The Room Where It Happened

When one refereeing decision can be worth millions, what price is football really paying for VAR? Colin and Natalie examine the business behind football’s most divisive technology, from the millions riding on a single league position to the companies cashing in on the systems designed to get decisions right. But with three-quarters of surveyed fans opposing VAR, the bigger question is whether football is fixing mistakes at the cost of the matchday experience. Because in a sport chasing perfection, getting the decision right might not be the only thing that matters. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS_HPB_AU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are football clubs becoming too focused on tourists at the expense of loyal fans? Colin Murray and Natalie Pirks explore the battle between football's biggest commercial opportunity and the supporters who make the matchday experience worth selling, and ask how clubs can grow globally without losing what makes them special. With international visitors generating more than £1 billion for the UK economy in 2024, the stakes are clear. But how much is a club willing to sacrifice in the pursuit of more revenue? IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS_HPB_AU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the man who spent almost 20 years running the Premier League make of the biggest issues facing English football today? Richard Scudamore talks Manchester City’s long-running charges, the pressure facing current Premier League chief Richard Masters, and what happens behind the scenes when the league faces a challenge of this scale. They get into football’s new financial rules, the extraordinary sums being spent on players, and the arrival of the Independent Football Regulator. Are the rules making the game fairer, or making it harder for clubs to challenge at the top? This episode goes inside the decisions shaping the future of English football, from money and regulation to the Super League, FIFA and VAR and asks: who should really have the power to change the game? IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS_HPB_AU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League. But this story is far from over. There’s no punishment yet, City maintain the process is ongoing, and an appeal is expected. So the biggest question now is: what happens next? Natalie Pirks and Colin Murray are joined by former Manchester City and FA chairman David Bernstein and football finance expert Kieran Maguire to wargame what could come next. Could Manchester City face a points deduction, relegation or even expulsion from the Premier League? Could previous titles be affected? What happens if City appeal? And what could this case mean for the Premier League and the future of how football regulates its most powerful clubs? David also reflects on the Manchester City he helped rebuild from the third tier, and what this moment means for a club he knows from the inside. This is a special Game-changer episode of High Performance Business, in proud partnership with IFS. _____ You…

11 of the 20 Premier League clubs are now majority American owned, up from five a decade ago. This episode asks why the money's coming now, why English clubs look so cheap next to the NFL, and what the new owners actually want to change: ticketing, the matchday experience, and whether promotion and relegation survive. Also a proper defence of American sport, from why closed leagues have produced seven different World Series winners in ten years to what Wrexham got right. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS_HPB_AU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When an F1 car crashes, the repair bill is only the beginning. Colin Murray and Natalie Pirks explore the hidden cost of crashes in Formula 1, from lost upgrades and valuable data to the millions at stake in the Constructors’ Championship. They look at why a mistake can hit smaller teams like Haas far harder than the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull, and what happens when teammates become each other’s biggest rivals. With former F1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer bringing a view from inside the paddock, they reveal how crashes can affect far more than the car, costing teams time, development and potentially their position on the grid. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS_HPB_AU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League has just come through another record-breaking transfer window, with billions spent and some of the biggest fees football has ever seen. But who actually got it right? Natalie Perks and Colin Murray break down the winners, losers, bargains and biggest gambles of the window, from Chelsea’s profitable summer and Everton’s deadline-day panic to the growing number of £100m+ deals across the league. They’re joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, one of football’s leading transfer reporters, to explain why prices have exploded, how the Premier League’s new financial rules are changing the market, why clubs are trading with each other more than ever — and whether football’s spending boom can actually continue. Plus, David reveals what transfer deadline day is really like behind the scenes, Colin revisits one of football’s strangest ever signings, and the episode ends with a transfer-record pub quiz. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at:…

