The Business Leader Podcast

In this instalment of Business Leader Insight, we were proud to talk to Sabrina Stocker: business coach, founder of My Tennis Events, Shopping Slot and former contestant on the Apprentice.Sabrina also featured on our list of top 32 female entrepreneurs to look out for.Be sure to follow Sabrina on Twitter and Instagram.Here's what we discussed during the interview:Can you tell us about your early life and career? (0:51)You built My Tennis Events into a six-figure business within the first year of trading. What was the secret to this success? (1:47)Did you have aspirations to become a tennis player? (2:25)How has My Tennis Events been affected by the pandemic? (3:20)What other opportunities have you been looking at during the pandemic? (4:17)How was your experience on the Apprentice? (5:49)What are Lord Sugar and Claude Littner like to deal with? (6:15)What made you want to be an entrepreneur? (6:45)Are you looking to grow your expertise and become an investor? (7:38)Do you think there’s a culture that encourages entrepreneurship or could we do more? (8:19)How important is making mistakes in achieving success in your opinion? (9:21)Do you have any tips for viewers looking to raise funding? (10:12)Do you have any tips for people looking to start a business? (11:13)Questions from the publicHow did you manage to sustainably scale up your business in your first year? (11:50)What is the best advice you’ve ever received and what is the best advice that you give to your clients? (12:26)What was your biggest takeaway from your time on the Apprentice? (12:58)What is one fact about you that people can’t find online? (13:35)Do you have any tips to grow your business organically? (15:57)Watch the full interview on the Business Leader YouTube channel and don't forget to rate and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were honoured to talk to Jon Taffer, best-selling author, hospitality expert and host/executive producer of Bar Rescue on this edition of Business Leader Insight, brought to you by Knightstone Capital.For nearly four decades, Jon Taffer has been at the forefront of the business management industry offering his expertise to hundreds of thousands of properties and Fortune 500 companies. Jon’s latest book, Don’t Bullsh*t Yourself, a no-nonsense guide that helps people understand and overcome the excuses holding them back from success, became a New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal best-seller in its first week of release.He is also the host and executive producer of Bar Rescue. The show spotlights Jon as he saves failing bars from looming closure, leverages Taffer’s four decades of unprecedented industry experience and trademarked “Reaction Management” strategy to offer advisement on everything from menu design to cost management.Here's what we discussed during the interview:What’s the feeling in Las Vegas since reopening after the COVID-19 lockdown? (1:11)Many leaders have pivoted their business very quickly to adapt to the pandemic. What do you think will make these businesses successful when we get back to normality? (5:29)What do you think will be the consequences for businesses that don’t adapt to the new normal? (7:24)What tips do you have for UK hospitality businesses when they open back up? (8:39)You have a book about excuses and how they hold people back. Why is this mantra so important to you? (10:20)How do you know when the time is right to give up and move on to a new business venture? (14:08)You’re the host and executive producer of the very popular show Bar Rescue. Could you share some secrets of what it takes to create a successful bar? (17:14)Questions from the publicDo you think this crisis has provided a way out and excuse for many businesses that failing anyway and just had poor leadership? (23:45)Do you have any smart working tips to work harder without burning out? (24:23)Is there still a place for formal dining and will we see it return? (25:17)How do privately owned restaurants/bars attract customers from big brands who have huge marketing budgets? (26:49)What would you say is more important to the success of a business, good product or good atmosphere and why? (32:22)What is one fact about you that people can’t find online? (34:01)Some companies have slashed their marketing budgets to save money during the pandemic. What would you say to leaders that have decided to do this? (34:45)Final word from Jon (36:13)Watch the full interview on the Business Leader YouTube channel and don't forget to rate and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spencer Matthews, TV personality and founder and CEO of the Clean Liquor Company, was our guest on this edition of Business Leader Insight, brought to you by Purplex Marketing.Spencer Matthews has frequently appeared on British TV screens since first making his name in the