Secret Leaders with Dan Murray-Serter & Chris Donnelly

Christina Cacioppo, the founder and CEO of Vanta, is a remarkable entrepreneur who transitioned from a venture capitalist to leading a $2.5B startup. She shares her unexpected journey from Stanford to building Vanta, emphasizing the importance of self-learning and overcoming imposter syndrome. Christina discusses challenges in her early days, her unique strategy of waiting until achieving $10M ARR before raising funds, and the transformative role of AI in her company. Her insights into navigating the tech world and staying passionate in entrepreneurship are genuinely inspiring.

In this engaging discussion, chef Tom Kerridge, known for his two Michelin stars and a thriving £40M hospitality empire, shares his inspiring journey from washing dishes to culinary success. He candidly reveals the harsh realities of restaurant economics, why many establishments fail, and the crucial leadership lessons learned in high-pressure kitchens. Additionally, Tom emphasizes the importance of passion in turning culinary dreams into profitable ventures, and the challenges of balancing personal wellness with the demands of entrepreneurship.

Discover how AT&T's iconic banner ad in 1994 revolutionized digital advertising with a staggering 44% click-through rate. Uncover the rise of Google AdWords and its transformative effects on search ads. Delve into Facebook's targeting techniques that reshaped political landscapes. Explore the evolution of mobile and programmatic ads that track user behavior. Finally, glimpse into the future of ad-powered payments with insights from Philip Belamant of Zilch, promising a more efficient approach to commerce.

Philip Belamant, the founder and CEO of Zilch, is on a mission to disrupt the credit card industry. He reveals the shocking reality that the average UK citizen takes 16 years to pay off credit card debt. Zilch's innovative model offers interest-free payments and funds debt relief through a unique advertising approach. Belamant discusses the potential of replacing traditional credit systems and the role of fintech in reshaping financial practices in the UK. His entrepreneurial journey and early tech inspirations add depth to the conversation.

Explore the unsettling world of leadership where toxic masculinity thrives among CEOs. Discover how traits like dominance and emotional disconnection are often rewarded, creating a toxic corporate culture. Hear insights on overcoming systemic biases that hinder empathetic leaders, particularly women. Dive into an interview with Sam Conniff, who challenges outdated notions of masculinity and leadership. Learn practical ways to identify toxicity in yourself and others, paving the way for a more compassionate workplace.

Sam Conniff, an entrepreneur and best-selling author behind the Hard as Nails campaign, tackles the pressing crisis of modern masculinity. He discusses how societal norms have led to a generation of men struggling with toxic influences, including the controversial teachings of figures like Andrew Tate. Sam emphasizes the importance of redefining strength through empathy and vulnerability, illustrating the need for healthier masculine role models. He advocates for a transformation in leadership that fosters connection and personal growth for the next generation.

Discover how Burger King ingeniously targeted customers inside McDonald's, leading to an astonishing 1.5 million app downloads in just a week! The conversation dives into the clever Whopper Detour campaign that turned McDonald's strengths into weaknesses. Alongside humorous anecdotes about skiing and travel mishaps, the speakers highlight the importance of competitive strategies in the fast-food industry and the value of maintaining focus in entrepreneurship. Get ready for insights on personal branding and the cyclical nature of business trends!

Discover how a neuroscientist turned dopamine junkie transformed his life by breaking free from phone and alcohol addiction. Learn about the D.O.S.E framework and its impact on motivation, stress reduction, and sleep improvement. Explore practical strategies like the 30-minute rule to enhance focus and creativity while combating the temptation of instant gratification. Dive into the importance of balancing ambition with emotional well-being, mindful family interactions, and the role of nutrition in mental health.

Imagine losing 8,000 Bitcoins—now worth over half a billion pounds—because someone threw out your hard drive.In this episode of Leaders Chat, Dan and Chris dive into this jaw-dropping story, dissect Tony Khan’s daring strategy to keep AEW a family-run powerhouse, and dish out must-know entrepreneurial tips for aspiring business owners.What’s your opinion on family businesses—smart move or risky gamble?Hit subscribe and drop your thoughts in the comments!_______________Sign up to Wise Business banking:https://wise.com/uk/business/Join Vanta and receive $1000 off:http://vanta.com/secretleaders

Sean Dixon, founder of the high-end tailoring brand Richard James on Savile Row, shares his inspiring journey from a modest £10,000 investment to dressing A-list celebrities. He discusses the unique challenges of entering a prestigious market amidst a recession and the blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern style. From crafting iconic suits for figures like Sir Alex Ferguson to navigating the evolving demands of luxury menswear, Sean highlights pivotal moments that shaped his brand's success and the allure of bespoke experiences in today’s fashion world.