James Reed: all about business

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.Timestamps00:41 The origin story of MindGym03:50 The 90-minute learning revolution07:11 Coaching and performance improvement13:24 The importance of belonging and inclusion19:43 HR challenges and innovations27:42 Addressing workplace stress and wellbeing30:15 Five conditions for thriving at work35:39 The role of feedback in the workplace41:54 The importance of emotional self-regulation49:06 The future of AI in talent developmentLinksSign up for MindGymRead Octavius’ bookFollow Octavius Black on LinkedInFollow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotesThis 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. Timestamps03:26 Designing with passion and innovation05:21 Building a brand and customer relationships14:32 Navigating the luxury market20:26 The impact of social media and online sales26:36 Advice for aspiring jewellers31:53 Building trust and brand identity38:37 Challenges and opportunities in the jewellery industry49:18 Expanding into the American market53:03 Looking forward: Future plans and reflectionsLinks:Follow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed GlobalVisit Kiki McDonagh hereVisit Kiki McDonagh on InstagramThis 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.Timestamps01:30 The birth of WAH Nails05:54 From nail salon to global brand10:09 The transition to tech and venture capital12:08 Building Beautystack20:10 Challenges and reflections during the pandemic26:06 The pivot to The Stack World30:38 Corporate anarchy and women's independence36:31 Introducing 39 BC49:25 Future projects and visionLinksCheck out The Stack WorldRead Sharmadean Reid’s bookSubscribe to Shamadean Reid’s newsletterFollow Sharmadean Reid on LinkedInFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotesThis 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.Timestamps01:43 Who is Livio Manzini?08:15 The Gregorian calendar15:35 Bell Holding, Turkey21:15 Where the trade war is heading25:13 Why the US and Europe have failed to compete in manufacturing27:13 The four-day vs five-day work week29:26 Livio on tariffs30:38 Advice for businesses in a fractured world36:30 Where to find opportunities38:04 Generational businesses and succession planning42:41 Advice on starting a dream business43:43 The relationship between service businesses and manufacturing businesses46:45 Climate changeLinksFollow Livio Manzini on LinkedInVisit Bell Holding's websiteFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll 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.Timestamps02:43 Branding Mercedes’ Formula One team07:14 Lewis Hamilton's personal brand evolution14:12 Branding success stories in sports17:11 Rebranding challenges and strategies30:31 The importance of messaging34:25 Consistency in branding and marketing39:40 Personal branding strategies42:42 The CEO brand52:14 Reputation managementLinksCheck out David Mitchell's websiteFollow David Mitchell on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis 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.Timestamps02:11 Who is Luke Johnson?06:36 The traits entrepreneurs need to have07:23 Pizza Express beginnings11:36 Being a projector13:40 The British business climate23:19 Risk Capital Partners26:03 Gail's Bakery27:33 Luke's business formula31:56 How we can encourage entrepreneurship in the UK36:09 Luke's book and weekly column For entrepreneurs40:56 Television and the arts46:04 Future projects with Risk Capital Partners49:05 Reed Interview RoundLinksGet Luke’s book Visit Luke’s websiteCheck out Risk Capital Partners Follow Luke on LinkedInFollow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis 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.Timestamps02:05 Raspberry Pi going from charity to billion-pound business07:07 The IPO journey and listing Raspberry Pi15:39 AI literacy and preparing the next generation27:44 The role of AI in education31:07 Inspiring young minds36:45 Global expansion and partnerships39:06 Challenges and strategies for global outreachLinksCheck out Experience AI Visit Raspberry Pi foundation’s websiteVisit Code ClubVisit Hello WorldFollow Philip on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis 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.Timestamps02:22 Kate Bingham's career journey05:42 Precision medicine and disease modification12:01 The future of healthcare and AI14:18 Dementia discovery funds and new drugs20:32 The challenges and rewards of venture capital24:29 The Importance of constructive relationships in venture capital30:37 Challenges and successes of the vaccine task force40:32 Navigating political and public scrutiny49:59 Women in science and leadershipLinksFollow Kate on LinkedInVisit Kate’s company websiteFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis 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.Timestamps03:12 First jobs and rising through the retail ranks13:17  Career breakthroughs22:12 Private equity and global expansion37:36 Strategies for business growth40:05 Personal reflections50:24 Philanthropy and social responsibilityLinksCheck out Kurt GeigerFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis 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 AnnAnn 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.Timestamps02:38 The importance of professional management training06:56 Key skills for new managers16:49 The impact of conscious leadership21:37 Dealing with bad management 31:28 Addressing conflict and toxic behaviour37:28 The role of line management in organisational success39:19 Sponsorship vs mentorship44:56 Examples of effective leadership48:24 Gender balance and inclusivity in the workplace51:39 The say-do gap in inclusivity54:13 The importance of professionalising managementLinksFollow Ann on LinkedInRead Ann’s bookGet management trainingFollow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.comThis 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