges of international expansion, and why copying successful ideas while focusing on execution was key to cracking markets and achieving organic growth.
Together they discuss Richard?s post-exit ventures including Growth Partner, Business Leader magazine, and his bestselling book "How to Make a Billion in Nine Steps". The conversation also explores Richard's passion for inspiring breakthroughs, the role of optimism in navigating setbacks, and why doubling the UK's large companies through community-driven support, matters more than ever in a challenging economic landscape.
Timestamps
01:00 The early struggles and pivots
06:42 The breakthrough: Plumbing insurance model
17:40 The power of copying and mentorship
28:53 Challenges and opportunities for mid-size businesses
37:55 Introducing growth partner: investment in retail
48:10 The not-to-do list for entrepreneurs
01:02:29 Recruitment: Hiring your replacement
Follow Richard Harpin on Linkedin
Buy Richard?s book ?How to Make a Billion in Nine Steps?
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Winning Olympic gold is one of the highest achievements in sport, but what are the skills that you can apply to build an elite team in your business?
In this episode of All About Business, James meets Adrian Moorhouse MBE, three-time Olympian and gold medalist. Adrian talks about his journey from the pool to the boardroom, exploring big hairy audacious goals (BHAGs), the power of curiosity, and heart-driven leadership in challenging times, and why mindset, meaning, and community matter more than ever for sustained success in sport and business.
Adrian discusses his entrepreneurial transition, launching Lane Four in 1995, growing it through high-performance culture and client impact, and navigating its sale to EY in 2021, while confronting common entrepreneur pitfalls. He also shares how escaping school bullying through swimming ignited his drive and why choices over sacrifices defined his path.
Timestamps
01:20 Transition to business
04:44 Challenges and learnings
07:58 Creating a winning team
12:41 Resilience and focus techniques
17:16 From athlete to entrepreneur
32:30 Navigating the 2008 financial crisis
36:46 Mentoring and leadership insights
48:53 The intersection of sports and business
57:09 The importance of curiosity in leadership
Follow Adrian Moorhouse on Linkedin
Find out more about The Tom Dean Swim School
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Building a career in television is one thing, but what does it really take to produce global hits like The Crown and Outlander while building and scaling a production empire?
In this episode of 'All About Business,' James speaks with Andy Harries, co-founder and CEO of Left Bank Pictures. Together they discuss Andy's 50-year journey from a promotion scriptwriter at Granada Television, to launching his own company, selling it to Sony, and navigating the streaming revolution.
Andy explains how being rejected at 26 became the fuel for his ambition, how his early documentary work took him around the world, and what he learned directing cultural icons including the Sex Pistols, Malcolm McLaren, and Truman Capote. The conversation dives into the business of creativity, including the high stakes Netflix pitch that led to a 100 million pound deal for The Crown, what global streamers look for when backing premium drama, and how British television has scaled to a global audience.
Andy also reflects on his transition into an executive chairman role, mentoring the next generation of talent, and why protecting British creativity and a strong BBC matters more than ever.
Timestamps
02:26 Journey through Granada
06:02 Transition to comedy and drama
09:34 The Queen and Prime Suspect
12:47 Founding Left Bank Pictures
39:35 Reaching out to Ken Braner
50:17 The Crown and Netflix partnership
01:04:35 Transitioning roles and future projects
Find out more about Left Bank Picture and Andy Harris
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey, is one of the most famous houses in the world. But what does it really take to run it as a modern business?
In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Fiona, Lady Carnarvon, custodian of Highclere Castle, about managing a 1,300-year-old heritage estate with roots dating back to 749 AD. She shares how Downton Abbey transformed Highclere?s global profile, what it is like to live and work alongside a major film production, and how the castle evolved into a year-round destination.
Lady Carnarvon discusses her entrepreneurial approach, from Christmas events and behind-the-scenes tours to virtual experiences, bestselling books, and Highclere Castle Gin, while confronting the hard economic realities of British farming and long-term stewardship.
The conversation also explores Highclere?s ghost stories, its sense of community, and why heritage, kindness, and authenticity matter more than ever in a changing world.
Timecodes
04:29 Christmas at Highclere
09:56 Tutankhamun and Downton Abbey
18:41 Challenges of modern farming
27:11 Ghost stories and blessings
36:45 The mysterious death of Lord Carnarvon
43:38 The success of Highclere Castle Gin
48:03 Building a brand and community
56:43 Final thoughts and future plans
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more here
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Some of the biggest global businesses started the same way: someone spotted an opportunity early- and then chose the right partner.
In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with serial venture builder James McHugh, founder and chairman of Tquila. James reveals the ?build-operate-transfer? playbook behind multiple eight-figure exits and how he?s now riding the AI wave with agentic systems and post-keyboard CRMs.
He also shares how he spotted the Salesforce gap in Europe in 2010, repeatedly building (and exiting) high-growth tech-services including joint ventures with Salesforce, ServiceNow and now AI leaders like Anthropic and you.com.
A candid conversation on scaling fast, choosing truth-seeking AI, why governments are dangerously unprepared for mass unemployment, and what abundance on the other side might actually look like.
Timecodes
02:31 The Salesforce Opportunity: Building a Business in Europe
05:21 The tquila Story: Naming and Early Success
08:29 The Role of Partnerships in Business Success
11:13 AI and the Future: Opportunities and Challenges
23:22 The Impact of AI on Employment and Society
33:55 The Future of AI and Human Values
38:45 Driverless Cars and the Future of Transportation
47:04 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Society
49:15 The Future of Human Longevity with AI
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more here
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
How do you build a culture where risk-taking is celebrated, bureaucracy is banished and everyone thinks like an entrepreneur?
In this episode, James is joined by Chris Hulatt, Co-founder of Octopus Group, a multi-billion-pound investment and energy business that started in a living room and grew into a global force spanning fund management, renewable energy and technology.
Chris shares how Octopus went from backing UK startups to creating Octopus Energy, now valued at $9 billion, and why initiatives like Springboard are helping employees become founders themselves. We talk about how to make fast decisions without perfect data, why bureaucracy kills creativity and what it really takes to scale up without losing your entrepreneurial spark.
Timecodes:
02:43 - Octopus Energy: The Startup Story
09:16 - The Importance of Financial Literacy
12:21 - Octopus Group Funds & Investment Approach
17:21 - Culture of Entrepreneurship at Octopus
21:40 - The Springboard Scheme for New Ventures
25:08 - Success Stories & Learning from Failure
28:44 - Barriers to Entrepreneurship in the UK
31:13 - Octopus Group?s Shared Purpose
34:05 - Decision Making & Avoiding Bureaucracy
41:05 - Customer-First Philosophy
44:05 - The Future of Octopus Group
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Find out more about Octopus Group
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more here
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Building a career in food is one thing - but what does it really take to become one of the UKs most famous chefs?
