The Business Leader Podcast

Whether you know him from the BBC series Dragons’ Den, his Small Business Sunday Campaign or elsewhere, Theo Paphitis is one of the most well-known business figures in the UK. In this edition of Business Leader Insight, brought to you by Arbuthnot Latham, you will get to know Theo’s rise through business, what drives him and much more.Theo is known for his many appearances on television, including being a regular on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, Theo’s Adventure Capitalists, Britain’s Next Big Thing, Back to the Floor and The One Show, and as a regular media commentator on current affairs news programmes such as Question Time. In 2010, small business champion Theo launched Small Business Sunday from his kitchen table on Twitter to help small businesses. This now has over 3,000 #SBS winners in the network, a free annual event and an expansive business network. He is passionate about creating and supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging startups across the UK.Here's a breakdown of what we discussed in the interview:• I understand you struggled at school and may not have found the teachers you had very inspiring. What would you like to go and say to those you were at school with if you could? (0:48)• You started in business at 15 – can you tell us about why you wanted to do this? And if you wouldn’t have been a successful businessman what do you feel you would have been? (6:14)• Do you think those early experiences toughened you up for the world of business? (8:03)• Let’s talk about your time at Millwall FC. Why didn’t you continue with another club or in the game? (8:56)• Is running a football club very different to running a business and did you learn any lessons that transferred over to your business career? (10:49)• I’d like to now get your insight into what different ingredients and thinking is needed to grow a £1m business compared to a billion pound one. And why don’t more people think in these terms? (12:20)• In the UK, it tends to be common for business leaders to exit quickly which means we haven’t produced a Facebook, Tesla, Twitter, Amazon or BMW for example. Some may say that’s a good thing, but do you have any thoughts about why Americans mainly, are more inclined to think in terms of building empires? (13:32)• Moving onto your role on Dragons’ Den – have you ever invested in somebody you just liked – they may not have had all the number right but you just thought I like this person. Or does it always have to be against a formula? (14:32)• What should our viewers looking for investment be aware of in regards to best practice when pitching? (15:33)• Moving onto the economy, you know retail inside out. How do you see it changing and how will it come back stronger from the pandemic? (18:36)• Do you think other countries will try to leave the European Union now that the UK has? (22:57)• What keeps you up at night – what are you scared of and this could be external political factors, threats to the business world or something more personal? (26:26)• For those who aren’t aware of Small Business Sunday (#SBS), could you tell us what it is and how it started? (30:03)• What is one fact about you that we can’t find online? (32:35)• A final word from Theo (33:53)Be sure to subscribe to the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world’s leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s not often you talk to someone who has worked on the CBeebies show In The Night Garden, performed as Mr T on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent and created a business with his 12-year-old son. But he is much more than this. In this episode of Business Leader Conversations, brought to you by Knightstone Capital, we talk to John Lashley; the ‘Main Dude’ and co-founder of the Brooklyn Brownie Co.It’s a big shift to go from a creative lead in production and film, and becoming a Mr T lookalike, to creating a brownie business, but it is just a snapshot of John Lashley’s journey. John Lashley founded Brooklyn Brownie Co. in 2019 with his then 12-year-old son Leo. The start of Brooklyn Brownie Co. has extra significance to the pair as Leo’s mother and NHS nurse took her own life only days after it was set up.This candid and inspirational interview gives you an insight into the world of a father who isn’t growing his business for the love of money, but out of love for his son. Follow Brooklyn Brownie Co. on Instagram and check out their website to pick up some tasty treats.Here's a breakdown of what we discussed in the interview:• Could you tell us about your experience growing up and did you have any interest in business from an early age? (1:23)• You’ve mentioned before that your mother was a strong driving force in your education and path. How important was that figure in your life? (3:21)• Could you tell us about your journey after you completed your early education? (4:34)• You worked at Ragdoll for a while, the production company behind the CBeebies show In the Night Garden and then went on to be a lead creative. Working in film production is often seen as a very high-pressure job. How did you find the transition to leadership in this field and are there any lessons in particular that you learnt at that time? (8:20)• Could you tell us a little about your rise to fame as the world’s