E4 series Made in Chelsea. His entrepreneurial spirit has seen him invest in a variety of in start-ups and early growth companies over the years.Spencer is the founder and CEO of The Clean Liquor Co. The company has been making waves throughout the industry by offering a unique variety of “Clean” low alcohol rum and gin, with more to be added to the range soon. Check out The Clean Liquor Co. website for the full range of products they offer, including CleanGin and CleanRum.Here's what we discussed during the interview:You were working in the city at that time as filming Made in Chelsea. Can you give us an overview of your career that point? (1:23)Could you talk about the lessons you learnt through being on Made in Chelsea? (4:40)What inspired you to set up The Clean Liquor Co.? (8:45)How has lockdown affected your business and how have you changed your business and marketing plan? (13:53)What do you look for when you invest and do you have any tips for start-up leaders? (19:00)Questions from the publicDid you learn any business lessons from your fellow Made in Chelsea cast members? (22:58)How important has your social media following been for the expansion of The Clean Liquor Co.? (24:46)What is one fact about you that people can’t find online? (27:01)Watch the full interview on the Business Leader YouTube channel and don't forget to rate and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this instalment of Business Leader Insight, we spoke to Lara Morgan, a British entrepreneur with a track record of delivering exceptional accelerated growth. Her investment strategy in wellbeing products primarily is pinned to improving life’s journey.Lara founded her first business, Pacific Direct, in 1991 at the age of just 23. Having arrived in the UK from Hong Kong with little or no hotel experience, Lara quickly grew Pacific Direct into a specialist global supplier of luxury high-end brands for five-star hotels.Lara invests in British brands including Scentered.com, the 100% natural, portable, Wellbeing Ritual aromatherapy brand; Gate8 luggage, lightweight, time-saving, functional, business luggage and accessories that reduce stress; KitBrix, a functional, robust, modular, sports kit bag and organiser system for active people, Yogi Bare, the best in class yoga and fitness mats and accessories. Lara is a proud mother of three girls and a committed volunteer and philanthropist.Here's what we discussed during the interview:You were set to go to university but following your father’s bankruptcy, this didn’t happen. Could you explain the impact this had on you? (0:58)You started your first business at the age of 23 and eventually sold it for £20 million. What were the key ingredients to building this business? (2:16)What’s the feeling like when you’ve signed on the dotted line and sold your business? (4:25)What did the sacrifice of achieving your goals mean to you? (8:10)What tips do you have for anybody planning to – or going through – an exit? (9:20)For you what are the most important elements to scaling a business? (11:13)What does a good business do to motivate their employees? (14:00)What do you think makes the mark of a good leader in business? (16:49)What advice would you have for entrepreneurs going through a difficult time at the moment? (18:09)Could you tell us about your typical working day? (20:04)Questions from the publicDo you think it’s an employer’s obligation to look after their employees’ mental health? (21:29)What advice do you have for leaders who have had to close their businesses during COVID-19? (22:52)What keeps you motivated and hungry in life and business? (24:51)What is the best advice you’ve ever received? (26:21)What is one thing about you that people won’t be able to find online? (28:05)Final word from Lara (29:40)Watch the full interview on the Business Leader YouTube channel and don't forget to rate and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were proud to talk to Barry Hearn, legendary sports promoter and founder of Matchroom Sport, in this edition of Business Leader Insight, brought to you by Knightstone Capital.Barry Hearn is a sporting events promoter and the founder and chairman of promotions company Matchroom Sport. Barry has transformed sports like Darts, Snooker and Boxing throughout his career and managed names such as Steve Davis, Anthony Joshua and Chris Eubank.His business is also one of the UK’s fastest-growing and his son Eddie now also plays an influential role within it. Barry was also previously the Chairman of Leyton Orient, where he once signed Harry Kane MBE on loan from Tottenham.Here's what we discussed during the interview:How have you found the last few months during the COVID-19 crisis? (1:08)How did you become involved in sport and what led you to create Matchroom Sport? (2:13)Matchroom Sport has become one of the UK’s fastest-growing