PSR is gone... Here comes SCR and SSR to take it's place. Colin and Nat go through what the new rules cover, what they leave untouched, and what it means for clubs already punished under the old system. Then, 14 years on from Lance Armstrong's ban, cycling writer William Fotheringham joins them on why cycling has slipped off terrestrial TV in the UK, and how a sport that can't sell tickets runs on sponsorship. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS_HPB_AU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being a Lioness may make you financially comfortable. Being anyone else in the WSL is a very different reality. Colin and Nat pull apart the numbers behind English women's football — from minimum wage rules for 18-20-year-olds to what happens when a league's biggest stars retire in their mid-30s with no fallback plan. They're joined by Beth Fisher, senior advisor to UEFA Vice President and Mary Earps, for an inside look at sponsorship, fandom, and why the WSL still has work to do outside its Lioness elite. Plus: with Gianni Infantino's grip on FIFA under fire, Colin and Nat pick who they'd install as the next president of world football — from real-world contenders to a full-blown fantasy draft, Star Wars comparisons included. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at https://highpfrmc.com/IFS_HPB_YT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are brands willing to pay £60 million to put their name on a football shirt? Colin Murray and Natalie Pirks explore what makes sports sponsorship so valuable. From a financial services company using a Premier League star to reach new markets to Crystal Palace's unexpected FA Cup sponsorship return, they unpack how brands measure the value of being part of the game. They also look at the Premier League's gambling sponsorship restrictions, why basketball generates less than 1% of Europe's sports revenue, and the billions the NBA is prepared to invest in building its presence across the continent. High Performance Business are also privileged to be joined by sports journalist & special guest Stuart Hodge. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at https://highpfrmc.com/IFS_HPB_YT We'd love to answer your questions! Send them to @highperformance.business on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colin Murray and Natalie Pirks are joined by football finance expert Kieran Maguire to unpack a week that shook the game. FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private investors has met fierce opposition from UEFA and football associations around the world. So what happens next, and what could it mean for the future of the tournament? Plus, the Premier League is quietly building its own direct-to-consumer streaming service. Colin and Natalie debate how soon it could change the way fans watch football, while Kieran breaks down the financial realities behind broadcast rights, club revenues and what's really at stake for the future of the game. We'd love to answer your questions! Send them to @highperformance.business on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First episode out Tuesday 4th August! Behind every transfer, takeover, sponsorship and sporting controversy is a business story. High Performance Business takes you beyond the headlines and inside the boardrooms, negotiations and decisions shaping the world's biggest sports. Every week, sports host Colin Murray and award-winning journalist Natalie Pirks explore the money, power and strategy driving football, Formula 1 and the global sports industry. Through expert insight, in-depth analysis and conversations with the people closest to the action, they uncover the stories behind the biggest headlines, from club ownership and player contracts to media rights, sponsorships and the business empires built by sport's biggest names. Because the sport is only half the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special episode where Jake sits with the show’s Producer to discuss some of the most impactful moments and guests from the show so far, before revealing some big news on what is coming soon. XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code RWIH at: https://highpfrmc.com/xtb-rwih-au IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the biggest breakthroughs in business don’t come from logic, but from noticing what others overlook? In this episode, Rory Sutherland unpacks the moment a late-night scroll through economics blogs led him to Nudge, sparking a fascination with behavioral science that would quietly transform global brands. From saving a snack brand with a single word to helping an airline generate millions through a subtle design change, Rory shares the twists, experiments, and happy accidents that redefined how companies speak to their customers. It’s a masterclass in innovation, risk, and the power of seeing things differently, straight from the man who helped transform marketing with his unconventional insights. XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code RWIH at: https://highpfrmc.com/xtb-rwih-au IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is Sam Altman, and what is the real story behind OpenAI? Award-winning journalist Karen Hao takes us inside one of the most secretive companies in the world, drawing on the reporting behind her book to explore the growing influence of OpenAI over governments, the environmental cost of the race for artificial intelligence, and what some former colleagues revealed about Sam Altman's leadership and mysterious personality. XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code RWIH at: https://highpfrmc.com/xtb-rwih-au IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Top Gear to The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm, Andy Wilman has spent decades redefining what car television can be, and learning a few hard lessons along the way. In this episode, Andy opens up about the high-stakes Amazon deal that launched The Grand Tour, the legal and creative gymnastics of building something “like Top Gear, but not Top Gear,” and the spontaneous tent idea that became the show’s trademark. He reflects on the behind-the-scenes chaos, the unexpected magic of Clarkson’s Farm, and the times they got it wrong, and what those moments taught him about humility, persistence, and trusting your instincts. It’s a candid look at creativity under pressure, the fine line between chaos and genius, and how taking risks (and a few punches) can lead to something unforgettable. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code RWIH at: https://highpfrmc.com/xtb-rwih-au Hosted on…