In this episode of 'All About Business,' James Reed speaks with renowned British chef Tom Carriage, exploring Tom?s journey from washing dishes in small kitchens to becoming a Michelin-starred chef and a successful business owner with a portfolio of restaurants.
Tom discusses his approach to leadership, the ethos behind mentoring young professionals, and his thoughts on balancing passion with business acumen. They also delve into Tom?s personal transformation, including his significant weight loss and sobriety, and discuss the broader challenges facing the hospitality industry, including taxation and workforce management.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:40- Early career and challenges
08:52 Building a culinary empire
13:10 Philosophy and success
17:11 Mentorship and team building
27:18 Journey to sobriety
31:29 Embracing neurodiversity in the kitchen
40:52 Challenges in the hospitality industry
47:16 Future plans and reflections
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Visit Tom Kerridge's website to learn more about his food, venues, books and other ventures
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more here
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
How can businesses gain a true understanding of what drives customer decisions? And how can science be applied to create marketing that not only feels deeply human but also delivers measurable results?
Today on All About Business, James is Raphy March, Managing Director at Cowry Consulting, a pioneer in combining behavioral science with AI to help global brands like Coca-Cola, EasyJet, and Sky, influence behavior at scale.
They explore practical insights on building human-centered AI strategies, the ethics of shaping customer experiences, and how entrepreneurs can use data and psychology to stand out, scale, and grow with purpose.
Timecodes:
02:16 Introduction to Raphy March and Cowrie Consulting
08:27 The Nudge Unit and Government Applications
09:08 Behavioral Science in the Private Sector
17:53 Case Study: Keep Britain Tidy
26:51 Ethics in Behavioral Science
29:31 Practical Applications of Behavioral Science
33:37 Using Physical Evidence to Justify a Pay Rise
36:09 Improving Customer Retention at Sky
43:50 Behavioral Science in Brand Perception
49:16 The Role of AI in Behavioral Science
01:07:02 Future of Behavioral Science and AI
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Find out more about Cowry Consulting
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Being successful in hospitality is incredibly tough. But how do you keep a focus on quality and authenticity whilst expanding into multiple new locations?
In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Sir Rocco Forte, titan of the luxury hospitality and hotel industry. They explore his incredible journey as an entrepreneur within a family whose history in hospitality spans over a century.
They also delve into how he has prioritised community impact in his work as well as maintaining a family-oriented approach to make something special that lasts.
Timecodes:
02:23 Building Iconic Hotels
09:43 The Forte Family Legacy
11:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Business
21:46 Expanding the Hotel Empire
38:54 Family Involvement in the Business
43:53 Leadership and Decision Making
01:00:25 Economic Views and Government Policies
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Find out more about Sir Rocco Forte and Forte Hotels here
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Socialism doesn?t work. Hyper-capitalism doesn?t work. Is this the answer?
What happens when the DNA of a corporation changes?
In this episode of 'All About Business', Alex interviews the usual host, James Reed, about his new book, 'Karma Capitalism.' The discussion revolves around the concept of Karma Capitalism, which James defines as a people-centric variant of capitalism where companies, known as Philanthropy Companies or 'Philcos,' allocate at least 10% of their shares to a charitable foundation.
James shares personal experiences, including a life-changing accident, that catalyzed his belief in businesses having a purpose beyond profit. He outlines the benefits of this business model, such as improved longevity, increased profitability, and enhanced corporate citizenship.
The conversation also touches on the challenges in current capitalism, the limitations of ESG, and the practical steps for companies to become Philanthropy Companies. James emphasises the potential for this philosophy to create a significant positive impact on business and society.
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Timecodes:
03:45 The wake-up fall story
12:01 The Big Give and philanthropy
17:14 The benefits of being a Philco
22:16 Legacy and longevity of Philcos
28:55 Examples of successful karma capitalism
31:15 How to transition to a Philco
34:59 The impact of Philco on business
47:15 Challenges and opportunities for family businesses
51:09 Final thoughts and reflections
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
The question is...are you a faithful, or are you a traitor?
Television is something we all enjoy. But few of us get to see how the shows we love actually come to life and why some of them grip the nation in what can only be described as a phenomenon.
Today on All About Business, James is joined by Stephen Lambert OBE. Stephen is a producer and founder of Studio Lambert, the production company behind some of the UK?s most successful shows like The Traitors, Gogglebox, Squid Game: The Challenge and Race Across the World.
In this episode, they explore how Stephen built the UK?s most successful independent production company, what goes into producing formats that connect with audiences around the world, and why encouraging risk-taking and innovation is so important in TV.
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
01:09 How Stephen Lambert Started His Career
03:27 The Evolution of the TV Business
20:00 Studio Lambert ? Sued by Michael Jackson
20:50 Undercover Boss
25:51 Gogglebox
29:02 Celebrity Traitors
35:08 Celebrity Race Across the World
38:34 Squid Game: The Challenge
42:48 Confidentiality ? Avoiding Leaks & Spoilers
47:09 How to Find Work in Television
55:28 Developing a Show
1:01:05 The Future of Unscripted Television
1:08:43 Interview round
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Is it possible to be a highly successful entrepreneur without compromising your commitment to customers, staff, and society?
In this episode of All About Business, we?re joined by John Spiers, entrepreneur, philanthropist, veteran of the wealth management industry, and Chairman of EQ Investors, one of the UK?s leading B Corporations. John shares why he returned to the sector to found EQ Investors, how he deliberately built its culture around putting the client first, and why the bottom line will look after itself if you do things correctly.
He reveals the unique structure of EQ Investors, with a foundation owning a quarter of the shares, giving clients and staff confidence in the company?s long-term stability and purpose. This purpose-led structure earned the company the highest B Corp score in the UK. John also shares his critique of shareholder-focused capitalism and the short-term pressures of private equity, arguing why a long-term, stakeholder-first model creates greater business resilience.
John shares his immense knowledge on how to be an effective philanthropist, explains the creation of his platform, Giving Is Great, and offers vital advice on what to look for, and what not to look for, when assessing a charity?s effectiveness.
This episode is packed with valuable insight if you?re an entrepreneur interested in purpose-driven business, investment strategy, and how to build a company that prioritises all its stakeholders for long-term success.
Timecodes:
03:52 The concept of philanthropy companies
05:14 Challenges and benefits of philanthropy companies
12:34 The importance of early years and environmental causes
21:24 The creation and impact of giving is great
33:12 The power of matching donations
39:59 Challenges in charity data and impact reporting
47:58 Evaluating charity leadership
54:17 The rewards of philanthropy
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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
What is the secret to building an iconic brand that resonates with millions of customers on a global scale?