companies, but you nearly went bankrupt on your journey. How did you turn it around? (4:30)You must be very proud to see your son Eddie involved with the business now, could you tell us more about his influence in Matchroom? (6:37)Do you think sports are finally coming back as normal after COVID-19? (10:09)How do you think lower league football clubs can survive COVID-19 with funding so tight? (12:37)Do you think more players should follow Harry Kane’s lead and support their old lower league clubs at this time? (14:39)You have managed and met some huge characters – who are the standouts for you and the ones that make you smile now? (17:50)Questions from the publicDo you believe we will ever see a billion-dollar boxing match? (20:45)What qualities do you look for in a leader? (21:59)Which areas of sport do you think are most primed for growth over the next 5-10 years? Also, what other trends do you see commerce-wise that are most interesting? (23:07)What is the best way to generate luck? (26:06)What fight would you like to see after Fury v Joshua? (28:11)Who is your all-time sports hero? (30:17)What is one fact about you that we can’t find online? (33:07)Final word from Barry (34:48)Watch the full interview on the Business Leader YouTube channel and don't forget to rate and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of Business Leader Insight, presented by Interaction - the office workplace research, design and build experts, we were honoured to get to talk to Mark 'Billy' Billingham MBE, ex-SAS leader and star of Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins.A leader like no other, Billy joined the Parachute Regiment in 1983 and served until 1991 holding an array of positions including Patrol Commander for operational tours in many worldwide locations and also served as a training instructor for the Regiments as a military specialist.Billy joined the SAS in 1991 as a Mountain Troop specialist and has been responsible for planning and executing strategic operations and training at the highest level in numerous locations (Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa) and has led countless hostage rescues.After his military career, Billy became a bodyguard and looked after people such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sir Michael Caine, Jude Law, Hulk Hogan, Kate Moss, Russell Crowe and Tom Cruise. He is also one of the stars of the hit TV show SAS: Who Dares Wins and is an author and public speaker.Here's what we discussed during the interview:Can you tell us about how you ended up joining the army? (1:06)You served for 27 years in the elite unit – that must make an incredible mark on somebody. How did shape you? (3:56)What was your lowest point during this long SAS career and what did you have to do to get through it? (5:06)So how did you end up on Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins? (7:31)What is your view on how the UK has responded to COVID-19 and have you ever seen anything like this? (9:41)What advice would you give to leaders to help them navigate this crisis? (12:17)Do you think the era of the “Hero Leader” is fading away and a different style is needed for issues like this? (14:25)How do you reflect on your time as a bodyguard to the stars and were there any close scrapes? (15:53)You talk a lot about ‘Always a little further’ – what do you mean by that? (18:12)Questions from the publicWhat would be your advice for new leaders? (20:45)How do you mentally prepare your mind to deal with situations you think you can’t achieve? (22:19)Where have you experienced strong leadership and why? (23:16)What morning rituals do you follow to set your day up for success? (25:59)How do you deal with negativity in a team? (26:52)How do you schedule your week or month? (28:04)How do you inspire yourself and pick yourself up when you have a bad day? (29:25)How do you achieve your team goals when the wider business team can’t see the ultimate goal? (30:48)What is something we can’t find online about you? (31:59)Final word from Billy (32:36)Watch the full interview on the Business Leader YouTube channel and don't forget to rate and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of Business Leader Insight, presented by Purplex Marketing, we were honoured to get to talk to Professor Steve West, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England.Professor West has been Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England, Bristol since 2008. A prominent leadership figure in the South West and UK, Steve has held various external roles such as Chair of University Alliance, President of Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the West of England Initiative and President of the South West CBI.Here's what we discussed during the interview:Professor Steve Smith background and career (0:44)How has UWE (University of the West of