Simon Says

In episode 47, Simon talks to Jenny Knighting. Jenny has worked with a number of ambitious start-up’s, leading commercial strategy and making bold business growth plans a reality. With a wealth of experience in media, manufacturing, services and events, Jenny brings a unique creativity and perspective to every launch, scale and strategy. As founder and CEO of Nutcracker Agency, Jenny has led her team to win multiple awards, including finalist in the Best New Business at The National Business Awards. Since launching Nutcracker in 2014, the business has grown 60% year on year, helping countless clients in a wide range of industries to fulfil their vision through targeted, exciting and results-driven marketing.

In episode 46, Simon talks to Paul Smitton. Paul is the CEO and Managing Director for Asia's leading travel and lifestyle rewards programme, with more than 12 million members and over 800 programme partners worldwide. Responsible for 200+ team members delivering the P&L for this important business unit.

In episode 45, Simon talks to Bernard Moon. He is the Co-founder & Partner at SparkLabs Group, which is a network of startup accelerators and venture capital funds that has invested in over 280 companies across the globe. Previously, he was Co-founder & CEO of Vidquik, a web conferencing & sales solutions platform. Bernard was a Managing Director at the Lunsford Group, which is a private investment firm with holdings in real estate, healthcare and other industries. Bernard was Co-founder & VP of Business Development of GoingOn Networks, a social media platform for companies, and also led their product development where BusinessWeek recognised them in their "Best of the Web" list.

In episode 44, Simon talks to Sophie Baron. Sophie is the Founder of UK based parent/baby digital start-up Mamamade; a fast growing direct-to-consumer business. With the use of AI Mamamade creates bespoke nutrient-dense meals for children aged 6-36 months.Originally from New York, Sophie ventured to the UK to undertake a PhD at London School of Economics before becoming Head of Operations at a tech company.

In episode 43, Simon talks to Dr Kalmeta. She presently completed a 25 month international chronic wound project in which her company, BioRegentech, successfully transferred its technology: successfully tested all prototypes of advanced wound medical devices, active substrates, and the associated protocols. This work was a dedication to humanity to prevent one of humanity's greatest suffering, limb amputations. Under Dr. Kalmeta leadership, BioRegentech has grown and currently has 2 divisions: Advanced Wounds and COVID 19. Every 22 seconds, a leg is amputated and 85% of these amputations are the result of a diabetic foot ulcer. BioRegentech is a new life science company that has developed disruptive technology that can completely heal these open wounds by growing up to four layers of fresh tissue, a completely impossible task for modern medicine. Our mission is to give doctors our advanced tools in order to prevent further amputations, which are especially prevalent in the disproportionately affected populations.

In episode 42, Simon talks to Hayley Peacock. She is the Managing Director and Owner of Little Barn Owls Nursery group in West Sussex, her Horsham setting being awarded Nursery World UK Nursery of the Year in 2015/16. Her three nurseries are Reggio Emilia Inspired Forest and Farm Schools, the largest being based on a farm and is home to 20 animals including pigs, chickens and ducks that children look after every day, and another bring a full time forest school. Hayley’s newest and most exciting project is the opening of ATELIER 21 FUTURE SCHOOL – a revolutionary new school for children 4-16 years old which is planned to open in September 2020 which will be inspired by project -based learning, Guy Claxton’s Learning Power Approach and the Reggio Emilia Approach. A blend of academic workshops, outdoor learning through Wild Friday’s and time for Self – Directed Learning and Entrepreneurship projects gives pupils a holistic, experiential education where they are supported and developed to make progress in the skills they will need to compete and thrive in the 21st Century.

In Episode 41, Simon talks to Spencer Matthews. Spencer is the Founder & CEO of The Clean Liquor Co and keen investor in start-ups and early growth companies. The development of The Clean Liquor Co. has been a long and personal journey. CleanGin - their first product, represents everything they stand for, a complex and beautifully produced liquid in a stunning bottle that will stand the test of time as a classic drink. Why Clean? Spencer felt that describing what they offer as “Clean” was a more positive approach than the often negative connotation surrounding No & Low alcohol. It makes for an easier bar call and more sense for people like me who drink less, or not at all as part of a cleaner lifestyle. They strive to create the most authentic products in this exciting new category and will continue to experiment across other key spirits and more.

In episode 40, Simon talks to Frederick "Fritz" Demopoulos. He has been an entrepreneur and investor within the media and internet industries for over 10 years. He co-founded Qunar.com, China's largest travel internet company; and Shawei.com, China's largest sports internet company. Fritz also had senior positions at Netease and The News Corporation.

In Episode 39, Simon speaks to Maximilian Von Poelnitz. Maximilian is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and start up advisor. He has spent 10 years in Asia both in Hong Kong and Singapore. Following business school at INSEAD, he launched his first venture in food e-commerce in 2011. By 2015, his 4th start up - delivery only cloud kitchen NOSH - received funding from Alibaba Entrepreneur Fund. More recently, he started a food tech fund called New Territory Ventures that focuses on angel investments in the future of food. Max is passionate about food tech, supply chain management software, and alternative food sources.

In episode 38, Simon talks to Jonathan Sattin. He is founder of triyoga – London’s leading centre for yoga, pilates and treatments. In 1985, Jonathan was a senior partner in his own west end law practice – and relied on coffee and cigarettes to deal with stress until a colleague introduced him to yoga. He launched triyoga having raised the funds via a group of investors. David Svendsen, who was then Chairman of Microsoft, was a supporter from early on triyoga which was founded in Primrose Hill in 2000. There are now centres in Camden, Soho, Chelsea, Ealing and Shoreditch.