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire exposes the volatile economics of the modern game, where Premier League revenue has risen 3,100% since 1992, yet spending has climbed even faster, leaving the sport structurally loss-making. He unpacks the 2025/26 season's biggest financial shockwaves, from Arsenal’s £200m+ Champions League windfall to how Spurs’ brush with relegation rattled multi-billion-dollar investors. Kieran also exposes football's strangest paradoxes: why playing in Europe can lose clubs money, and how the Club World Cup now outpays the actual World Cup. Looking ahead to the new 2026/27 campaign, Kieran breaks down the impact of the new Squad Cost Rules, the bleak future facing relegated West Ham, and why Arsenal are so well positioned to dominate both on and off the pitch. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code RWIH at: https://highpfrmc.com/xtb-rwih-au Hosted…

Journalist and founder of DealBook Andrew Ross Sorkin cuts through the hype to expose the high-stakes reality of the AI boom and how a single technology is currently holding up the entire US economy. Drawing parallels to 1929, the dot-com era, and 2008, he unpacks a dangerous paradox: for AI's massive valuations to make sense, it must replace human labour, but if everyone loses their jobs, who's left to buy the products? Andrew also makes a compelling case that history's greatest leaps in progress, from railways to Tesla and SpaceX, were born out of destructive, speculative frenzies. He shares what separates elite entrepreneurs: a healthy insecurity that drives relentless execution, paired with a lifelong curiosity that success usually kills. Andrew Ross Sorkin's book: '1929: The Inside Story of The Greatest Crash in Wall Street' is available in paperback now: https://amzn.eu/d/05LJS2F0 IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/rwih-ifs-yt…

CEO of CSME James Johnson takes us behind the scenes of hosting the most successful Women's World Cup in history, revealing why major events need strategic purpose, not just political visibility. He shows how real legacy isn't a buzzword, it's a measurable strategy that must begin years before the first whistle. From the Matildas' historic run becoming the most-watched television event in Australian history, to unlocking government funding by aligning sport with public health policy, James makes the case that the deepest legacy of any major event is a permanent cultural shift, one felt far beyond the final whistle. This is the blueprint for how sport can change a nation, not just entertain one. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code RWIH at: https://highpfrmc.com/xtb-rwih-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former F1 driver Nico Rosberg traded the adrenaline of the racetrack for the high-stakes world of venture capital, leveraging his unique F1 access to build a powerhouse fund managing over €200M. In this episode, Nico breaks down the brutal reality of reinventing his identity after reaching the absolute peak of elite sport, and how a lifetime of racing failures completely inoculated him against the fear of failing in business. This conversation also exposes what most athletes and entrepreneurs get wrong about building a network and how Nico uses his network strategically to connect tech founders, investors, and legacy corporations. He shares why you must ruthlessly add value before asking for anything, and why success requires setting clear finish lines to avoid an endless, unhappy pursuit. More on Rosberg Ventures here: https://rosberg.ventures/ IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work,…

Why do good companies go bad? Eric Ries reveals forces corrupting companies right as they are at their most successful - from Blockbusters activist shareholders inadvertently setting the company on a path to bankruptcy, to the British health company forced to sell to a cigarette giant. Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great by Eric Ries is publishing on 28th May (Penguin Life, £17.99) Eric also reveals how companies can avoid the corruption, and the surprising examples of when things are done right. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code RWIH at: https://highpfrmc.com/xtb-rwih-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award winning author and entrepreneur Daniel Priestley joins us to reveal how AI has become the ultimate power shift, turning global knowledge into a universal commodity. He introduces the "AI Cake", a strategic internal nervous system every business must build, to explain why traditional information gatekeepers are becoming obsolete. We go behind the scenes of a £170k legal dispute where Daniel bypassed six-figure fees by using Claude to identify critical oversights missed by human counsel. This serves as a case study in using AI to disrupt established professional services and solve complex problems in hours rather than months. Despite the technology’s power, Daniel argues that AI is purely "rocket fuel" that lacks conviction. Since AI has no "gut feel" or skin in the game, human purpose remains the only factor that provides direction. Without vision, the most advanced models simply spin their wheels. This episode explores the shifting economic pendulum as land and labor give way to the era of…