In this episode of All About Business, we're joined by Johnnie Boden, founder and creative director of the iconic British clothing brand, Boden. Johnnie shares his unconventional journey from an unfulfilling career in the city, to founding a fashion brand that now generates over £350 million in annual revenue.
He talks about how to discover your true passion, and the importance of self-awareness and being honest about what you are good at. He also explains the three-part "magical Venn diagram" from Jim Collins' book, Good to Great, and the impact it had on him.
Johnnie also shares the story of the difficult but necessary decision to pivot the business from menswear to the more profitable women's wear, and the importance of listening to your customers.
This is a great episode for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to find their true calling, build a brand with clear values, and learn how to make the tough decisions that drive long-term success.
Timecodes:
02:33 Johnny's early career struggles
04:20 The birth of Boden
07:56 The importance of passion and self-awareness
15:17 The evolution of Boden's Brand
25:23 Managing and growing a business
30:34 The tough decisions in business
36:31 The importance of having a coach
41:38 Expanding business in America
57:59 The role of AI in fashion
59:43 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
How do you balance innovation with ethical responsibility?
This week on All About Business, we?re joined by Felix Henderson, Co-founder and COO of Ohchat, a generative AI business that builds "digital twins" of real-world content creators. In this episode, Felix shares his journey of building a business from the ground up, and provides insight into the AI future of adult entertainment and how an early venture in student housing, and a strategic pivot during the pandemic, led to a service-based business which became a launchpad for his current AI-powered tech venture. Is this the new OnlyFans?
Felix explains how they are building a generative AI business in the sensitive "spicy content" industry. He addresses the critical and controversial challenges of building a company in this space, discussing how they approach user safety and ethical considerations, and why transparency and accountability as founders are key to their mission.
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
How do you build a resilient brand and lasting reputation and control chaos when a PR crisis hits?
This week on All About Business, we?re joined by Sarah Woodhouse, co-owner and director at Ambitious PR. With over 25 years of experience in strategic communications, Sarah helps high-growth businesses manage their public image and tell their story with transparency.
In this episode, Sarah offers practical lessons on how to communicate with purpose, prepare for unexpected crises, and tailor your message to connect with the audiences that matter most. She discusses the critical differences between marketing and strategic communications, the importance of a founder's personal brand, and how to avoid the "bear traps" of controversy.
Sarah also provides insight into crisis management, drawing on real-world examples to demonstrate how to take back control of the narrative. She also explores the impact of AI on how businesses are found and evaluated online, and what entrepreneurs can do to adapt.
Links:
Check out Ambitious PR?s website
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media
Dame Irene Hays built Hays Travel with her husband John, growing it from a small counter at the back of a babywear shop into the UK?s largest independent travel agency with 512 branches nationwide. Along the way, she navigated major industry shifts, acquired the legendary Thomas Cook brand, founded the Hays Travel Foundation, and built a leading apprenticeship programme that now employs hundreds of apprentices. But this isn't come without massive hurdles, heartbreak and sheer determination to turn crisis into a success.
In this week?s episode of All About Business, Irene shares the leadership principles and bold decisions behind her success. She reveals how she scaled without outside investors, why she risked everything to save thousands of jobs at Thomas Cook, and how she rebuilt stronger than ever after COVID-19 brought global travel to a standstill.
Irene also explores the ?soft infrastructure? behind Hays Travel?s five star customer experience and why apprenticeships and investing in young talent are central to her long term vision.
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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Reed's Report: Employer Attitudes to Hiring People with Criminal Convictions
Resettling into society after prison is a huge challenge ? especially when employers are reluctant to hire people with a criminal record. Too often, talented individuals are overlooked, leaving skills and potential untapped, and making them far more likely to reoffend.
In this episode, we dive into the findings of the latest REED report; "Employer attitudes to employing people with criminal convictions.?, and its findings. The report reveals a concerning trend where one in five employers would not consider a candidate with a conviction at all, and the willingness to hire individuals with criminal records has dropped sharply across various offenses.
We?re joined by Alex Head, the owner and founder of Social Pantry, a leading independent catering company known for its work with prison leavers.
Alex shares her journey from starting a sandwich delivery service as a teenager, to building Social Pantry into a leading employer of prison leavers in the hospitality industry. She provides practical insight into the successes and challenges of this great work, demonstrating how giving people a second chance can lead to a compelling and persuasive workforce.
This is an essential listen for any business leader looking to build a resilient and socially conscious company and challenge the stigma of employing ex-offenders.
Timecodes:
04:18 Social Pantry's business model and success
06:14 Challenges and support for hiring prison leavers
13:09 The role of charities and probation services
23:39 Employment boards and training opportunities
29:58 Empathy and communication in the workplace
34:45 Challenges and benefits of hiring prison leavers
38:31 Addressing employer hesitations
44:06 Success Stories and Future Plans
If you are interested in supporting prison leavers back into employment and joining Social Pantry's working group, please email [email protected]
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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Education is changing fast, and the old ways of running learning institutes are no longer working. Philippa De?Ath set out to solve this when she co-founded Arbor Education, a platform designed to shift the focus of teachers away from admin work and back to what matters most: the students.
In this week?s episode of All About Business, Philippa shares how she and her co-founder built a mission-driven company that is both profitable and has a significant social impact. She reveals the secrets to scaling in a complex, highly regulated industry, from automating routine tasks with AI, to empowering educators with real-time data and insights.
Philippa breaks down what it takes to turn a passion for impact into a sustainable enterprise. She unpacks the challenges of scaling, the importance of listening to end users, and how to keep your purpose at the core while building a business that delivers both explosive growth and positive change.
Whether you're starting a company or looking for a mission-driven strategy that actually works, Philippa's journey is packed with practical insights you can borrow and scale.
01:03 The Mission and Impact of Arbor Education
02:14 Understanding Arbor's Management Information System
03:03 The Growth and Success of Arbor Education
06:07 The Role of AI and Cloud in Modern Education
13:23 Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Schools
20:40 Philippa's Journey: From IBM to Founding Schools
25:06 Reflecting on the Journey
25:32 Building a School from Scratch
26:15 Opening the Schools
26:43 Challenges and Growth
27:59 Founding Arbor Education
31:44 Expanding Arbor's Reach
34:38 Improving School Efficiency
39:55 Future Ambitions and Reflections
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Fresh from the holidays? Here are 5 top summer takeaways to get you inspired and ready for September.
In this special bonus episode of All about Business, we?ve handpicked some of the most valuable insights from our incredible podcast guests. Since launching last October, we?ve had the privilege of hearing the powerful journeys, lessons, and strategies from some of the most successful entrepreneurs out there.
