The Future of UK Unicorns | Cleo - Barney Hussey-Yeo

From School Stabbings to $150 Million Revenue

Join Jimmy as he sits down with Barney Hussey-Yeo, founder of Cleo, in this riveting episode of Jimmy's Jobs of the Future. Barney candidly shares his unexpected journey from attending a state school in Sheffield to founding a company with $150 million ARR and clear aspirations of reaching $1 billion ARR. 

Learn about his days playing online poker, the setbacks he faced, and how he pivoted to success through the Entrepreneur First program. Gain insights into Cleo's growth, it’s unique AI-driven product, and Barney's ambitions for global expansion, particularly in the U.S. 

Dive into his thoughts on the entrepreneurial landscape, the significance of nurturing homegrown talent, and his advice for young aspiring entrepreneurs. This episode is packed with valuable lessons, personal anecdotes, and a deep dive into building a generational company.

00:00 Intro

03:40 The Power of Simplicity: Redefining Financial Services

08:31 Building a Global Fintech: Challenges and Opportunities

14:09 The UK vs. US: A Tale of Two Markets

16:24 The Future of AI and Financial Services

21:43 Personal Journey: From Poker to Machine Learning

23:35 The Value of Studying Computer Science

24:06 Earning Potential for Computer Science Graduates

26:31 Transparency in Company Culture

27:52 Challenges and Rewards of Hiring Leadership

31:32 Structuring Teams for Success

35:45 Ambition and Career Growth

47:01 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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Credits:

Host / Exec Producer: Jimmy McLoughlin OBE

Producer: Sunny Winter

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