The ambition of a family business meets the influence of the A-list in a story that redefined British advertising. In this episode, Warburtons chairman Jonathan Warburton reveals how a bakery from Bolton bypassed the traditional corporate playbook to land global icons like Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, and Samuel L. Jackson. Jonathan breaks down the high-stakes world of celebrity negotiation, explaining why he treats Hollywood stars as collaborators rather than just paid endorsements. He dives into the "Hollywood grapevine", where legends like Morgan Freeman and Samuel L. Jackson compares notes on the brand, and explores how a personal, values-led approach convinced global legends to trade the red carpet for a delivery van. It’s a look at what happens when a legacy brand stops playing safe and starts playing for keeps, where the gap between a global hit and a total flop comes down to a single letter and a handshake. Bio: Since 2001, Jonathan Warburton has served as Chairman, transforming the family…

Venture capital legend Bill Gurley joins Jake to challenge the "AI doomerism" narrative and expose the high-stakes power play defining our future. He argues that AI anxiety is a low-agency response to an unstoppable shift, warning that the real risk isn’t the technology itself, it’s the choice to ignore it. Bill pulls back the curtain on the "safety" movement, questioning why the leading AI giants are suddenly the loudest voices calling for regulation. He explores whether this fear-mongering is a calculated move to invite state intervention, potentially allowing a handful of companies to write the rules and lock in a permanent monopoly. Bill also reframes the US-China AI race as an "infinite game," questioning if America’s proprietary approach is actually prepared for the scale of China’s open-source strategy. 'Bill Gurley's new book Runnin' Down A Dream is available to purchase here: https://amzn.eu/d/0cCYDQH0 IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at:…

PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter has spent over a decade transforming Darts from a smoke-filled niche into a global entertainment powerhouse. He did it by flipping the traditional sports model on its head: instead of telling fans what to want, he listened to them, removing the stress of the result to create the most authentic atmosphere in live events. In this episode, Matt explains why the "Luke Littler phenomenon" wasn't a stroke of luck, but a decade-long masterclass in building youth pathways and relatability. He draws sharp, uncomfortable contrasts between the organic growth of Darts and the "manufactured" models of LIV Golf, revealing why corporate spreadsheets often fail where genuine connection succeeds. From his "relationships over contracts" philosophy to the tactical use of data in fan education, this is a strategic blueprint for leading a brand that thrives on authenticity and rapid innovation. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at:…

Joe Wicks built a multi-million-pound empire on a £147 workout plan, creating a cash-rich, self-funded business with no investors. In this episode, Joe shares the journey that led to his success, from launching his first PDF to building a brand rooted in purpose over profit. He also reveals the brutal truth about today’s market, admitting that starting his career now would be “impossible” due to the changing dynamics of social media and the death of organic reach. Joe explains how the perfect storm of social media timing (2012-2014) helped him reach millions with no paid ads and how the algorithm shift has made building an audience exponentially harder. Despite the challenges, Joe remains focused on his mission, choosing legacy over fame and prioritising his values over monetisation. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal 👉 https://nordvpn.com/rwih Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee XTB 👉…

Is the next global financial crisis not just possible, but overdue? Former Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO Lloyd Blankfein didn’t just survive the 2008 financial crash; he steered the firm through it by trading the ego of a "warrior" for the "professional paranoia" of a worrier. In this episode, Lloyd explains why the "kindling" for the next global crisis is already building on the forest floor and why survival depends on a discipline most leaders ignore. He offers a sharp assessment of the AI bubble and why America’s unique standing allows it to recover faster than the rest of the world. From the personal moments that shaped his skepticism to his lessons on navigating extreme risk, this is a masterclass in leading when the global economy is on the brink. Lloyd Blankfein's new book Streetwise: Getting to and Through Goldman Sachs is out now: https://geni.us/StreetwiseGS EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal 👉 https://nordvpn.com/rwih Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee IFS - award-winning Asset & Service…