We talk about:
Redefining self and creativity with an ADHD diagnosisStaying true to your business venture with no turnover in the first yearsThe future of customer serviceTesting ideas to build a brand carefullyThe link between marketing and cashflowTimecodes:
00:00 - Intro
00:27 - Takeaway 6 Alex Partridge
05:23 - Takeaway 7 Byron Dixon
09:16 - Takeaway 8 Todd Unger
12:10 - Takeaway 9 Kiki McDonough
15:37 - Takeaway 10 David Mitchell
Links:
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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media
Fresh from the holidays? Here are 5 top summer takeaways to get you inspired and ready for September.
In this special bonus episode of All about Business, we?ve handpicked some of the most valuable insights from our incredible podcast guests. Since launching last October, we?ve had the privilege of hearing the powerful journeys, lessons, and strategies from some of the most successful entrepreneurs out there.
Timecodes:
00:00 - Intro
00:27 - Takeaway 1 Rob Moore
03:20 - Takeaway 2 Neil Clifford
08:05 - Takeaway 3 Michelle Kennedy
11:18 - Takeaway 4 Nicola Reed
14:02 - Takeaway 5 Reggie Heyworth
Links:
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: Reed.com
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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media
Great business ideas don?t have to be original, they just have to work. Some of the most successful startups are built by borrowing proven concepts, improving them, and executing better. That?s exactly how Toby Burns, founder and CEO of The Silent Disco Company, built a scalable business from a simple idea.
In this week?s episode of All About Business, Toby shares how he turned a simple idea into a nationwide brand, built on clever systems, high-volume logistics, and relentless execution that started with a few headphones to now powering thousands of events across the UK.
Toby breaks down what it takes to spot scalable business ideas, dominate a niche market, and build a company that runs without you, and also unpacks how to hire smart, stay lean, and keep innovation at the core of sustainable growth.
Whether it?s starting a company, or looking for startup strategies that actually work, Toby?s journey is packed with practical insights you can borrow and scale.
Links:
Check out The Silent Disco Company?s website:
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?
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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Just last week, a Data Analyst was forced to turn to charity to feed his family. Once secure in a stable profession, he is now among the growing number of educated, working professionals whose livelihoods have been eroded by soaring inflation, pushing them into hardship. And the crisis shows no signs of easing.
In this week?s episode of All About Business, Mark Game, Co-Founder of The Bread and Butter Thing. They?ve built a business where commercial success and social impact go hand in hand, offering help by rescuing surplus food from major retailers and getting it into the hands of those who need it.
Mark?s model of supermarket surplus into consistent, dignified support for thousands of working families proves that you can build a sustainable, logistics-driven business while maintaining dignity and delivering real impact. And your business can partner with them to drive meaningful change.
James and Mark explore how poverty has changed, why stigma keeps people silent, and how The Bread and Butter Thing is using smart logistics and scalable systems to meet real human needs, with empathy, efficiency, and long-term impact that goes beyond just food on the table.
02:27 The Bread and Butter Thing: Impact and operations
07:28 Challenges and solutions in food redistribution
09:06 The role of community and volunteers
25:38 Mark Game's personal journey
32:03 Building management teams
35:16 Opening new hubs
42:53 Community and confidence
53:08 Sustainability and growth
59:28 Future goals and reflections
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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
AI isn?t the future, it?s already reshaping the way we work, build, and compete. If you?re starting or looking to scale a business right now, understanding how to actually use AI, not just talk about it, could be your biggest edge.
In this week?s episode of All About Business, Microsoft UK?s Chief Digital Officer Jed Griffiths shares what he?s seeing at the front lines of AI adoption. From how enterprises are deploying tools like Copilot to what?s coming next in automation and strategy, Jed offers a rare inside look at how the most powerful companies are thinking about the future of work.
We break down what AI is really doing under the hood, and why it's more than just a productivity booster. Think smarter decisions, faster execution, new revenue models, and a whole new way to lead teams and run businesses.
If you?re building something and want to stay ahead of the curve, or just want to stop feeling behind, this episode gives you a clear, honest view of where AI is going and how to get there first.
01:37 Introduction
03:20 Developing A Company AI Strategy
07:54 What is Microsoft Co-Pilot?
09:08 Productivity - Businesses Don't Use The Term Right
12:09 2025 The Year of More AI Start Ups
14:17 The Valley of Death
18:26 Mentoring Startups
20:59 Before Microsoft - High Tech Weapons
27:37 The Four C's
38:24 Will AI Humanize Work?
41:07 Will AI Change Recruitment? What Happens to Reed?
49:41 Microsoft's Six AI Principles
01:03:39 What Gets Jed Up On Monday Mornings?
01:04:45 Where Jed Will Be In Five Years
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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Most graduates leave university with a degree but little direction, but how do you figure out what to do with your life, and how do you actually get your foot in the door?
In this week?s episode of All About Business, the founder of Bright Network James Uffindell shares the full journey. From his first venture helping students access top universities, to scaling Bright Network into one of the UK's leading platforms for connecting talent with opportunity.
From a working-class upbringing in Warwickshire to founding Bright Network, a tech-driven platform used by over a million students, James has spent his career solving the problems he once faced himself.
James talks about the crisis that led to their biggest innovation, how they scaled an internship program to 150,000 students, AI, data, understanding Gen Z behavior, and what employers really want when they say they?re looking for passion and resilience.
If you?re building a startup, thinking about purpose, or wondering how to turn experience into impact, this episode is for you. James?s story is proof that you don?t have to come from the right family or know the right people, but you do need to listen, adapt, and keep showing up.
02:51 James Uffindell's background and inspiration
04:10 Building Bright Network
08:04 The importance of internships
11:52 Personalisation and data utilization
24:05 Impact of AI on job market
36:55 The importance of office environments for young professionals
39:31 The Bright Network platform and its benefits
41:23 AI in recruitment and business growth
51:03 Diversity and inclusion in the job market
59:38 Future plans and expansion
Check out Bright Network?s website:
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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Five years. Zero sales. No paycheck. Most people would?ve given up. Byron Dixon didn?t. Instead, he turned his chemistry knowledge and desire for change into Micro-Fresh. A breakthrough technology now used globally to fight mold, bacteria, and bad smells in everything from school shoes to hospital bedding.
In this episode of All About Business, we meet Byron Dixon, scientist, entrepreneur, and founder of Micro-Fresh. He shares how he went from a council estate in Leicester to living in Denmark and learning from the Scandinavian way of life, to building a global brand that?s protecting lives, championing sustainability, and changing how retailers think about product longevity.
Byron reveals the untold truth about bootstrapping a science business, the resilience it takes to go years without revenue, and how one unexpected call changed everything. He also shares how Micro-Fresh is tackling mold in homes, and why ?Home-Fresh? might be his most important innovation yet.
