Nick Bradley is a multiple-billion $ dealmaker. And he hosts the Scale Up with Nick Bradley podcast - which used to be the UK’s no1 business podcast until Steven Bartlett turned up >waves fist<. As a teenager Nick was living the entrepreneurial dream. But he self-sabotaged and escaped his hometown. A high flying private equity career left him literally falling apart. He had to leave the dark side. Just what happened? Listen in and find out! In this episode, Nick discusses the impact of your environment on your ability to grow. How to spot when you’re misaligned with your true self. Get a peek into “the playground of narcissists”. The dangers of a successful identity. And why to follow Zig Ziglar’s advice that: “you can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” We’re now in the top 5% of global podcasts - heard in 44 countries!

Mike Reid is founder of a top venture capital firm focused on European tech scale ups “that have a clear net positive impact on society”. But his financial business - Frog Capital - was launched in the financial crisis of 2008! Just how did he navigate this treacherous landscape? The answer included demoting himself. Listen in and find out why! In this episode, discover the tips Mike learnt working with Europe’s top tech startup CEO’s. Why no-one believes only good news. The importance of strategy. And ruthlessness. Understand how partnerships beat hierarchies and why you should invest in relationships to prepare for crisis. We’re now in the top 5% of global podcasts - heard in 44 countries!

Fred Schmidt - based in Austin, Texas - has been a refugee and the recipient of an MBE (a very rare occurrence for a US citizen). He has a lifetime’s career at the cutting edge of music, games, media, tech and retail - rubbing shoulders with Alice Cooper, Ted Turner and…our host Dan Kirby! Find out how Fred and Dan met (it involved street wrestling in Austin) and the unique perspectives of this “bootstrap kinda guy”. In this episode, you’ll find out how to take advantage of life’s ups and downs. The value of hard work and getting out of your comfort zone. How to listen to fate and let it guide you. How to be ready for when luck comes knocking. And some clear-eyed advice when it comes to taking other people’s money.

Justin Breen is founder and CEO of two global companies. The author of two bestselling books. He lives an Epic Life from his home in Chicago. But the path to entrepreneurship was thrust upon him when - six days after he turned 40 - a 20 year career in journalism abruptly ended. Unable to find another job Justin was in a state of “utter hopelessness and panic". What did he do next? Listen in and find out! In this episode, discover why your family is your most important asset and the cost of success. The power of gratitude. Why you should invest more and more to get into smaller and smaller rooms. Hear Justin’s zero tolerance policy for excuses. And why to avoid spending time with boring, mediocre, time vampires. We’re now in the top 5% of global podcasts - heard in 44 countries!

Matthew Stafford is an entrepreneur and investor. An expert in the art of networking. He’s the co-founder of 9others, a network of over 4,500 entrepreneurs in 45 cities around the world. One time he deleted his Linkedin account. Why? Listen in and find out! In this episode, you will learn that insurmountable mountains are those you don’t face. Learn about the power of developing your network and playing long-term games with long-term people. Learn to communicate effectively. Reflect on why you should unplug from social media. Did you know? We’re now in the top 5% of global podcasts - heard in 44 countries!

Jason Kingsley is the Co-Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Rebellion, one of the world’s most successful independent video games studios. Jason received an OBE in 2012 and has 751k subs on his YouTube channel. But back in the day, life was not straight-forward with suppliers going bust and deals getting undone. How did they survive? Listen in and find out! Tune into this episode to learn why lying to yourself is very dangerous. The value of “shovelling sh*t” at the weekend. How to prepare for the unknown. What entrepreneurs can learn from mediaeval knights. And why you should refuse to work with difficult people. Get these insights and much more from one of UK plc’s brightest creative lights!

Mark Fawcett is Founder & Chief Executive of We Are Futures - previously known as National Schools Partnership - a network of over 100,000 teachers and educational experts. He’s trustee of the British Exploring Society and previously a captain in The British Army. But when Mark started his business venture, failure soon stared him square in the face. How does he survive? Listen in and find out! In this episode, you will hear about purpose, getting up and moving on, and thinking beyond money and profits. Discover over two decades of practical insights from an adventurous entrepreneur. Learn ways to create your perfect company culture, silence your doubts and breathe creativity into your business.

Gabriele Musella is the CEO and Co-Founder of Coinrule - a crypto trading startup. In 2021 they attended the legendary tech accelerator Y Combinator. He’s an investor and mentor - at Google Launchpad - and a regular feature in the media. Yet Gabriele’s mission has cost him more than just time and money and sweat. He left a five-year-long relationship to pursue his entrepreneurial aims. What happened next? Tune in and find out! In this episode, you will learn why perseverance is your most important asset. How to push your boundaries and learn - by getting way out of your comfort zone. The value of being a contrarian, and how being scared doesn't help anyone. Did you know? We’re now in the top 5% of global podcasts - heard in 44 countries!

Tamara Littleton is the CEO & founder of The Social Element, a 20-year-old global social media agency that works with global brands. Yet when she launched her business, social media wasn't even really a thing. And she nearly blew it all up before it started….What happened?! How did she cope?! Listen in and find out! In this episode, discover what an ambivert is. The importance of facing your fears when success is on the other side. The power of self-belief. Why to be vulnerable, in life and business. The value of owning who you are and being different.