only Mr T look-alike? (10:57)• You worked as a creative lead on a freelance basis for a while. Did you feel like this gun-for-hire approach affected the way you were seen by the team you were brought in to manage? (14:54)• Could you tell us a little about how you ended up launching Brooklyn Brownie? (17:29)• How has your business grown since its launch and has the pandemic affected your business at all? (22:35)• You had a creative past before starting Brooklyn Brownie Co. How creative do you allow yourself to get when making your product? (25:17)• Do you want your son to stay in the business long term or do you want him to make his own decision on it? (26:52)• Where do you see the business in 10 years’ time? (29:18)• BUSINESS LEADERS ANSWER THE INTERNET’S QUESTIONS – How do you even start a business? (31:35)Be sure to subscribe to the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world’s leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and says he is the #1 business coach in the world. We’re really proud to be talking to Brad on this edition of Business Leader Insight, brought to you by Knightstone Capital.Brad Sugars has become the CEO of over 9 companies over the course of his 30-year career. Brad’s drive to share, educate and motivate saw him launch ActionCOACH®, which has since grown to a multi-million dollar franchise. His honesty and straight-forward style allow entrepreneurs and business owners to learn from his mistakes and achieve impactful results.He’s been dubbed a leader that will tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear – and for more than two decades, millions of people worldwide have been listening and taking action. Catch Brad at BizX Virtual 2021 (Thursday 29 April – Fri 30 April), with other business leaders like Lord Alan Sugar, Seth Godin, and many more.HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THE INTERVIEW:• We’ll start by going back to your youth. As a teen, I understand you saved all your money to attend a seminar from a business coach and were one of the youngest there. Why did you want to do that and how did it influence you? (0:54)• How do you look back on the 1990s for you in respect to growing your business? (2:56)• You’ve grown ActionCoach across the world – I’d like to get your insight into what different ingredients and thinking is needed to grow a £1m business compared to a billion pound one. And why don’t more people think in these terms? (4:52)• You describe the ‘Disney model’ of creating a product you can sell and then replicating it across the world as an approach to strive to. Could you explain it to us? (8:34)• In the UK, it tends to be common for business leaders to exit quickly which means we haven’t produced many large businesses like Facebook, Amazon or BMW, etc. Some may say that’s a good thing, but do you have any thoughts about why Americans mainly, are more inclined to think in terms of building empires? (9:42)• How do you know as an entrepreneur when to pull the plug on an idea or a business that may not succeed and also how to detach emotionally? (13:11)• On the topic of your personal brand – how important do you feel it is to invest in your own personal brand? In relation to the impact, it will have on your core businesses. (17:10)• What keeps you up at night – what are you scared of and this could be external political factors, threats to the business world, or something more personal? (19:33)• What have been your early impressions of the new social network Clubhouse? (21:58)• Marketing is an omnichannel now but if you had one route to attract customers to your business, what would it be? (23:49)• How has the mood in the US changed since the election? (26:24)• What’s one fact about you that we can’t find about you online? (28:52)• What’s one thing you miss about Australia? (30:04)• Could you tell us more about BizX Virtual 2021? (32:21)• Final word from Brad Sugars (32:55)Be sure to subscribe to the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the UK’s leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A movement is growing. A global agency that's disrupting the search industry, formed out a vision and the passion and creativity of a 27-year-old. This is our conversation with the inspirational Carrie Rose."She's too young", "it'll fade away", "it won't last"... The criticisms of this young entrepreneur have been plastered all over social media and whispered in the halls of agencies across the country. But this is not your average business leader. In June 2019, 27-year-old Carrie Rose launched Rise at Seven, with business partner and company CCO Stephen Kenwright, with a vision of using creativity and unbridled drive to disrupt the industry.Carrie has spearheaded several campaigns for clients, using her creativity as a nuclear weapon to unleash on social media. This has seen the company grow to over 60 employees and £4m turnover in the space of just 18 months. Most impressively, Carrie's achieved these feats with a refreshing honesty. With her team, she openly admits that she is new to this journey as a leader, learning as she's going along. On the eve of the news that the company is now registered in the US, it's safe to say Carrie is a fast learner.Here's a breakdown of what we discussed in the interview:• What was life like for you growing up and did you have an