If you?ve ever doubted yourself, struggled to stay motivated, or wondered if your idea could really make a difference, this episode is for you.
03:16 Why Did Byron Start MicroFresh?
07:27 MicroFresh's Sustainability, Waste Reduction
10:40 Designing A Non-Hazardous Environmentally Friendly Product
18:46 Starting Without Advantages
20:09 Open University
25:18 Determination & No Fear of Failure
26:25 The First Breakthrough
28:40 Domino Effect - Competition Doesn't Want To Be Left Out
31:00 Big Growth & Market Validation
36:51 How Does A CEO Prioritize and Achieve Goals?
39:59 Moving to the USA?
47:03 Why Young People Feel They Can't Do This
49:24 Switching Off The Phone
51:00 Boredom as a source of creativity
52:42 Putting the Phone and Social Media Away
54:54 Top 3 Things We Should Import From Scandinavia
59:41 Interview Round
Check out Microfresh?s website
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This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
He pushed himself to the limit and lost everything. But that didn?t stop him from coming back stronger than ever and building a global brand from scratch.
On this episode of All About Business we meet Matthew Jones, founder of Bread Ahead, who teaches us why the road to success isn?t always smooth. For him it was full of late nights, hard lessons, and a brutal turning point that forced him to rebuild his business and his life from the ground up.
When Matthew started making doughnuts at Borough Market, he never expected they?d become a worldwide sensation. The founder of Bread Ahead gives us valuable business insight and shares how he uses Instagram and raw storytelling to grow a devoted following.
Bread Ahead is more than a bakery, it's a brand built on resilience, realness, and obsessive attention to flavour.
If you?ve ever felt like giving up, or dreamed of starting over. This episode is proof that rock bottom can be the start of something extraordinary.
01:59 The rise of Bread Ahead
04:21 Innovative flavours and business strategy
08:28 Matthew's Culinary Journey
19:34 Challenges and recovery
25:44 Rebuilding and expanding
35:44 The power of social media
39:19 Global expansion and future plans
43:00 Resilience and learning from failure
51:47 The Bread Ahead Academy
55:57 The impact of weight loss trends on business
57:41 Daily routine and work-life balance
Links
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: Reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Nearly 10,000 apps are uploaded to the app store every week, and most of them are ignored. So how do you launch one that becomes a movement?
In this episode of All About Business, we?re joined by Michelle Kennedy, founder and CEO of Peanut; the social networking app that has transformed how women connect and help each other through every stage of motherhood.
What does it take to walk away from a top executive role and start from scratch? From pitching with nothing but a deck, to raising over $23 million, to building one of the most trusted platforms for women online, listen to Michelle's story and find out.
We dive into her strategy for building a matchmaking app that attracts millions of users, how to validate your idea before you build it, and the biggest lessons she?s learned as a female founder.
Michelle also opens up about the hardest parts of fundraising, how she built traction without a product, and why not every business should take venture capital.
01:42 Introduction - Michelle Kennedy
01:54 Peanut - Social Media App
09:09 Raising Money
11:34 Advice on Deck, Pitch, Value Proposition
15:56 Not Every Business Needs the Venture Capital Path
20:04 I Wouldn't Have Done It If I Knew ...
24:25 Achieving Critical Mass - The Network Effect
27:40 Start Without Building The App
33:34 Peanut Start Her Fund for Women
36:48 Advice to Family Women on Starting a Business
46:59 Curiosity Spawns New Ideas
50:10 Why A Book In The Digital Age?
54:57 Reed Interview Round - What Gets You Up Monday Morning?
56:39 Where Michelle Sees Herself in Five Years
Links
Download Peanut app from Google Play:
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Did you know that nearly half the planet still isn?t connected? In many places, getting essential supplies like medicine and food is not only costly, it?s nearly impossible. But what if we were standing on the edge of a breakthrough that could change all of that?
On this episode of All About Business, we're joined by Mark Dorey, co-founder and CEO of Straightline Aviation. A pioneering company building hybrid airships designed to deliver cargo to the most remote corners of the world.
No roads, no airports - no problems. It?s a bold mission with the power to reshape global logistics and unlock new possibilities for connection, commerce, and care.
Mark shares how he turned an ambitious idea into a real business, what to look for in the right business partner, and some of the great lessons he learned when working alongside Richard Branson.
01:42 Introduction
04:04 How Does an Airship Work?
06:55 Why the Early Popularity of Airships?
12:04 The Customer Benefits of Airships
19:06 Mark's Early Career
24:15 Changing Business Models
29:51 Future Scale
32:07 Learning from Richard Branson
34:35 Delegation and Accountability
44:49 Pros and Cons of Business Partners
47:17 Negotiating and Establishing Business Relationships
51:10 Business Opportunity Check List
52:43 Establishing Shared Vision and Trust
Links
Check out Straightline Aviation?s website:
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
We've long been taught that hard work is beneficial for both body and mind, but is that truly the case? Could there be inherent value in slowing down, embracing rest, and allowing ourselves the space to simply be idle?
Today on 'All About Business', we meet Tom Hodgkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of The Idler Magazine, a publication that teaches its readers the value of slowing down.
In this episode, we learn about the philosophy of idling, challenge traditional beliefs that hard work is inherently good, and explore the idea that true fulfilment, in both life and business, can be found in activities that restore the soul, body, and mind.
Tom Hodgkinson founded The Idler Magazine in 1993 together with his friend Gavin Pretor-Pinney. Tom has worked over 20 years in editing and advertising, while also writing several books on the philosophy of idling and its benefits.
00:35 The Puritan work ethic
08:03 Tom Hodgkinson's journey
12:03 Starting the Idler magazine
14:41 The Idler Academy
25:10 Modern work ethic and AI predictions
33:30 The bookshop dilemma
38:26 Challenges of running a business
47:20 The digital pivot
50:43 Idler Retreats and experiences
52:47 The philosophy of idling
Links
Buy Business for Bohemians, by Tom Hodgkinson
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
The UK is ranked last in Europe for bathing water quality. With a small team and limited resources, how have a ?bunch of surfers from Cornwall? got parliament to listen and launch a commission on England?s chemical cocktail of stinking sewage?
Today?s guest on All About Business is Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, a water reform charity that?s been around for over three decades.
In this episode, we discuss the dangers of not taking sustainability seriously, how to get the government to sit up and listen, and why community lies at the heart of every charitable brand.
Giles Bristow is the CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, a marine conservation charity. Founded in 1990 by a group of surfers in Cornwall, SAS is a powerful environmental movement that addresses a range of ocean-related issues. Giles joined SAS in 2023 and has over 20 years of experience in environmental advocacy.