Emily Cummin is founder & CEO of Untangle, a tech platform providing support and community for dealing with death and grief. Yet the idea was born from an overwhelming moment. While Emily was building her early corporate career her parents divorced, and her grandpa - with whom she was very close - passed away. This truly tested the “Queen of Coping”. So, just how did she turn this moment of coping into a moment of creation? Listen in and find out! In this episode, you will learn to silence the productivity banshee, learn self-kindness, and have a compassionate inquiry with yourself. You will also learn to develop healthy structures for coping with life’s difficulties. If you’re struggling with grief, you will learn to see the other side of death; you will realise that it gets better.

Paul Archer is a Guinness World Record holding adventurer, best selling author and serial tech entrepreneur. Taking his swash buckling approach to life into his business career things looked great, until they didn’t as things came crashing down… at the launch party. So how did he dust himself off and continue building his next startup adventure? Listen in and find out. Discover how to take advantage of your uniqueness, selectively listen to self-doubt, understand the hidden risks of innovation, be clear eyed about life getting in bed with big partners…and the power of refocus in moments of crisis.

Jodie Rogers is an expert in mental fitness, the author of Amazon best-seller “The Hidden Edge: Why Mental Fitness is the Only Advantage That Matters in Business”. She’s also an entrepreneur teaching teams from the world’s leading corporations human behaviour, psychology, and communications. But during the pandemic, Jodie had to eat her own pudding. Her mental fitness was put to the test in what she described as “a shit show”. How did she cope? Listen in and find out! This episode is a practical guide to building your mental fitness - and why this matters when running a business. Learn to find clarity in the darkest storms, to confront and conquer your limiting beliefs. Get tips to stop the cycle of stress. And why it’s important to embrace reality…and take action.

Mark White is the founder of men’s mental health app MEUS Practice. He also leads Run Grateful - a global running initiative, based on gratitude. His previous community building startup got him into Red Bull’s Amaphiko project, which champions social purpose entrepreneurs. Yet Mark’s drive has emerged from a dark place, of addiction and burnout. Just how has he transformed darkness into light? Listen in and find out! In this episode, you will learn the power of gratitude and ongoing self-awareness. How to overcome bad habits, ignore fear, prioritise your mental health and harness positivity to keep going when things look bleak. Discover your power of choice…and what to do with that power, finding a channel for your entrepreneurial spirit.

Debbie Wosskow OBE is a serial entrepreneur, author, international ass kicker and co-Founder of AllBright, the incredible on-and-off-line career network for women. But after an illustrious career - and global expansion plans - Debbie hit a force even stronger than her: a global lockdown. The pandemic presented her with “by far the worst time in my career, by a long way.” So how did she navigate it? Listen in and find out! In this episode, you will learn how to harness dark energy, be fearless, find humour in disaster, be open to change, make the most of a crisis and maintain a disciplined lifestyle no matter what.

Russell Dalgleish is a serial entrepreneur and leading global community builder. He’s the co-founder and chair of Scottish Business Network - comprising over 8000 people in 5 continents - and founder and Managing Partner at Exolta Capital Partner. He’s also a columnist and international speaker, and was listed by the UN as one of the UK's top 100 most influential entrepreneurs. He’s a powerhouse of great advice - including how to blow up your own mindset to better get ahead. In this episode, you will learn about getting out of your comfort zone, how to network, and changing your philosophy of life. Learn how to say yes whether or not you think you’re ready, focus on solving problems rather than the product, and asking for help.

Suki Fuller was named by Financial Times as one of the Top 100 Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic Leaders in UK Tech and by Computer Weekly as one of the Most Influential Women in UK IT. She’s also an entrepreneur, international speaker and expert in strategic and competitive intelligence. Travelling the world growing up, Suki found a unique perspective. One that was consolidated by serving over a decade in U.S. military intelligence. But just what did she learn from a lifetime of groundbreaking? Listen in and find out! In this episode, you will discover the value of the inclusion of multiple perspectives into virtually every facet of your life. Suki and Dan talk about embracing one's past experiences to stand out from the crowd and create unique insights. How start-up founders can overcome internal biases, employing diversity to create better products and significant competitive advantage - for the long term. Plus lots of other practical tips - including problem solving and funding - applied from the world of intelligence to the world of entrepreneurship.

Jeremy Basset is the CEO of CO:CUBED, a company that helps corporate businesses like Adidas, Vodafone, and Coca-Cola work with startups. Prior to this he was Head of Unilever Foundry - a startup programme he launched - and which saw over 200 startup collaborations. But he only learnt the right way to innovate after learning the hard way - going through £40m of funding - and 22 failed businesses - while at Unilever’s ‘new businesses unit’. What did he learn from this period of epic failure? Listen in and find out! In this episode, hear the time Jeremy was petrified by Dan on the main stage of a pan-European conference! Discover why less budget can create better innovation. How collaboration is the best way to scale. Learn why you should ignore at least half the advice you get…and how to take care while funding, because it can be a trap.