entrepreneurial flair from an early age? (1:00)• You worked at a number of agencies before creating your current agency Rise at Seven, how did you find working for someone else and do you feel that this prepared you for running your own business? (2:17)• Do you remember feeling intimidated by working with big global brands at the age of 21/22 or did you not really think about it at that time? (3:41)• Can you tell us about making the decision to launch Rise at Seven and what were the first steps you took to create the business? (5:41)• Stephen Kenwright is CCO and your business partner at Rise at Seven. How has did the relationship with Stephen start and how did you decide that you would work well as business partners? (9:00)• Could you tell us more about Rise at Seven and the journey over the past 18 months to where you are today? (10:35)• Veteran business leaders have struggled to maintain staff morale and togetherness while working from home over the past year. The majority of your company’s growth has been under some kind of lockdown or restriction. Have you dealt with this personally and as a leader? (12:51)• Learning a skill at university doesn’t quite prepare you for the real world. How have you found the first 18 months or so of your company and have you come up against any challenges that have made you question yourself? (16:47)• You’re obviously a young female CEO of a rapidly growing business. Have you had any difficulty with older, more experienced employees, or other business leaders, not taking you seriously in business? (18:38)• Your agency has spearheaded some exceptionally viral campaigns, what has been your favourite campaign you’ve worked on so far? (20:26)• Is giving your staff the ability to run with a creative idea important to you? (23:10)• Although the internet undoubtedly has its upsides, how do you feel about the negative side of social media, online bullying etc? (24:35)• Where do you see your company in 10 years’ time? (27:00)• You’re an unashamed creative. Do you see your future solely with your creative agency or do you have another dream opportunity in mind that you would love to pursue? (28:11)• BUSINESS LEADERS ANSWER THE INTERNET'S QUESTIONS - What is the worst possible thing to put on your CV? (29:07)Be sure to subscribe to the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the UK’s leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mental health has been firmly thrust into the public discussion due to the pandemic and for good reason. But Richard Glynn isn’t just talking the talk, his company 87% is transforming the way businesses treat mental wellbeing and the changes are improving their balance sheets too. This is our conversation with the inspirational Richard Glynn, brought to you by Knightstone Capital.Beginning life in the world of corporate law, Richard Glynn has had a fascinating journey rising through the ranks. He was Chief Executive of Sporting Index in the early 2000s, leading a £52.7m management buyout before heading up Ladbrokes between 2010 and 2015. Richard also served as a Special Trustee of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, a role that had a lasting impact on him, an impact that ignited a passion for improving mental wellbeing.Richard saw the hospital’s consultants invest in the mental wellbeing of the children, their parents, the junior doctors and of the nursing staff. They knew that if the mental wellbeing of the kids was looked after, as well as their physical needs, they got better quicker. That meant more beds available and more kids getting treatment. This realisation sparked Richard’s belief that data insight is fundamental to any effective investment in mental wellbeing in the workplace and led to him creating his latest venture. 87% is an innovative digital platform that empowers businesses and individuals to understand, measure and improve their mental wellbeing. HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THE INTERVIEW:• We’ll start right at the beginning. What was life like for you growing up and did you always have a drive to be in business? (1:40)• What was your first rung on the business ladder and how did you come across that opportunity? (3:09)• The corporate world is very much seen as a dog-eat-dog world, cut throat, all the clichés you want to use. Did you ever feel like your mantra of giving back were opposed to the nature of the corporate world? (4:15)• How did you find the jump from the world of corporate law to running your own company? (6:17)• You held some high-level positions in Sporting Index and Ladbrokes. The gambling industry will always struggle to shake a fairly negative image, despite all of the “gambling responsibly” campaigns. Did you have any difficulty with that when you entered those companies, or did you see it as an opportunity to create positive change? (7:55)• Failure in business still has a negative connotation with many people but is a common thread with successful people, do you believe it’s important to talk about it more and have you found attitudes have changed towards it over your career? (10:51)• We now come on to 87%, many say we’re seeing a mental health crisis in the UK due to the lockdowns. Do you think the pandemic has booted business leaders into giving mental health the attention it deserves? (14:21)• Could you tell us about 