James Reed: all about business

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 AnitaAnita 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.Timestamps00:31 Understanding data04:55 Improving customer engagement06:28 Billing and debt collection 20:03 Anita's career journey30:13 Business growth37:30 Choosing the right investor42:46 Recruitment and company culture45:58 Data usage and permissionsLinksVisit Sagacity’s websiteRead about Anita’s recognition on the E2E Female 100 track listFollow Anita on LinkedInFollow 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 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 AlexAlex 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.Timestamps00:43 Alex's early entrepreneurial ventures03:58 Late-night pizza deliveries06:19 The birth of UNILAD09:12 Going viral and building a team18:08 Challenges and legal battles22:37 Facing the courtroom: A flashback to childhood anxiety30:33 Alex’s ADHD diagnosis40:08 Starting a new career42:29 Advice for aspiring entrepreneursLinks:Watch Alex’s podcastRead Alex’s book Follow Alex on LinkedInFollow 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 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 SquishGood 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. Timestamps01:26: The Concept of Dead Stock02:22: The Organic Growth Journey08:31: Maintaining Quality and Customer Satisfaction14:56: Expanding Internationally19:35: Working with Family23:31 Decision-Making and Idea Curation24:36: Challenges and Benefits of Collaborations32:40: Celebrity Endorsements and Organic Growth36:49 Future PlansLinksCheck out the Good Squish websiteFollow Good Squish on InstagramFollow 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

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. Timestamps04:24 Building Fixer AI07:00 Success and Growth of Fixer AI21:05 The Accelerator Experience30:04 Moving to San Francisco: A Family Decision31:02 Cultural Diversity in the Accelerator Program32:13 Lessons from the American Business Culture33:14 The Power of Being Direct36:27 Adapting to the American Market38:05 Building a Strong Team41:34 Brothers in Business: Trust and Dynamics44:46 Hiring and Scaling Up54:09 Future Goals and ReflectionsLinksFollow 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.comFollow 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.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.

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 Issues08:17 The Role of Addiction and Self-Medication12:46 Entrepreneurial Traits and Their Dark Side19:48 The Concept of Reparenting23:27 Balancing Physical Health and Business28:02 The Importance of Confidentiality in Mental Health34:09 Understanding the Impact of Information Diet39:58 Building Trust in Mental Health Services48:12 The Role of Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment53:34 Mental Health Strategies for Business Leaders01:01:36 Promoting Mental Fitness and ResilienceLinks: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/enFollow 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.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

Businessman, philanthropist, a maverick at turning strange ideas into success. In this very special episode, and in celebration of his 91st birthday, I sit down with my father, Sir Alec Reed. Sir Alec founded Reed in 1960 from a carpet shop in Hounslow with just £75 in his pocket. Since then, he’s founded several charities, launched a business school and in 2011, was knighted for his services to business and charity. Born in Hounslow in 1934, Sir Alec Reed left school at 16 and ten years later founded Reed Recruitment, which has grown into the UK’s largest family-owned recruitment company. Today, he shares his insights from over seven decades in business, the lessons he’s learnt along the way and why ideas are the real currency of business.Awarded the Beacon Prize in 2010 and knighted in 2011, Sir Alec’s flagship charity initiative, Big Give, has raised over £346 million for a variety of causes, including Womankind and Ethopiaid, both of which he also started.Timestamps00:00 Intro02:03 Sir Alec Reed03:27 Starting Out in Life - Accountant04:13 Joining Gillette - An Idea Company04:44 Early Business Ideas - Toy Soldiers05:43 The Reed Brothers - Printing Business06:26 Taking The Wrong Course07:44 A Tremendous Urge to be Self Employed10:31 Starting An Employment Agency13:31 Working On Your Own - Undiluted Ideas16:48 Learning to Raise Alternative Funding18:45 A Family Business - One Route to Consider - Risks and Benefits23:43 The End Game - Exits - Inheritance and Selling25:16 Philanthropy - Foundations and Charities27:35 Cancer - Selling a Business and Financing a Charity32:14 A New Approach to Charity - A Social Innovation34:48 The Big Give38:36 Looking at Failure as a Road Sign to Change Direction41:39 Ideas! An Idea a Day as an Exercise47:51 Wrap Up and Thank YouLinks: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/Find out more about Big Give: https://donate.biggive.org/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 

How can you turn everyday employees into strong leaders who are proud to work for your business?In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with executive coach and 'Life’s Work' founder, Steph Rix.  She explains how you can beat imposter syndrome for good, the difference between leadership and management and how you can use your personal values to become a better leader.Steph is the Founder and Managing Director of Life’s Work where she provides team, career and Leadership coaching for businesses and individuals.She has a Masters in Career Development and has been an executive coach for almost ten years.00:58 Defining Leadership: Self-Awareness and Values08:08 The Role of Values in Leadership12:27 Dealing with Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome17:37 Overcoming Overthinking and Taking Action23:31 The Importance of Transparency in Organizational Change28:39 Navigating Difficult Conversations35:03 Supporting Employee Development on a Budget40:46 Identifying and Nurturing Potential in Employees45:20 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsGet coaching for your teamFollow Steph on LinkedInFollow 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