Beta Lucca is the Co-Founder & Non-Exec Director of Bossa Studios, a BAFTA-winning video game developer. She’s a multi-creative entrepreneur: YouTuber, keynote speaker, startup investor and frequent media-appearer. But back in 2010, after leaving a successful career in her native Rio de Janeiro, she landed in the UK to… culture shock and depression. How did she turn it around? Listen in and find out! Discover how “everything is overcomeable” as Beta explains how your challenges create your future self. Learn how to keep going regardless of what your emotions tell you. Understand the dark side of being driven. And why - and when - to say “f**k it” and do your thing, regardless of what people might think.

Steven Hoffman - a.k.a. Captain Hoff - is the Chairman & CEO of Founders Space, a global innovation hub for entrepreneurs, corporations, and investors based in San Francisco. He’s an investor, multiple time author, prolific podcaster and global public speaker. Plus a serial startup founder with a decades-long career from Silicon Valley to Hollywood. On the podcast we get into a rollercoaster ride story of Steve’s media-tech-startup woe, a rich vein of learning which underpins his book “Surviving a Startup”. But just how did he survive? Listen in and find out! In this episode, you will learn the power of relentlessness, decision-making for your future self, identifying when hope is the enemy, identifying and managing your stressors. Hear tips on understanding human nature, smart pitching, and putting things into perspective. How to see yourself as the hero in your story, and why you should share your unreality.

When our host Dan Kirby - who’s day job is running The Tech Dept - announced his intention to run in the Marathon Des Sables (MDS), everyone thought he was crazy. Yet, on the 25th March 2022, he undertook this legendary survival race, dodging scorpions in sand dunes with all his food and equipment strapped to his back. And he completed it - raising £14,000 for charity KidsOut with his team. The MDS — known as “the toughest foot race in the world” — is a seven-day, 250 kilometre, ultra-marathon across the remote Moroccan Sahara (that’s the equivalent of six marathons). That’s tough - but Dan nearly didn't make the start line because after 18 long months of hardcore trail training, he caught COVID only two weeks out. Somehow he passed the PCR test to fly - but just how do you finish the world’s toughest footrace with a COVID 19-hangover? And what lessons did he learn on this “Sahara Fun Run”? Find out in this special episode - hosted by Joe Pack!

Nicole Yershon has been called “the disruptor’s disruptor” having built the pioneering innovation business: Ogilvy Labs. Now founder & CEO of innovation consultancy The NY Collective, she’s a best selling author and named one of the 25 women who shaped the digital industry in the past 25 years. But what happens when your life of disruptive innovation hits a period of massive disruption? Listen in and find out! In this episode, hear from one of the world’s leading innovation thinkers. Nicole will share how to unlock new ways to change your business - and life - for the better. Discover how leaving with nothing can be the best choice you make. The value of diversity of thinking. Why your emotional intelligence can create better change much faster. And how unexpected levels of freedom can be transformed into a life of purpose.

Anna Hemmings is a two-time Olympian, six-times world champion kayaker with 11 World and European medals - nine of them gold. She’s Britain’s most successful ever female kayaker, and was awarded an MBE for services to sport. Now she’s a leader in the psychology of high performance with a specialist consultancy and motivational speaking career. But this illustrious career nearly never happened. At the age of 24 - after competing in the Olympics and 3x world champion - she was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. No-one knew how to fix her. So how did she turn it around? Find out on the podcast! In this episode, you will learn techniques to overcome uncertainty and adversity. and challenges through resilience, hope, and positivity and grow from it. You’ll learn how trust and vulnerability are components of growth and progress. Anna also teaches visualisation as a tool for creative dominance, motivational feedback, and developmental feedback for personal and team growth.

Matt Lerner spent 15 years in Silicon Valley - including a decade leading the growth of PayPal - before becoming a venture capitalist with legendary investors 500 Startups. He’s now CEO of Startup Core Strengths, which helps early-stage startups boost growth. Listen in as we discover how Matt leverages his addiction to learning - from often painful failure - to create rapid growth in business. In this episode you’ll learn the importance of focusing on one thing and how you get what you measure. Understand what “mentor whiplash” is, and how to avoid it. How growth is everyone’s job. And the power of the “1-inch punch”. Why learning is a journey that never ends and how a startup is - in effect - a race to learn faster than anyone else. So much good stuff!

Jay Bhayani is the founder and Managing Director of a specialist law firm with offices across the UK. In 2021 she was named as one of Britain’s top 10 HR advisers. But her journey has not been straightforward. Having to deal with a malevolent business partner she went through four years of hell - fighting for her name. Literally for the use of her name. And saving her industry reputation. This came at a price, a legal wrangle which nearly cost her everything. How did she escape from this tangle? And what did she learn? Listen in and find out! In this episode, you will learn about the dark side of human nature, how to navigate bad actors and why to prioritise your battles. Discover how resilience and success are the sweetest revenge. You will hear the importance of empathy, and not losing yourself even in the ugliest circumstances.

Spencer Gallagher is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and the UK’s leading creative agency growth expert. Spencer and Dan met five years ago in Austin, Texas - where Dan was wearing a wrestling outfit (listen and find out why!). Spencer has helped boost thousands of the world’s most innovative companies and he walks the walk with them. In this inspiring conversation we learn how this path took him to breaking point - several times - and just how he persevered. In this episode, you’ll learn the three lessons that Spencer learnt from sailing close to the edge. The magic of serendipity and reciprocity. How grit, determination, and resilience might be just the miracle to curing your unlucky. Discover how self-awareness - EQ - is the key to your future. Then take “The Spencer Challenge” to accelerate your business growth. This one is packed with great advice!