87% and led you to create the business? (16:02)• If you could ask Government for one or two changes that you’d like to see when it comes to mental health, what changes would you like to see? (21:06)• Do any figures in your business life particularly stand out that you’ve learnt important lessons from? (24:00)• BUSINESS LEADERS ANSWER THE INTERNET’S QUESTIONS – What do CEOs do all day? (25:20)• How do people find out more about 87%? (26:31Be sure to subscribe to the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the UK’s leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She spent just short of a decade honing her skills and rising through the ranks at Alipay, the Alibaba-backed fintech giant, before taking up the position as Chief Commercial Officer at the feisty fintech group Mode. This is our conversation with the inspirational Rita Liu, brought to you by Knightstone Capital.Rita joined Alipay in 2010 and was initially responsible for driving partnerships with major Chinese banks. In 2011, she became one of the founding members of the Alipay International Business department and has since held senior roles in business development and partnerships in Asia, the U.S and Europe. From 2015 to 2017, Rita was based in London while serving as Head of EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) for Alipay, overseeing the company’s overall business in the region, including business development, operations and marketing activities.Rita made the switch to UK-based fintech group Mode in March 2020, a company with the goal of "transitioning the world to a truly digital financial system." With Bitcoin and cryptocurrency becoming a staple in the portfolios of investors across the globe, the company is well-positioned as the first-of-its-kind financial app in the UK. Although their services cover much more than crypto, Rita Liu is driving the company forward and is already regarded as one of the most influential female leaders in Fintech. Download the Mode app today.Here's a breakdown of what we discussed in the interview:• Your personal journey has been a fascinating one. Before we get too much into your recent history in business, what was life like for you growing up and did you always have a drive to be in business? (1:09)• Could tell us about your history rising through the ranks at AliPay and then moving over to your current position at Mode? (1:56)• Both Mode and AliPay have disrupted the traditional way of working. On a personal level, would you say that you feel more drawn to disruptors over more established traditional companies? (4:19)• You’ve played a key part in growing both AliPay and Mode. Do any figures in your business life particularly stand out that you’ve learnt important lessons from? (4:58)• Do you think enough is being done to encourage women to grow and feature in leadership positions within tech? (6:06)• You started your position at Mode in March, which one of the most turbulent times in history with COVID-19 really affecting everyday life. How have you found the last year personally? (7:48)• Do you think you’ve changed your leadership style since moving to Mode and dealing with the pandemic? (9:00)• One of Mode’s keen focuses is on Bitcoin. The mainstream chatter of Bitcoin was high in 2018, it then simmered down but is being thrown into the spotlight again recently. In your opinion, are people who haven’t invested in cryptocurrency missing out on a big opportunity? (10:21)• BUSINESS LEADERS ANSWER THE INTERNET'S QUESTIONS - Why don't we just print more money? (12:01)• I would be remiss if I didn’t ask about Jack Ma, of course, the founder of Alibaba. Have you met him? (13:51)Be sure to subscribe to the Business Leader YouTube channel for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first edition of Business Leader Conversations, brought to you by Knightstone Capital, we’re proud to be speaking with JobOppo founder, Kayam Iqbal.Kayam started his military career in the Royal Air Force as a medic, before specialising in languages and working with various specialist units across a number of NATO countries. Kayam’s achievements to date are numerous and include setting up the OppO Foundation, a charity supporting military personnel and their families, through the challenges facing them once they leave the services.Kayam joined the Royal Air Force in 1999 and spent 11 years in the British Military, completing tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. After 9/11 Kayam faced hostility from both sides of the community – for being Muslim and having a military background, to racism from certain sections of ‘civi street’. Kayam was medically discharged with PTSD officially in 2010 after which he struggled to find employment in a civilian role and at one point found himself selling scratch cards for £6 an hour with Camelot.Kayam’s PTSD and related depression were not openly discussed because of the negative stigma surrounding mental health issues and the feeling that it showed weakness. But through hard work and the resilience and determination he had gained during his service, Kayam taught himself a whole new set of skills and went on to launch the award-winning JobOppO in 2013 before founding the OppO Foundation. Kayam has also appeared as a Hunter on the Channel 4 show ‘Hunted’.HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THE