01:31 Introduction
02:22 What are the problems with the UK's oceans?
08:32 Recent environmental changes
10:41 Why can't water companies solve this?
13:38 Time for systemic change
16:45 Voters Against Floaters
31:31 Giles' advice for effective campaigning
36:42 Circular economies
38:53 Plastic - it's everywhere
40:40 How to lobby - transparency and connections
45:52 Just Stop Oil ? Are they effective?
50:22 Helping businesses become more sustainable
53:55 Community and brand
59:19 Interview round
Links
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes. This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
What should you do if you have a brilliant business idea but don?t have the funds to bring it to life?
In today?s episode of All About Business, I'm joined by venture capitalist Sasha Kaletsky. Sasha is the co-founder of investment firm Creator Ventures which he started with his cousin Caspar Lee. They have injected millions of dollars into digital tech companies in six short years.
In this episode, we explore how to craft the perfect pitch, how social media is shaping our economy, and how you can use simple AI tools to scale your business quickly.
Sasha Kaletsky is the co-founder and Managing Partner at Creator Ventures, a firm that invests in technologies shaping the digital landscape.
Before founding Creator Ventures, Sasha gained extensive experience in private equity, technology, and consulting. He started at Bridgepoint in private equity, contributed to the launch and expansion of Uber, and worked as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group.
Timestamps
01:58 Introduction
02:31 Creator Ventures
17:37 Setting up in the United States
18:48 CEOs becoming creators
20:35 Building companies with AI
25:51 The future social landscape
29:28 Uber
31:12 The network effect
34:04 The secret behind a 5-Star passenger rating
35:09 What makes a good pitch
39:18 How Sasha determines future markets
41:12 Presenting to VCs
42:39 Due diligence
43:20 How to pitch to Sasha
43:53 Working with family
47:06 When due diligence fails
49:15 How companies can make better use of AI
54:53 Interview round
Links
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk.
How can you use psychology to quickly go from struggling employee to productivity machine?
Today?s guest on All About Business is Octavius Black CBE, the co-founder of MindGym, a corporate learning company that merges behavioural science with leadership development to turn struggling teams into powerhouses of productivity.
In this episode, we discuss the psychology behind high performance, why most leadership programmes are a waste of time, and the psychometric test that can predict your team?s future.
Octavius Black CBE is the founder and executive chair of MindGym, a company that delivers corporate learning and development programmes through 90-minute training sessions known as workouts.
Octavius has also co-authored several books that provide actionable insights and techniques to improve mental fitness and overall wellbeing.
In recognition of his contributions to business, Octavius was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2023.
Timestamps
00:41 The origin story of MindGym
03:50 The 90-minute learning revolution
07:11 Coaching and performance improvement
13:24 The importance of belonging and inclusion
19:43 HR challenges and innovations
27:42 Addressing workplace stress and wellbeing
30:15 Five conditions for thriving at work
35:39 The role of feedback in the workplace
41:54 The importance of emotional self-regulation
49:06 The future of AI in talent development
Links
Follow Octavius Black on LinkedIn
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at:
https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
How would a Jeweller who has become a favourite amongst the royal family start from scratch in 2025?
In this episode of All About Business, James interviews Kiki McDonagh, a fifth-generation jeweler renowned for her work with high-profile clients including Princess Diana and the current Princess of Wales. They discuss how she transformed the perception of fine jewellery, making it more accessible and encouraging women to buy for themselves. She shares insights into her design inspiration, the evolution of her brand, and the importance of business strategies such as starting small, maintaining strict financial oversight, and building customer trust.
Celebrating 40 years in the industry, Kiki outlines her future plans, including expansion into the American market.
Timestamps
03:26 Designing with passion and innovation
05:21 Building a brand and customer relationships
14:32 Navigating the luxury market
20:26 The impact of social media and online sales
26:36 Advice for aspiring jewellers
31:53 Building trust and brand identity
38:37 Challenges and opportunities in the jewellery industry
49:18 Expanding into the American market
53:03 Looking forward: Future plans and reflections
Links:
Follow James Reed on LinkedIn
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed Global
Visit Kiki McDonagh here
Visit Kiki McDonagh on Instagram
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media
How do you build a brand that not only speaks to a whole generation of women, but also transforms an entire industry?
In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Sharmadean Reid MBE, the trailblazing entrepreneur behind brands such as WAH Nails, Beautystack and The Stack World.
We discuss her experiences navigating the fashion and tech industries, how the pandemic changed her outlook on business, and the inspiration behind her new luxury beauty brand, 39 BC.
Sharmadean Reid MBE is an entrepreneur, creative consultant and advocate for women?s empowerment. Her work focuses on women?s power, equity and ownership.
Sharmadean launched WAH Nails in 2009 as a place for women to hang out, form friendships and build communities while getting creative nail designs. She also founded beauty booking system, Beautystack in 2017, as well as The Stack World in 2021.
In recognition of her contributions, Sharmadean received an MBE in 2015 from Queen Elizabeth II. She published her first book, New Methods for Women in 2024, and is currently working on her second book, along with a scripted TV show about female founders.
Timestamps
01:30 The birth of WAH Nails
05:54 From nail salon to global brand
10:09 The transition to tech and venture capital
12:08 Building Beautystack
20:10 Challenges and reflections during the pandemic
26:06 The pivot to The Stack World
30:38 Corporate anarchy and women's independence
36:31 Introducing 39 BC
49:25 Future projects and vision
Links
Subscribe to Shamadean Reid?s newsletter
Follow Sharmadean Reid on LinkedIn
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at:
https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
In December 2020, the UK signed its first post-Brexit trade deal with Turkey, safeguarding a £18.6bn relationship. But how did Turkey become so important for UK business?
In this episode of All About Business, I?m joined by Livio Manzini, Chairman and CEO of Bell Holding, a packaging and services company based in Turkey. We explore Turkey?s secret to efficient manufacturing, why trade wars are bad for everyone, and why ditching the Gregorian calendar might be good for business.
Livio Manzini has been the Chairman and CEO of Bell Holding since 1993. Bell Holding owns packaging and services companies, which includes Reed Recruitment Turkey. Livio is also an Honorary Chair of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Turkey, where he fosters economic relations between countries by promoting bilateral trade, supporting SMEs, and promoting sustainability initiatives.
Timestamps
01:43 Who is Livio Manzini?
08:15 The Gregorian calendar
15:35 Bell Holding, Turkey
21:15 Where the trade war is heading
25:13 Why the US and Europe have failed to compete in manufacturing
27:13 The four-day vs five-day work week
29:26 Livio on tariffs
30:38 Advice for businesses in a fractured world
36:30 Where to find opportunities
38:04 Generational businesses and succession planning
42:41 Advice on starting a dream business
43:43 The relationship between service businesses and manufacturing businesses
46:45 Climate change
Links
Follow Livio Manzini on LinkedIn
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes.