Nik Govier is the Founder & CEO of Blurred - a fast global management, communication, and creative consultancy. She is a regular feature in PR Week’s Top 10 Power List and in 2021 was named PR Communicator of the Year. But the last 5 years have been a whirlwind of personal challenges and change. From facing leaving a business with nothing (after building it for 12 years) to facing a cancer scare during the pandemic. Just how did Nik not only survive, but thrive with a new business and sense of mission? Listen and find out! In this episode, discover how to navigate a loss of identity. The importance of no agenda meetings with people you don’t know. The profound power of a coach - for you and your team. How to ask “what next?” to defeat fear. Why a mindfulness practice could be a literal life-saver. The strengths in neurodiversity. And the power of you - and your team - being your truest best selves.

Guy Remond is a transatlantic entrepreneur, investor, adviser and podcaster. Back in 2017 he met our host Dan over a cup of tea in Toronto. In that same year Dan nearly lost his business while Guy sold his… to Disney. Guy’s team went on to build the backbone for the streaming service Disney+. So, what happened?! Dan wanted to know - so on this podcast we find out the true back story - the high-stakes pitches, the cashflow crises, the “torture”. Discover the fine line - the tightrope - Guy walked between success and failure! In this episode you will learn why to focus on what you can control, rather than what you can’t. The power of a positive mindset. And how to examine any advice you get - to look for “badges and scars” - before you take it onboard. And if it goes wrong - how to “deal with it. Listen to Guy talk about his entrepreneurial journey and how he overcame the many obstacles on his journey.

Vikas Shah is the Managing Director & CEO of Swiscot Group, venture investor, philanthropist, author, interviewer, artist, and poet. He is the author of “Thought Economics” & “3650” and has interviewed the likes of Ryan Halliday, Sadhguru, and Hans Zimmer on his own podcast. In 2018, Vikas was awarded an MBE for Services to Business and the Economy in Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. He is also a Non-Executive Board Member of the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. With the internet at its infancy, Vikas dove into web design and rode the growth of the dot-com bubble. But as this bubble burst overnight, his company was swept away in the crash. With this massive disruption to his life and business, Vikas began to question his identity... In this episode, you will learn how to navigate devastating challenges in life and business AND how introspection and self-reflection can get you through the toughest of times. You will also learn why being vulnerable has immense power and how having emotional resilience can help you cope with stress and protect your mental health. Tune in to hear Vikas share insightful lessons he has learned over the past twenty years of his entrepreneurial journey.

Martyn Ware is an interdisciplinary innovator: musician (with his band Heaven 17), record producer (with Tina Turner, Erasure + many more), 3D soundscape designer, university lecturer and host of the podcast Electronically Yours. Plus he created a sound design business - Sonic ID - with our host Dan! Back in 1978 he founded pioneering electronic act The Human League, and was famously kicked out of his own band. But what really happened behind the scenes of this “massive betrayal”? Find out on the podcast! Learn how to turn anger into creative energy. How you have to believe in yourself and learn the dark arts of your trade. Why to follow your intuition (after modulating it through your experience). How to create brand loyalty by really listening to your audience. The power of randomness and the danger of losing human connection. All this plus much more.

Kerstin Robinson is the co-founder of Nix & Kix, which was established in 2014 to “banish the boredom and put some healthy excitement back into the world of soft drinks.” At this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Kerstin emerged a finalist in the “Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year” category. Kerstin pursued her MSc in finance from the London School of Economics and then began climbing her career ladder. A few years later, Kerstin’s career unhappiness reached a climax, prompting her to burn bridges with the high-flying banking career. Scared, industry-unenlightened, unrealistic, and naively enthusiastic, Kerstin set out on her entrepreneurial journey… In this episode, you’ll learn how taking a leap can change your life, how much power passion has on your work output, the value of patience, and how to follow your gut when making big, life-changing decisions. Tune in to hear the inspiring story of Kerstin’s ups, downs and how she broke through.

Margaret Manning is an “unashamed geek”, serial international entrepreneur and winner of multiple awards, including an OBE. In the 90s, when Bill Gates - and the rest of the world - thought the internet was a fad, she gave up a sensible accountancy career to set up an internet business. Everything was on the line. If she messed it up she would lose everything. And while she’s now got her gongs, getting there was a wild ride. Listen in! In this episode, you will learn what it means to be truly innovative “rather than just following this big red rule book.” Discover the hidden dangers of labelling people, the significance of thinking for yourself and getting rid of the fear. How to be confident enough to say “I don’t understand”, and think things through from first principles. Margaret shares her journey of unlearning and reinvention, from her lockdown-residence in Barbados.