INTERVIEW:• It would be good to start talking about your current business. Could you tell us about your company and what led you to set it up? (1:00)• Not everyone has the drive and will to create their own business, no matter how well they knew their industry or ‘customer’. What do you think gave you that drive to create the business? (2:38)• Some studies have found that as many as 20-30% of veterans returning from service have PTSD. What would be your message to veterans returning from duty and to the business leaders considering them as job candidates? (4:00)• Should more be done to assist and encourage entrepreneurship among returning veterans? (5:54)• Discrimination has played a big part in your life from an early age. How has the conversation and attitudes around diversity changed since you created your business? (7:03)• Do you think enough is being done in your industry to encourage diversity? (9:21)• What does your company turn over and what is your vision for it, for the next ten years? (10:26)• What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in business? (11:37)• Who are the figures in business that inspire you the most? (12:55)• Do you have any final words for our audience? (14:10)Be sure to subscribe to the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the UK’s leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this fascinating Business Leader Insight interview, we were joined by Ellen Windemuth, founder of the WaterBear Network; the first interactive streaming platform dedicated to the future of our planet.Ellen’s passion for nature and conservation led to the creation of the WaterBear Network. This unique, free streaming service provides access to award-winning and inspirational content that empowers members to dive deeper, learn more and take action. Prior to WaterBear, she was the owner and CEO of Off the Fence, having founded the company in 1994. Under her leadership Off the Fence has acquired, produced and co-produced over 6,000 hours of content.Ellen is a seasoned Executive Producer and Distributor and has produced over 500 hours to date herself. She is the Chair of the Jackson Hole Film Festival Board, Honorary President of the Sunnyside Doc 2019 festival in La Rochelle, France and is active in conservation and land development. Her experience in factual entertainment programming is extensive in both production and distribution.HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THE INTERVIEW:Before we talk about Waterbear and your current focus, I wanted to start talking about the early days of your production company Off the Fence. What led you to make the decision to start your own business? (0:50)You described yourself as “unemployable” was that also because you had strong views on how a business should be and that kind of thing? (1:31)Could you tell us about Off the Fence as far as growth and reach is concerned? (2:19)As a business grows, an entrepreneur has to give up some of their control, in important decision making for example. How did you find this in your company, and would you have any tips for viewers going through this? (3:42)Off the Fence was acquired after 25 years, and of course, you’re still a part of the business today but what led you to take that decision? (5:19)Could you tell us about Waterbear and the vision for the company? (7:22)You’ve described yourself in the past as someone who doesn’t like taking risks. This often flies in the face of the stereotypical entrepreneur. What clicked for you to decide that you wanted to launch Waterbear? (9:51)Where do you see Waterbear in 10 years’ time? (11:01)How have you found the last few months and how has the pandemic affected your business? (12:43)What drives you on and gets you up in the morning? (14:34)Final word (15:23)Be sure to subscribe to the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the UK’s leading business figures.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starting his first business at the age of 22 as a sole trader Joseph is the former CEO of the UK’s largest independent Boiler Installation business Impra Gas, spanning across the nation with over 150 staff and a multi-million-pound turnover. This growth was achieved in just 7 short years and Joseph has now sold this organisation at the age of 30.Joseph rose to fame at the age of 25 after winning the BBC’s The Apprentice the UK’s largest cash prize TV show and also gaining billionaire lord sugar as a business partner. His other achievements include being a number one best-selling author with his book ‘Expelled from The Classroom to Billionaire Boardroom’. He has now set his sights on the international stage and aims to build one of the worlds biggest training and development business's Power2Succeed University focused on working with Business owners and entrepreneurs to achieve success in sales.Alongside this Joseph has launched the first-ever training in construction The Trade Mastermind & Coaching Academy which was set up to support one-man bands, sole traders and SME's in construction. Joseph believes so strongly in the Laws of attraction and champions the tag line - ‘Whatever the mind can conceive and believe the mind can achieve’ his aim is to give back and make every one of the 8 billion people on this planet believe in themselves cause if they don’t, no one