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Consistent branding has the power to increase your revenue by up to 20%. But with massive rebrands making headlines for all the wrong reasons, how can you refresh your image without alienating your audience?
In this episode of 'All About Business,' I sit down with David Robertson Mitchell, who spent almost a decade working as a brand consultant for Mercedes? Formula One team.
We discuss how he helped build Lewis Hamilton?s influential brand with the Mercedes? Formula One team, the secret to getting your finance director on board with your marketing plans and why Jaguar?s recent rebrand might not be as terrible as you think.
David Robertson Mitchell aka The Brand Rover, is the Founder and Managing Director of dna-rB, a brand consultancy that works with individuals, businesses and sport teams to define brands, support the implementation of brand strategy and help manage reputations. dna-rB specialises in personal and corporate branding, ensuring alignment between a company?s brand and the personal brand of its CEO.
Timestamps
02:43 Branding Mercedes? Formula One team
07:14 Lewis Hamilton's personal brand evolution
14:12 Branding success stories in sports
17:11 Rebranding challenges and strategies
30:31 The importance of messaging
34:25 Consistency in branding and marketing
39:40 Personal branding strategies
42:42 The CEO brand
52:14 Reputation management
Links
Check out David Mitchell's website
Follow David Mitchell on LinkedIn
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk.
With new economic policies forcing UK businesses to tighten their purse strings, how can we keep the UK?s entrepreneurial spirit alive, while also getting the economy back on track?
In this episode of All About Business, I?m joined by Luke Johnson, the serial entrepreneur who spotted some of the UK?s most popular food brands, including Pizza Express, The Ivy and Gail?s Bakery.
We discuss how to spot a winning investment, what the UK should be doing to promote entrepreneurship, and Luke?s five tips for reviving the economy.
Luke Johnson is an entrepreneur known for expanding the Pizza Express brand. He also founded Signature Restaurants, which owned notable restaurants including, The Ivy, and Le Caprice. Luke is currently Chairman of Risk Capital Partners, a private equity firm. From 2015-2021 he wrote a regular column for The Sunday Times where he shared his business expertise.
Timestamps
02:11 Who is Luke Johnson?
06:36 The traits entrepreneurs need to have
07:23 Pizza Express beginnings
11:36 Being a projector
13:40 The British business climate
23:19 Risk Capital Partners
26:03 Gail's Bakery
27:33 Luke's business formula
31:56 How we can encourage entrepreneurship in the UK
36:09 Luke's book and weekly column For entrepreneurs
40:56 Television and the arts
46:04 Future projects with Risk Capital Partners
49:05 Reed Interview Round
Links
Check out Risk Capital Partners
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
With 77% of 13-18 year olds using artificial intelligence in some way, how can we make sure young people are using AI effectively while also protecting them from its potential dangers?
In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Philip Colligan, the CEO of Raspberry Pi Foundation, which provides free AI education to children across the globe. We discuss why AI is becoming more and more human-like, how to build a global network and why asking AI to help with homework might not be such a bad thing.
Philip Colligan is the CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a charity that promotes computing education for young people. The Foundation aims to help young people realise their full potential through the power of digital education.
Timestamps
02:05 Raspberry Pi going from charity to billion-pound business
07:07 The IPO journey and listing Raspberry Pi
15:39 AI literacy and preparing the next generation
27:44 The role of AI in education
31:07 Inspiring young minds
36:45 Global expansion and partnerships
39:06 Challenges and strategies for global outreach
Links
Visit Raspberry Pi foundation?s website
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
The UK?s life science sector is booming, generating over £100 billion in turnover in 2022. And with more and more companies entering the space, how do you marry business and science to create a drug that not only makes money but saves lives.
In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Dame Kate Bingham, Managing Partner at SV Health Investors, specialising in biotechnology investments. Kate has over 30 years of experience in healthcare investment and led the UK's vaccine task force during COVID-19.
She shares the ins and outs of health care investment, the challenges that came with leading the UK?s vaccine taskforce, and what she did when the press questioned her credentials.
Dame Kate Bingham is a venture capitalist and biotech investor. She is best known for her role as the chair of the UK Vaccine Taskforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she led efforts to procure and distribute vaccines.
Katie is currently a managing partner at SV Health Investors, specialising in biotechnology investments.
Kate was awarded a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2021.
Timestamps
02:22 Kate Bingham's career journey
05:42 Precision medicine and disease modification
12:01 The future of healthcare and AI
14:18 Dementia discovery funds and new drugs
20:32 The challenges and rewards of venture capital
24:29 The Importance of constructive relationships in venture capital
30:37 Challenges and successes of the vaccine task force
40:32 Navigating political and public scrutiny
49:59 Women in science and leadership
Links
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
How do you go from cleaning toilets to running a multi-million pound company?
In this episode of All about business, I sit down with Neil Clifford, the CEO of luxury footwear brand Kurt Geiger. Neil left school with just one O-Level, and rose to become a top player in the retail industry.
We discuss the lessons Neil learned from his early retail jobs, why CEOs shouldn?t work from home, and how he helped turn Kurt Geiger into a multimillion pound international business.
Neil Clifford started his career at Kurt Geiger as a store manager and worked his way up to becoming CEO over the course of 20 years. He has been instrumental in expanding the business internationally and launching its online presence. The brand has grown to operate in 28 countries with 57 standalone retail locations.
Neil is also dedicated to giving back to the community, having set up The Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation which aims to raise £1 million every year to support young creatives. The Foundation has also created Business By Design, an academy for 18-20 year olds to upskill and prepare them for careers in fashion.
Timestamps
03:12 First jobs and rising through the retail ranks
13:17 Career breakthroughs
22:12 Private equity and global expansion
37:36 Strategies for business growth
40:05 Personal reflections
50:24 Philanthropy and social responsibility
Links
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media
A recent YouGov survey found that 82% of managers are ?accidental'. So, what is an accidental manager? Why are there so many of them, and just how much is it affecting results within your business?
In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Ann Francke OBE, the CEO of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) which provides training, qualifications and resources for managers.
She reveals her tips for dealing with toxic bosses, how line managers impact employee wellbeing, and the key skills every manager needs to be successful.
About Ann
Ann is CEO of the Chartered Management Institute, an organisation that creates confident leaders through leadership development training, qualifications, and research. She started her career at Procter & Gamble and has held senior executive positions at Mars, Boots, Yell and BSI.
She is an expert on gender dynamics in the workplace and has written a book about how to create a gender-balanced workplace.