Helen O’Donnell is the CEO and Director of Partnerships at Children’s University Trust: “the largest university in the UK after the Open University”. A strong, feisty, outspoken woman who has “never gone about things the way that most normal people would go about things”. A midlife crisis prompted an unexpected career change that horrified Helen’s parents. Turning her back against the status quo, was Helen’s pursuit for social justice worth giving up stability for? In this episode, you’ll learn to take a step out of your comfort zone, outside of which countless opportunities lie. How to just go ahead and do the things you want to do, ignoring the imposter syndrome that can sabotage you. The importance of finding a work-life balance so you don’t miss out on the seemingly mundane but beautiful experiences that make up life.

Katy Howell is CEO of Immediate Future, “one of the UK’s most respected social media agencies”. She was named the fourth most influential social media marketing expert by The Drum, PRovoke’s Innovator 25 EMEA in 2020, and is amongst the Top 100 Asian Tech Entrepreneurs in the UK. After an epic crash during the 2008 financial crisis she experienced a period of rapid growth. But rather than creating a dream business she ended up living a nightmare. A toxic brew of bad hires and weak leadership created what Katy called “a gilded cage”. Just how did she break out? Listen and find out! In this episode you’ll learn you don’t “have to do everything” and “bend yourself severely out of shape” - simply focus on what you’re good at. Find out the importance of strong leadership and clear roles, and how the lack of each sows confusion and chaos. How to simultaneously make a million, then lose it (not a good idea btw). Just how did Katy turn around her business, so today it is both joyful and empowering? It involves overcoming ego and embracing the real you - in all your quirky glory.

Lisa Leighton is a Joint Managing Partner at BHP, one of the UK’s largest independent Accounting firms and ranked the second-best firm to work for. But Lisa is the opposite of the accountant stereotype - she’s fun, creative and joyful. Coming from solidly working class roots she navigated an early personal trauma which could have hobbled her career before it began. But the work ethic which took her to the top had a dark side…creating a “minor meltdown” which forced a major rethink of how to approach work, and life... In this episode you will learn the “art of resilience” which Lisa applies to herself and her team. Discover how to quickly put things in perspective, get over your professional persona and practical ways to separate work and life. The power of a supportive parent and how sometimes you just need to “have a good cry”...or go for a run. This episode is a great down-to-earth examination of how to create more balance in your entrepreneurial life.

Georgia Kirke is the founder of Write Business Results, author, podcaster, public speaker, and winner of The Ultimate Entrepreneur 2021. While we all had a ‘bump’ in 2020, Georgia got the proper job. In January that year she fell off a rock-climbing wall with her foot stuck in it. Resulting in a gruesome - life changing - injury. Stuck immobile in a hospital bed, in severe pain, she was facing the meltdown of her business. But that was the least of it. A consultant told her: get a grip on your mindset...or you’ll never make it out of here. Then the pandemic hit. Less than two years later Georgia’s business is exceeding her plans from even before the accident. But how can that be? Find out in this episode! Learn the power of extreme ownership and unshakeable commitment. How negative self-talk - from deep in your past - can undermine your potential today. And how mindset management can turn that around. The necessity for speed when the time is right, while surrendering what isn’t important. Georgia found that a lack of focus can become a life threatening risk, so listen and learn how to better channel yours.

Jo Dalton is a founder, investor and trusted advisor to europe’s most exciting startups (aka those fabled “unicorns”). Frustrated by industry ethics during her early career as a headhunter, she decided to take the executive search industry “and blow it up a bit”. But she was a single mother with no office and limited resources - early days she describes as “really dark”. This was while working in the rapidly changing tech sector PLUS trying to disrupt her own industry. How did Jo cope? Tune in and find out... In this episode, you’ll discover the business secrets that Jo only shares with top tech CEOs. Like the importance of battle scars, why your values must be aligned with your work...and the damage of inauthenticity. Jo shares how to unlock your leadership potential with better self awareness. Why to build a team that supports your weaknesses and the secret ingredient of a great top team. Choose great colleagues with “the 8 hour test” and find out why you should never say “I’m gonna”.

Alex Myers is the Founder and CEO of Manifest Group, “the world’s first global small agency”. Manifest has won International Agency Of The Year two years in a row and in 2020 Alex was named Global PR Professional Of The Year. He was a key part of the team that helped Brewdog become a global brand. But one time - at a Simon Sinek talk - Alex bumped into Dan and let slip he’d narrowly missed a business disaster. But what was that disaster? Dan always wondered…and on this podcast we find out. In this episode you’ll learn that “there are people that are always fine, and then people that tell the truth”. How even if your business is growing fast - and is profitable - you can still fail. The importance of systems and the emotional trauma of letting go of friends. Discover why Manifest hires misfits which break their culture and understand that “everyone makes this shit up as they go along”. Listen in on two guys sharing their darkest moments for your entertainment!

Olivia Sibony was listed in the UK’s Top Ten Women Entrepreneurs in 2019 and has been described as a “trailblazing ethical investment champion”. But blazing a trail has come at a cost. Overcoming severe corporate burnout, she launched a business to change the world. Only to find that her social purpose business began to lose it’s social purpose when things got tough. What was more important: her beliefs or the business interests of her investors? This moment of truth clarified a renewed life of purpose. She is now the CEO of SeedTribe - a community for people who believe in business as a force for good. In this episode you will learn how misaligned values can literally make you sick. Why a social purpose has to be core to a business model (or it just won’t work). Why profit isn’t a dirty word when it comes to doing good. And how to create a true sense of purpose, and the value of setting boundaries. You will also get to meet Liv’s Grandfather, a self sufficient WW2 veteran who has inspired her career, and perhaps can help us all live more wisely.