will.HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THE INTERVIEW:You have written a book called ‘Expelled from the classroom to billionaire boardroom’ – can you tell us more about your life and experience in education? (1:05)You were a plumber by trade - where did your interest in business come from? (2:23)You won the Apprentice aged 25 – what was it like working with Lord Sugar and how did the experience as a whole impact your career? (4:34)Many successful business leaders have ups and downs – and you have received some bad press regarding your business ImpraGas. How do you reflect on that period and do you look back with any regrets? (7:59)Do you still feel that the way you exited ImpraGas was the correct way to handle that situation? (13:11)There is a taboo about failure in the UK, do you feel like the mindset and narrative around that topic should change in the country? (15:35)What is your long-term vision for The Trade Mastermind? (19:05)After a difficult year, many businesspeople will be disheartened by their company going bust and having to start again. What would be your advice to people going through this? (22:13)Questions from the publicBesides Lord Sugar, who has inspired you most in business? (23:36)If you could go back to 22-year-old you, what one piece of advice would you give yourself? (24:38)What is one fact about you that people won’t be able to find online? (24:59)Click here to watch other Business Leader Insight interviews and be sure to check our Virtual Events page for upcoming interviews and events.Be sure to subscribe to the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the UK’s leading business figures.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chika Russell is an international entrepreneur, mentor and speaker. After 10 years working in finance and banking and qualifying as a management accountant, she went on to launch CHIKA’S. Born out of three simple principles: good food, good ethos and good causes – these are snacks with soul. The CHIKA’S range of African-inspired, boldly-flavoured snacks proved mainstream consumer demand for African foods that immediately struck a chord with retailers like Wholefoods, Waitrose, Holland & Barrett’s and Ocado, establishing CHIKA’S as the leader in this space.In 2015, Chika Russell took part in BBC’s Dragons Den and gave what Deborah Meaden described as ‘one of the best pitches ever’. The battle between the 5 Dragons for a stake in the business was the most-watched episode of the whole series. In a short period, Chika Russell has grown her business, and is now listed in an impressive 3,000 retail stockists in the UK and internationally, also including airlines and hotels. In July 2015, she launched her snacks for change programme to help send more girls to school. A supporter of girls in education since 2000, in 2019 she formalised a partnership with World Vision empowering girls with the bold aim of supporting 38,000 girls through their education by 2025.In 2019, we recognised Chika as one of the Top 30 Inspiring UK Entrepreneurs. She has also been recognised as a ‘Consumer Business Rising Star’ by the Black British Business Awards and a future leader by She Leads Africa. CHIKA’S was ranked in the top 50 start-ups in the U.K and she has also represented female-led SMEs at 10 Downing Street’s Women in Business events.You can order these tasty CHIKA’S snacks online or in a variety of retailers including Waitrose, Ocado & Co-Op.HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THE INTERVIEW:We’ll begin with talking about you and your journey before you took the step of creating your own brand. Can you tell us about your background in business before founding CHIKA’S Foods? (1:23)Deciding to create your own business is a big step for any entrepreneur. Were you worried about taking that step and backing yourself? (4:15)You then appear on Dragon’s Den and deliver a pitch that Deborah Meaden described as one of the best pitches ever. You get offers from all of the Dragons but decided back yourself and turn them down. Could you talk us through why you made that decision and the process of appearing on the show? (6:06)2020 had been a difficult year for businesses of all sizes. Has your business been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and has it changed your outlook on the business? (12:34)Many business leaders are talking about the lack of diversity in different sectors. Do you think more needs to be done to encourage the representation of females and minorities in the sector you operate? (16:27)The CHIKA’S Foods brand is closely associated with World Vision. Why was that specific cause so important to you and can you tell us a little about the partnership? (20:04)Putting 2020 behind of you and focusing on 2021, what are you looking forward to most in the next 12 months? (25:32)What would be your advice to people watching who may be thinking of taking the same step you did and launching their own business? (26:50)When are we going to see you on Dragon’s Den, in a chair as a Dragon? (28:59)Click here to watch other Business Leader Insight interviews and be sure to check our Virtual Events page for upcoming interviews and events.Be sure to subscribe to the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the UK’s leading business figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.