England) responded as an organisation to the Covid-19 pandemic? (1:51)How have you personally had to adapt as a leader during this time? (3:10)How do you keep mentally resilient during such a difficult time? (6:37)What are your plans as a university to getting back to some kind of normality after COVID-19? (9:40)Can you tell us about the construction of the NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol? (14:38)Questions from the publicWhat’s the best advice you can give to students leaving education during this pandemic? (17:33)Do you think this crisis will encourage a boom in working from home or freelance work? (19:41)What’s the best thing a person can do to help out during this crisis? (22:02)What is one fact about you that people may not be able to find online? (23:34)Watch the full interview on the Business Leader YouTube channel and don't forget to rate and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of Business Leader Insight, presented by Purplex Marketing, we were honoured to get to talk to Brad Barritt, highly-accomplished professional rugby player, entrepreneur and founder of Tiki Tonga Coffee.On the rugby field, Brad is the captain of Saracens, leading them to four Gallagher Premiership titles and three European Champions Cup titles. He has also represented England at Test level, with 26 caps and 2 tries under his belt.Off the field, Brad is an experienced Director with a history of working in private equity, healthcare and coffee industry. In 2017, he co-founded Tiki Tonga Coffee Roasters, which has been making waves in the coffee industry around the world.Don’t forget to visit the Tiki Tonga website and use discount code BUSINESSLEADER10 at checkout for 10% off your first order. Terms & conditions apply.Here's what we discussed during the interview:Brad Barritt background (0:58)What lead you to set up Tiki Tonga? (1:57)How has your business been affected by COVID-19? (2:57)How have you adapted your business to handle COVID-19? (4:31)Could you give us a comparison between how the UK has handled COVID-19 with how South Africa has handled the pandemic? (5:17)What’s kept you motivated to work as hard in business as you do in rugby? (7:25)Are there any lessons that you’ve learnt on the rugby field that has carried over to your management style? (8:22)How do you keep mentally resilient with the uncertainty in business and in sport? (10:05)Questions from the publicWho was the best fly-half you ever played with? (11:41)Who did you support in 2019 Rugby World Cup Final? (13:20)When do you think we’ll see professional rugby back on our TV screens? (14:27)Will you ever look at franchising Tiki Tonga? (15:43)Could you tell us one fact about you that people won’t be able to find online? (16:34)Have you taken any lessons from current/previous coaches and used them in your business? (17:35)Watch the full interview on the Business Leader YouTube channel and don't forget to rate and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment of Business Leader Insight, presented by Purplex Marketing, we were honoured to get to talk to Joel Blake OBE, multi-award-winning businessman, leadership consultant and founder of  GFA Exchange.From a 16-year-old working in a recycling factory to one of the preeminent names in the UK FinTech industry, Joel Blake OBE is a multi-award-winning businessman, professional speaker and leadership consultant, specialising in Business Support and Enterprise development.With over 15 years’ experience of running his own businesses and assisting others to grow their own, Joel will provide valuable insight and expertise into business growth and the fintech industry.Here's what we covered during this discussion:Joel Blake OBE business background (1:04)What inspired the idea behind GFA Exchange? (3:05)How has GFA Exchange adapted to COVID-19? (5:37)How is the UK FinTech sector being impacted by COVID-19? (7:08)Has the Government done enough with to support businesses through COVID-19? (9:50) Do you have advice on how business leaders can embrace this difficult time? (12:48) How do you think businesses will have to change their working environments post-COVID-19? (15:34)What is a disruptor? (17:40) Questions from the publicSince many companies are relying on working from home, do you think post-COVID-19 companies will stay this way? (19:48)Do you think that, with people having more time on their hands, we will see a boom of small startups once the lockdown is over? (20:56) What’s the best advice you were ever given when starting out? (22:03) Who would you consider to be a good role model with how they have handled their company during COVID-19? (23:10) What’s one fact about you that people won’t be able to find online? (24:33)Watch the full interview on the Business Leader YouTube channel and don't forget to rate and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.