Richard Jeffrey is a master of growth. Not only for his own business, but in helping other entrepreneurs start and scale on a regional and national level. After some turmoil in his early public-sector career Richard was offered the chance to build a business on behalf of The Growth Company (a 1300-strong social enterprise in Greater Manchester). The business he launched - Business Growth Hub - grew to a team of 200 within 10 years and was rolled out as a model across the UK. But this came at a price. Skirting with burnout, a moment of truth came when his daughter said “Daddy, I don’t see you very much.” In this episode we dive deep into inner-awareness - how your fears are unconsciously shaping your future - and what you can do about it. Learn why Richard stuck his neck out to “grab the space” despite only limited resources. How to deal with it when people laugh at your plan, and why asking for help is a sign of strength. Richard shares the strategic importance of ethics (starting with being ethical to yourself) and the concept of inclusive growth. Hear from an entrepreneur with a unique micro-and-macro view of today’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Mark Stringer aka “Strings” is a London PR scene legend, with a string of successful companies (from PR, to events…to absinthe). But his hot-shot early career hit a rude reality check: one time at a bus stop, he couldn't get any money from the ATM and had to walk home. This ego-busting moment forced him to open up, and has fuelled a career-building self belief. He is now co-founder of SKOOT, the first and only carbon negative navigation and carpool, but admits that “honestly, the line between success and failure is scarily thin”. In this episode learn how to better back yourself by thinking of “we” rather than “I”. The critical importance of your vision and values when starting out...and how being kind is a competitive advantage. How to define what you do want...by what you don’t. How to be a visionary...and not a delusionary. Share Strings ongoing buzz at “the act of creation” and learn how to enjoy these “micro moments of joy” on the entrepreneurial journey. And how by owning your choices you never need to complain again.

In 2015 Peter Sage was named alongside Elon Musk as one of the world’s greatest leaders and entrepreneurs. But two years later he was locked up in the UK’s most violent prison, even though he hadn't committed a crime. He was there for 6 months. Peter has built multiple 8 figure companies and had multiple #1 best-selling books. He’s a globally renowned speaker - 6x at TEDx - and transformational coach. He spent 15 years working with Tony Robbins. And in one moment in the High Court it came crashing down. But in that moment he chose to apply his 30 years experience in “self mastery” to become a secret agent of change rather than a victim. This episode is a firehose of wisdom. So brace yourself! Learn the mindsets and mental tactics to cope with Peter’s level of catastrophe, how to “cry with gratitude” even during the worst times. We’ve all been in lockdown - so learn from a man that was literally locked down - Peter shares tips to get excited about “the gift of adversity” as it happens, rather than years later. Learn how to choose your identity and set goals you have no idea how to achieve. Understand why entrepreneurs are perfectly set for the current moment. Peter will help you become a beacon of certainty in these uncertain times.

Lou Cordwell never wanted to be “an entrepreneur” but ended up with an OBE for services to the creative and digital economy. Over the last two decades she’s led digital design agency magneticNorth to become a globally renowned pioneer. But it wasn't a straight line...only 6 months in she had to confront “what felt like a divorce”. Plus she faced the mix of motherhood while looking after The Baby (ie the business). In addition to the day job she’s Chair of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership. Discover the art of writing things down, the power of sleeping on it and how to connect with your inner intuitive decision-maker. This episode is loaded with lessons for those that want to innovate in their business and industry - walking a path for the first time - and how to better be at peace with the sacrifices in balancing family and work.

An entrepreneur since 21, Joseph Pack rapidly built a social media agency with clients like Adidas and the NHS. The new car, weekend partying, nice clothes, and social media success became too much to handle as he knew that “it was all fake, a lie”. 10 strong coffees every day and a 12 hour workday became a recipe for disaster. At 26, Joe nearly died after a series of surprise seizures. Yet he claims this is one of the best things to ever happened to him. How did Joseph turn a breakdown into a breakthrough? Leaving behind depression and a draining lifestyle towards yoga, wellbeing and thriving...even with an ADHD diagnosis. In this episode, we discover how and why goal-seeking habits led to a near-death experience. Discover how to be the most authentic version of yourself with dynamic systems rather than static goals.

Katy Baxter has been a pioneer in financial services for over 30 years, building a substantial family business and international jet-setting career as the former UK Chair of the ‘Million Dollar Round Table’. Yet coming out of lockdown she is starting afresh with a new business. So what prompted this radical change...and how has she handled it all? During the episode, Katy will outline how the company you keep is integral to how successful you will become, as well as the need for constant adaptation. In times of crisis, Katy shares how to keep a cool head, why it is important to brace yourself for the future in the good times, and how to keep yourself adaptable in an ever changing world. In this episode we get a real time look behind-the-scenes of someone tackling a new stage in their lives. Meet “Future Katy”, the importance of creativity (even in financial services) and discover how to catapult your career by finding people just like you. Katy confesses to finding being the only female - being different - in a male dominated industry as a plus. She also shares her daily tactics for staying grounded when all around you is uncertain. As she says: “quiet your mind to build a powerful day”. Plus much more in this week’s episode!