With over a quarter of UK workers experiencing negative wellbeing because of work, how can you improve your own mental wellbeing, and stop being frazzled for good?In this episode of 'All About Business,' I sit down with comedian, writer and mental health advocate Ruby Wax OBE. We discuss how mindfulness can transform your mental health, how businesses can support struggling colleagues and the time Trump left her stranded in Arkansas. Ruby Wax OBE is an actress, comedian, writer, television personality, and mental health campaigner. In 2017, Ruby founded the Frazzled Cafe,  a community based on the power of emotional openness that provides space where anyone can come and be listened to without judgment. Ruby has also released a range of best-selling books, including I’m Not As Well as I Thought I Was in May 2023. Ruby also offers leadership and management training, using workshops and practical exercises to enable business leaders to create trust and rapport and more skilled communication with clients and colleagues. 02:59 The Ruby Wax Brand 06:14 Mindfulness and Personal Growth15:31 Frazzled Culture and Authenticity28:24 Connecting with People in Business31:19 Rickman's Wisdom: Let People Come to You33:53 Managing Stress and Mental Fitness in the Workplace35:40 The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Management39:05 The Power of Community and Connection43:41 A Hilarious Encounter with TrumpJoin Frazzled CafeBuy Ruby’s booksVisit Ruby Wax’s 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 get your brand heard, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

How do you keep wildlife business running in the face of social, political and cultural change?In this episode of All About Business, I speak to Reggie Heyworth, the owner of one of the UK’s biggest wildlife parks. Cotswold Wildlife Park, which was started by his father all the way back in 1969.  We discuss how he took over the business from his father, how they kept the animals alive during the pandemic as well as  his thoughts on the ‘anti-zoo brigade.’ Reggie grew up in the Cotswold Wildlife Park, a business his father started in 1969, and which has grown into one of the UK’s largest wildlife parks. For several years, he worked as a conservationist on the African continent. In 2012, he returned to the UK to take over the running of the park. He created the park’s famous gardens, and also runs a number of initiatives, including Keeper for the Day, where you can learn about the animals and how they are looked after. 01:13 The Origins of the Wildlife Park04:03 Early Challenges and Successes10:29 Modern Zoo Practices and Conservation21:07 Reggie's Return and Leadership22:16 Impact of COVID-19 on the Wildlife Park27:17 Navigating the Reopening Challenges28:29 Reassessing Business Strategies32:15 Difficult Decisions During the Pandemic35:51 Leadership and Team Building Insights37:44 The Importance of Loving Animals41:19 Future of Wildlife Conservation43:23 Creating a Beautiful Environment47:01 Looking Ahead: Five Years from Now48:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsVisit Cotswold Wildlife ParkFollow 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

With new sustainability laws coming into play, how can you make sure your organisation is ESG-ready, without sacrificing your bottom line? In this episode of All About Business, I’m joined by Profit with Purpose founder Isabel Kelly, where we discuss all things ESG. We explore how you can meet your social and environmental goals while still remaining profitable, and how you can develop an authentic strategy that goes hand in hand with your brandIsabel is the Founder of Profit with Purpose, a consultancy firm that works with companies to create and embed social impact strategies into businesses and brands. Isabel is a non-executive director at TPXimpact, an AIM-listed tech company where she Chairs the ESG Committee. She is also a member of the board at The Big Give and is a social impact careers advisor for MBA students at the Said Business School, Oxford University.Timestamps00:57 Introducing Isabel Kelly and Profit With Purpose02:12 The Origin Story of Profit With Purpose03:03 Integrating Social Impact in Business06:42 Defining Authentic Purpose09:02 Challenges and Resistance in Purpose-Driven Business13:45 Navigating ESG Legislation and Reporting24:57 The Role of B Corps in Purpose-Driven Business31:56 Airlines and Vaccine Financing32:53 Promoting ESG in the Workplace33:33 Salesforce's Environmental Journey35:26 Challenges and Controversies in ESG37:36 Purpose-Driven Business Strategies39:50 Becoming a B Corp42:12 Consulting for ESG and Purpose48:30 Diversity and Inclusion in Boards52:07 Metrics and Reporting for ESG55:58 Final Thoughts and Future GoalsLinksFollow Isabel Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelkelly-pwp-esgx/Check out Profit with Purpose: https://profitwithpurpose.co.uk/ Explore the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goalsFollow 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.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