Ann also wrote the Financial Times Guide to Management and was named as one of the Top 100 Women to Watch in the 2015 Female FTSE Cranfield report. In 2020, she was awarded an OBE for her services to workplace equality.
Timestamps
02:38 The importance of professional management training
06:56 Key skills for new managers
16:49 The impact of conscious leadership
21:37 Dealing with bad management
31:28 Addressing conflict and toxic behaviour
37:28 The role of line management in organisational success
39:19 Sponsorship vs mentorship
44:56 Examples of effective leadership
48:24 Gender balance and inclusivity in the workplace
51:39 The say-do gap in inclusivity
54:13 The importance of professionalising management
Links
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
How can you use data to increase revenue, improve customer relationships, and make better business decisions?
In today?s episode of All About Business, I speak with Anita Dougall, the co-founder and CEO of data consultancy firm, Sagacity.
Anita started the business in 2005, and since then has helped companies like AA, British Gas, and Moonpig spin their data into business gold.
She reveals how to use data to optimise customer engagement, drive revenue, and resolve the billing issues that could be costing you millions.
About Anita
Anita is the CEO and founding partner of Sagacity, a leading consultancy that specialises in providing data-driven insights to help businesses maximise their returns.
Before co-founding Sagacity in 2005, Anita worked in investment banking. Her experience in financial and commercial roles that relied heavily on technology, led to her becoming an independent consultant, eventually co-founding Sagacity.
In 2025, Anita was recognised on the E2E Female 100 track list, which celebrates the UK?s fastest growing female-led or founded businesses.
Timestamps
00:31 Understanding data
04:55 Improving customer engagement
06:28 Billing and debt collection
20:03 Anita's career journey
30:13 Business growth
37:30 Choosing the right investor
42:46 Recruitment and company culture
45:58 Data usage and permissions
Links
Read about Anita?s recognition on the E2E Female 100 track list
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit www.flamingo-media.co.uk
How do you turn an idea you had at uni into a multimillion-pound enterprise?
UNILAD and LADbible founder, Alex Partridge, started both companies while he was studying at university, and was a millionaire by the time he was 25.
In this episode of All About Business, we discuss the power of social media, the podcast that led to his ADHD diagnosis, and the harrowing court case that almost cost him everything.
About Alex
Alex Partridge is the founder of UNILAD and LADbible, two of the UK's most popular news and entertainment platforms. He has been open about his struggles with ADHD, and has written a book that explores how the diagnosis has impacted his life and career.
Alex also hosts the podcast, ADHD Chatter, where he discusses ADHD with leading experts, celebrities and psychiatrists.
Timestamps
00:43 Alex's early entrepreneurial ventures
03:58 Late-night pizza deliveries
06:19 The birth of UNILAD
09:12 Going viral and building a team
18:08 Challenges and legal battles
22:37 Facing the courtroom: A flashback to childhood anxiety
30:33 Alex?s ADHD diagnosis
40:08 Starting a new career
42:29 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Links:
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit www.flamingo-media.co.uk
In a world where consumers are obsessed with Temu and SHEIN, how can you attract customers to your high-end brand while staving off competition from cheaper alternatives?
In this episode of All About Business, I speak with Billie-Jo Cronin, the founder of luxury accessories brand, Good Squish.
Billie-Jo and her brother, Phoenix, bootstrapped the company, selling 1,900 units in under a year, while also gaining celebrity endorsements.
We discuss how they grew the company organically through Instagram, why community is central to their brand, and why local production and quality control go hand in hand.
About Good Squish
Good Squish is an independent brand that specialises in hand-stitched accessories made from dead stock fabrics, which helps to reduce waste by repurposing materials that would otherwise go unused. Their products, which include scrunchies, hair pins, keychains and tote bags, feature whimsical and creative designs.
Timestamps
01:26: The Concept of Dead Stock
02:22: The Organic Growth Journey
08:31: Maintaining Quality and Customer Satisfaction
14:56: Expanding Internationally
19:35: Working with Family
23:31 Decision-Making and Idea Curation
24:36: Challenges and Benefits of Collaborations
32:40: Celebrity Endorsements and Organic Growth
36:49 Future Plans
Links
Check out the Good Squish website
Follow Good Squish on Instagram
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
Concern around AI is higher than ever. But could 2025 be ?make or break? for businesses who have yet to embrace it?
In this episode of 'All About Business' I talk with sibling duo, Richard and Archie Hollingsworth, founders of Fixer AI.
They discuss their journey from bootstrapping a $5 million agency to spearheading an innovative AI personal assistant tool which they say can give you an hour back every day. They share insights from their transformative stint in Silicon Valley, reflect on the impactful role of AI in modern businesses, and highlight why 2025 is a pivotal year for AI adoption.
Timestamps
04:24 Building Fixer AI
07:00 Success and Growth of Fixer AI
21:05 The Accelerator Experience
30:04 Moving to San Francisco: A Family Decision
31:02 Cultural Diversity in the Accelerator Program
32:13 Lessons from the American Business Culture
33:14 The Power of Being Direct
36:27 Adapting to the American Market
38:05 Building a Strong Team
41:34 Brothers in Business: Trust and Dynamics
44:46 Hiring and Scaling Up
54:09 Future Goals and Reflections
Links
Follow Archie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/archie-hollingsworth-a07168152/
Follow Archie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-hollingsworth-444b8589/
Visit Fyxer.AI: https://www.fyxer.com
Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media.
Entrepreneurs often possess traits that drive their success in business. But what if these same traits were also the root cause of deteriorating mental health, and, if left unaddressed, could ultimately lead to the collapse of their entire business?
In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, the world?s no.1 exclusive mental health clinic for the rich and famous.
He reveals the traits both entrepreneurs and criminals share, how to foster well-being in the workplace and why mandatory mental health checks might just save your business.
Paracelsus Recovery takes a unique, tailored approach to treating its patients and has extensive experience at treating CEOs, UHNW individuals and those with a public profile.
Timestamps:
03:25 Recognizing Burnout and Mental Health Issues
08:17 The Role of Addiction and Self-Medication
12:46 Entrepreneurial Traits and Their Dark Side
19:48 The Concept of Reparenting
23:27 Balancing Physical Health and Business
28:02 The Importance of Confidentiality in Mental Health
34:09 Understanding the Impact of Information Diet
39:58 Building Trust in Mental Health Services
48:12 The Role of Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment
53:34 Mental Health Strategies for Business Leaders
01:01:36 Promoting Mental Fitness and Resilience
Links:
Follow Jan Gerber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerberjan/
Visit Jan Gerber?s website: https://jangerber.com/
Learn more about Paracelsus Recovery: https://www.paracelsus-recovery.com/en
Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you?d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media