An entrepreneur since selling cigarettes at University in the late 90s, Mark Bryant spent 15 years in the energy efficiency industry - owning and managing companies from £1m to £15m. After overcoming a 2012 business meltdown (involving fraud and HMRC investigations) and building back the business he was flying high. Then the real disaster struck: a 2015 cancer diagnosis and 6 months to live. Yet 6 years later he’s training for a half Iron Man, a fitness and wellness entrepreneur, keynote speaker and podcast host of ‘Terminal to Triathlon’. In this episode, Dan explores Mark Bryant’s entrepreneurial healing journey, which started by learning how to connect to the present moment. Discover how to be the true version of yourself - rather than subconsciously dancing to someone else’s tune - to value your emotional fitness as much as your physical fitness and how to flip your perspective with just one question. This episode is packed full of humbling lessons for any entrepreneur who thinks hustling hard and 5 Star resorts are what it’s all about.

Alan has gone from getting bullied in school to becoming a successful bodybuilder, training the athletes that once upon a time... bullied him! In the mid-90s, Alan learnt how hypnotherapy could “make people believe they’re Rocky Balboa” and incorporated this into his training. Alan owns and operates one of the world’s toughest endurance events: “The Race Around Ireland” (a 2200km cycling route to be completed in 5 days) and his clients include world boxing champions, Olympians, professional cyclists, golfers, footballers, and global brands such as Microsoft. Alan discusses how to build resilience and keep your head in the game when operating a high-stress environment. You will learn the secrets of achieving BIG and seemingly insurmountable goals, how to get stronger and how to drastically increase your performance over time. Alan also shares a POWERFUL three-minute exercise to get yourself “in the zone” before a big, stressful event, along with mistakes to avoid in those final three minutes before the big show.

Dr Marilyn Comrie OBE is a pioneer for positive change and a serial social entrepreneur. In 2009, she was honoured by HRH The Queen with an OBE for services to women's enterprise. But in 2013, a bomb blast stopped her relocation from the UK to Kenya, where she was expecting to live the “glorious expat lifestyle”. Embarking on a business mission with her sons she has had to confront malicious business partners and industry prejudice. Then lockdown nearly cost them everything. Discover how to “be like water”, avoid sharks and confront the unknown. How to answer the call to adventure and live the hero’s journey. The importance of family, creativity and play. How the struggle creates “human alchemy”. Marilyn is the CEO of ProtoEV, the Business Development Director at The Blair Project, Principal Founder at Black United Representation Network (BURN), and Board Member at Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership.

In this episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business, Dan is joined by Adah Parris, an entrepreneur and artist. We talk about reinventing our careers...but Adah had to literally reinvent herself. In 1991 she suffered complete memory loss after a super-dramatic car crash in the USA (seriously, it’s like a movie scene). We cover workaholism, saying “no” and chasing other people’s versions of success. Adah has continually reinvented herself - because we and the world are constantly changing - by learning to be still, to play and define what’s important. She has taken these skills to enact transformational change with clients like Google and Unilever. Adah is also the Chairperson of Mental Health First (MHFA) England and is artist in residence at Santa Barbara at SBCAST (The Santa Barbara Centre for Art Science and Technology).

In this episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business, Dan is joined by Gavin J Gallagher, real estate mogul & executive director at Earlsfort Group. During the 2008 financial crash, Gavin went from owning a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio to €16 million in debt. Now, in his late 40’s with 5 kids and a lifetime of experience, Gavin has an entirely different outlook on life than he did in his 30’s. On his podcast “Behind The Facade”, Gavin focuses on “exploring the often overlooked but critically important mental and emotional game governing success in real estate”. We explore the depths you can reach when hard times hit, and what you can do to get out. How to keep your ego at bay - particularly when times are good - and take extreme ownership of your life. Gavin also talks about the David Goggins-esque fitness challenges he pursues in order to build and maintain his mental resilience.

In this episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business Dan is joined by Mike Lander, CEO at Piscari and one of London’s leading dealmakers. He’s negotiated hundreds of deals worth over £400m in aggregate and bootstrapped businesses which he sold for 7 figures. At Piscari, Mike helps smaller companies negotiate better deals with big companies. He co-hosts the “It’s a Good Start” podcast where he discusses entrepreneurship for digital and marketing agencies, vlogs and writes for the marketing press. Mike shares the human and financial impact of getting into things you don’t understand. He also talks about sticking to your ethics, how a rough put-down in his first interview at the age of 16 sparked a lifelong commitment to learning-by-doing, the commercial value of your network (and how NOT to network), and seeing business as experiments. There are also strategies in the episode about how not to get your leg taken off in your next negotiation!