When football meets finance, the real story often sits behind the headlines. In this episode, Stefan Borson takes us inside the financial reality of the Premier League, from Everton's point deduction to the ongoing Manchester City case and what a “win” actually means for the league. Drawing on his background advising clubs and now analysing them from the outside, Stefan breaks down the decisions, loopholes, and pressures shaping modern football. He explains why owners lose rationality, how clubs can lose tens of millions even when they succeed, and why some of the biggest teams in the world may ultimately become unsellable. Eight Sleep 👉 Upgrade your sleep and wake up with more energy - get up to £350 off the Pod 5 with code RWIH: https://highpfrmc.com/eightsleep-au Stride 👉 Feel, think and perform better today and invest in your future health at: https://highpfrmc.com/Stride_au EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal 👉 https://nordvpn.com/rwih Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee XTB 👉 To find out more…

Before athletes became global brands, there were a handful of people shaping the strategy behind the scenes. In this episode, founder and CEO of ARETÉ Simon Bayliff takes us inside the decisions that built “Brand Beckham,” and the close working relationship that underpinned it; built on trust, alignment, and a shared focus on performance first. He breaks down how Beckham’s brand was carefully constructed, from defining what made him marketable to choosing partnerships that delivered real impact. It’s also a look at how that model has evolved, and why today’s top athletes are no longer just talent, but full-fledged businesses driven by the decisions made in the room. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code RWIH at: https://highpfrmc.com/xtb-rwih-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does a £20,000 family loan turn into a £300 million global brand? For Tom Beahon, it all began with his parents remortgaging their home to support him and his brother’s dream of creating Castore. That early sacrifice sparked a relentless drive to succeed and made failure not an option. Tom Beahon takes us through the early hustle, from hiding in train toilets to avoid paying fares, to camping in magazine office lobbies to get meetings. He talks about the struggles of paying himself and his brother just £1,000 a month for three years while building the business and how their £2 million partnership with Andy Murray gave Castore the credibility and authority to secure international partnerships with Premier League teams and Formula One. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal 👉 https://nordvpn.com/rwih Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

Spencer Matthews’ journey from reality TV star to the founder of a £100M business is a story of transformation, grit, and resilience. In this episode, Spencer talks about his personal evolution from battling alcohol to building Clean Co, a brand that’s revolutionizing the alcohol-free space. He takes us through the defining moments that changed everything, including the £1M investment offer from Nicole Quinn at Lightspeed and the explosive growth that saw the company hit £2M in sales in its first year, followed by a £20M raise at an £80M valuation. But success didn’t come without its setbacks. Spencer also shares the challenges of a rushed US launch, the near-collapse of the business, and how a down round and massive product write-offs almost derailed everything. He reflects on the lessons he’s learned along the way, the importance of staying involved in every part of the business, adapting when plans fail, and how Clean Co became a symbol of resilience. It’s a conversation about transformation, overcoming…

With Toy Story 5 & Hoppers releasing this year, The Chief Creative Officer of PIXAR, Pete Docter, joins The Room Where It Happened to break down 40 years of Pixar's history. Pete directed Monsters Inc., Up, Inside Out, & Soul, and has worked with some of animation and technology's biggest icons, including, John Lasseter, Steve Jobs, and Andrew Stanton, just to name a few. In this episode we dive into all of Pixar's behind-the-scenes stories, discuss the incredibly detailed creative process, and break down some of the studio's biggest hits such as Toy Story, Cars, and Monsters Inc. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au NordVPN Deal 👉 https://nordvpn.com/rwih Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s stopping Gen Z from becoming millionaires? In this eye-opening conversation, Tim Armoo uncovers the harsh realities young entrepreneurs face, from crushing competition to a rapidly shifting landscape. Have side hustles truly replaced traditional entrepreneurship, or are they just a distraction? Tim reveals why the road to success is harder than ever and how the game is changing for the next generation of business leaders. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au NordVPN Deal 👉 https://nordvpn.com/rwih Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeff Mostyn didn’t set out to become the savior of a football club, but that’s exactly what he did when a single nod saved Bournemouth from liquidation. In this episode, Jeff takes us back to that moment, when he committed another £100,000 despite promising his wife he wouldn’t, and reflects on how that spontaneous decision set the course for a 17-year journey with the club. From the highs of creating the "greatest winning capsule" with Eddie Howe to the lows of financial crises and personal sacrifice, Jeff opens up about the hard-earned lessons along the way. He talks about the importance of human connection, how his approach to leadership, treating everyone like family, became a key to Bournemouth’s success. Jeff also shares the challenges of keeping a club alive through financial turmoil, including paying £100,000 a month out of his own pocket to keep the team afloat. It’s a conversation about making tough decisions, balancing heart and head, and the power of loyalty and perseverance in the face of…

Victor Bengtsson’s journey with Sidemen began with a single, unexpected interview, where instead of touting credentials, he cracked a joke that showed he understood their world. In this episode, Victor takes us through how he went from that first conversation to building Side+ in just 75 days, a challenge that became the blueprint for a new approach to content creation and distribution. From the rush of their first subscriber to the groundbreaking decision to recruit a team of young, self-taught editors from Discord and Fortnite communities, Victor discusses the unconventional methods that fuelled their success. He reveals how the Sidemen’s speed and willingness to challenge the norms of traditional TV gave them an edge, creating content faster, cheaper, and with complete creative control. This episode is a deep dive into the mindset, decisions, and strategies that allowed the Sidemen to compete with, and ultimately disrupt, the media giants. It’s a story about seizing control, challenging the status quo,…

CEO of Kurt Geiger Neil Clifford reflects on the moments and challenges that shaped his journey from a department store floor to leading a global fashion brand. He shares how early setbacks, including the loss of his father and living with dyslexia, influenced his leadership style, turning perceived limitations into creative strengths. Neil also discusses the lessons learned through private equity and the importance of surrounding himself with people who think differently. Beyond commercial success, Neil explains how Kurt Geiger’s Business by Design Academy became a way to create wider impact, opening doors for young creatives who might otherwise be overlooked. This episode explores creativity, leadership, and why human skills, not just technical ones, will matter most in the future. Launched by the Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation in 2024, Business by Design is an award-winning, fully funded, career incubator programme designed to open doors into the creative industry for young people. For the first time,…

How does a personal space flight spark a mission to reshape humanity’s future? For Dylan Taylor, it started with a transcendent experience in orbit, which led him to found Space for Humanity, a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to space travel. His vision grew from a desire to unlock space’s transformative potential for solving Earth’s most pressing issues, and today, he’s helping to shape a future where space is accessible to all. In this episode, Dylan Taylor takes us through his unexpected journey, from his life-changing space flight to the creation of Voyager Technologies (NYSE: VOYG), a global leader in national security and space solutions. As founder, Chairman, and CEO, Dylan is also leading a joint venture to develop Starlab, a next-generation commercial space station with partners like Airbus, Mitsubishi, MDA Space, and Palantir. He shares how his work in space technology is already impacting Earth, from breakthroughs in cancer treatment to innovations in microgravity. Dylan also discusses…

From washing dishes in a chaotic hotel kitchen at 13 to leading a global software company, Mark Moffat traces a leadership journey shaped by humility, curiosity, and learning from the ground up.. Mark opens up about his evolving relationship with AI, from early scepticism to using it practically in everyday life and high-stakes business decisions, and why industrial AI represents one of the biggest untapped opportunities of the next decade. From robots inspecting underground tunnels to helping frontline workers do safer, better work, he outlines a future where curiosity beats fear and people who learn to use AI outperform those who don’t. This is a conversation about first-principles leadership, staying close to customers as you scale, and why the mindset that took someone from kitchen porter to CEO might be the same one needed to build the next $100bn business. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au Hosted on Acast. See…

Long before cybersecurity became a daily concern for businesses, Danny Jenkins encountered a moment that changed his entire trajectory. A ransomware attack on a small company didn’t just expose a technical failure, it revealed how easily a lifetime of work could vanish overnight. In this episode, Danny unpacks the unlikely experiences that shaped his worldview, from a childhood where learning to code became a way to regain control, to a formative business fallout that taught him why founders must guard their vision fiercely. He takes us behind the curtain of modern cybercrime, an industry run with structure, scale, and now AI, and explains why old security models are no longer enough. This is a conversation about seeing the problem before everyone else does, questioning accepted norms, and building a company designed not to react to threats, but to stop them before they ever begin. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au Hosted on…