In this episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business, Dan is joined by Paul Mort, Leader Of Men at Unstoppable, UK Mastercoach of the Year (for 2019 AND 2020), International Speaker and author of “F*cking Unstoppable - the modern man’s guide to grabbing life by the balls”. He’s the host of the podcast “Paul Mort Talks Sh*t” (where he’s interviewed Tyson Fury and Ant Middleton) and his one man show is already sold out later this year. Paul talks bluntly about dealing with addiction, bipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts (he literally stood on the edge of the cliff). We learn the truth behind “victim mentality”, how and why men hide their insecurities - particularly with humour - and extreme ownership of your problems. Paul calls out old school personal development advice, explains what “the rumble strip” is and shares an intriguing story from training Jiu Jitsu with Conor McGregor’s coach...

In this episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business, Dan is joined by David Braithwaite, Director and Principal Financial Adviser at Citrus Financial Management. David runs a portfolio of businesses under the Citrus brand, specialising in working with people with a media profile. He’s a bit of a media personality himself, hosting his own BBC Radio show and having literally toured the world speaking to 10’s of 1000’s of people. Plus he coaches other entrepreneurs as an Associate Coach at Strategic Coach. David is extremely candid about the challenges that have shaped him and his career. From confidence building - due to redundancy in his early career, to wrestling with fixing his mental health - due to turbulent times as an entrepreneur. The guys really get into the practical steps you can take when things are feeling too much, building on lessons learnt from their own tough times. Also, discover what an “Askhole” is...plus how Picasso can help you value your own experience...

In this episode Dan is joined by Pip Wilson, Co-founder and CEO at Amicable. Pip is a successful serial tech entrepreneur since 2002, building IT consultancy Bluefin Solutions to 300 people in four countries before a 2015 exit. Pip is also the deputy chair of the RSA (Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), is passionate about empowering women in tech and was formerly a trustee of The Girls Network. She and her business partner Kate Daly have co-founded Amicable to help divorcees achieve an amicable divorce at an affordable cost. Pip has navigated a number of stressful situations, including The Great Recession in 2008 and more recently when Amicable ended up in the high court...just as she started fundraising for it! She shares lessons about combating the fear of making wrong decisions, approaching stressful situations thoughtfully and how to be an effective leader in a crisis.

In this episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business, Dan is joined by Carl Castledine, CEO at Away Resorts. In this episode, Carl shares stories about ways of working which burnt him out, re-discovering your inner artist and cultivating compassion as a leader. Carl shares how the challenges of the pandemic have challenged him to take a step back and examine what’s really important. This greater awareness - and mind-management tools like “boxing your chimp” - have helped him discover a higher purpose within his business. Self care, and care of others are a big theme of this inspiring conversation.

In this episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business, Dan is joined by Ian Hambleton, one of the UK’s leading creative entrepreneurs. Ian is the CEO of Maze Theory, a Virtual Reality games studio in London which publishes titles for brands like Dr Who and Peaky Blinders. He’s co-founder of carbon reduction startup Ecologi and was also the co-founder of both Studio Output (a top independent design agency) and Glug (which hosts events for creatives in over 35 countries). Ian draws on his immense experience to share insights about how he learned the value of honesty, vulnerability and resilience. If you enjoyed Ryan Holiday’s book “Ego is the Enemy”, you will enjoy this insightful, warm, and humorous discussion.

In this episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business, Dan is joined by Charlie Reading, an established entrepreneur, award-winning global speaker, chartered financial planner, published author and podcast host. Charlie reflects on the fact that entrepreneurs can’t ignore health in their quest for a work-life balance (you should insure yourself just like you insure your house or mobile phone). Charlie also shares that creating systems is more important than simply setting goals and many other strategies that will help entrepreneurs at any stage, create sustained happiness in their lives.

In this episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business, we have a world first! Dan is joined by Geoff Heath OBE - in his inaugural podcast interview - to discuss Geoff's journey from the forefront of the music industry (just how did it feel when Yoko Ono opened the apartment door to meet John Lennon?) to pioneering the video game industry, when it was seen as a crazy new fad. We discover his top three business principles and why entrepreneurs should get on with it (if it’s working!) and stop chasing empty wagons. Full disclosure: Geoff is the Non-Exec Director - and a shareholder - in Dan’s business, so had a ring side seat as it blew up in 2017…

In this episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business, Dan is joined by Scott Morrison, Founder & Bringer Of The Boom! to discuss Scott's journey from the world of big brands to creating his own entrepreneurial future. Scott shares the advice given by his father that heavily influenced this journey, that entrepreneurs must leverage the power of simplicity and why he listened too much to some people and not enough to others.

In this episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business, Dan is joined by Tracey Shirtcliff, Founder & CEO at The Virtu Group to discuss Tracey's journey from a New Zealand "farm girl" to serial tech entrepreneur. Tracey shares the single experience that led her to leave the corporate world, life's only guarantee and the importance of emotional state in entrepreneurship.

In this launch episode of Honey I Blew Up The Business, Dan is joined by another Dan - Dan Sullivan, Founder & President & Strategic Coach - known as the world's no1 entrepreneurial coach. They discuss Dan Sullivan's journey from growing up in a blue collar family in Northern Ohio to becoming unemployable. Dan shares 50 years of entrepreneurial wisdom, why entrepreneurs need to have a team and why the day that he got divorced and went bankrupt was the single greatest learning experience of his life.

In this trailer, Dan shares what to expect from Honey I Blew Up The Business, why he's doing this and the gory details of what happened when *his* business blew up…