From a childhood helicopter dream to building and selling a £4.1bn company, Richard Harpin shares the moments that nearly ended, and ultimately defined,his journey as a founder. In this episode, Richard takes us inside the make-or-break decisions behind HomeServe, including the last-ditch mail shot that saved the business when they had just £10,000 left in the bank, and the devastating moment a partner told him it was over and to return to corporate life. He reveals how copying what already worked, then pivoting fast, became a survival strategy, and why hiring people to cover your weaknesses is one of the most underestimated leadership skills. Richard also reflects on the bold moves that unlocked global growth, from trusting local leaders to scale internationally, to the bittersweet decision to sell the company after decades of building. This is a candid conversation about staying grounded, enduring setbacks, and the long journey from near-failure to lasting success, and why childhood dreams still matter at…

What begins as a personal crisis quickly turns into a leap of faith. For Olivia Ferdi, everything changed seven weeks before her wedding, when a serious ACL injury forced her to confront her health, and her future, head on. In this episode, Olivia shares how that moment sparked an immediate decision to walk away from a career in law and commit fully to building something of her own. She takes us behind the scenes of the early days of TRIP, from a chance meeting with a Selfridges PA at a vegan market to stacking cans floor-to-ceiling in her living room, and even launching the first-ever Deliveroo store from home during COVID. Olivia also reflects on the realities of starting with no safety net, why having “skin in the game” matters, and the importance of not letting so-called best practice talk you out of your own instincts. It’s a story about trust, navigating uncertainty, and what can happen when you back yourself fully and unapologetically, even when the path ahead isn’t clear. IFS - award-winning Asset &…

When Heights hit a wall after rapid early growth, founder Dan Murray faced a brutal truth: the product wasn’t the problem, the story was. In this episode, Dan takes us inside the moment everything changed, explaining how a simple rebrand unlocked a new phase of growth, and why founders often look for answers in the wrong places when momentum stalls. Dan is candid about the decisions that nearly broke him, including letting go of over half the team in a single day to keep the company alive, and walking away from high-profile influencer partnerships just before controversy hit. He opens up about the tension between ego and data, how his own love of science blinded him to what customers actually wanted, and why every brand needs an “edit button” when growth tactics start to carry reputational risk. This is a clear-eyed look at the real cost of entrepreneurship: years of low pay, emotional strain, and hard calls made without certainty. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your…

What starts as a side idea quickly becomes a full-scale obsession. For Will Shu, that obsession turned into Deliveroo, and it began with him delivering meals himself, learning the business from the pavement up. In this episode, Will takes us inside the early days of building a food delivery company from scratch, including the mistakes no one sees, the moments that tested his resolve, and the realities of scaling at speed under intense scrutiny. He also reflects on everything from riding orders across London to navigating a major antitrust investigation, and the pressure that comes with building a category-defining business in public. This is a story about founder grit, learning by doing, and why staying relentlessly focused on the customer, even when the stakes are highest, can be the difference between building a product people use and a brand people trust. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au Hosted on Acast. See…

What happens when a career built on spreadsheets collides with a gut-level belief in great food? John Eckbert’s path to becoming CEO of Five Guys is anything but conventional, and it nearly didn’t happen at all. In this conversation, John unpacks the improbable steps that took him from banking into the heart of one of the world’s most recognisable fast-casual brands. He shares how a single moment of curiosity turned into a bold move, the early discussions that defined Five Guys’ future, and the leadership calls made long before success was obvious. John also reveals the behind-the-scenes thinking that shaped the company’s culture, expansion strategy, and refusal to compromise on what matters most. This episode explores what it really takes to switch lanes at the highest level, why patience can be a competitive advantage, and how building something people genuinely care about often means saying no far more than yes. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at:…

Before it became a worldwide holiday staple, The Elf on the Shelf was simply a Pitts family tradition, one that Christa Pitts helped turn into a cultural phenomenon through grit, creativity, and unshakeable belief. In this episode, Christa looks back on the early days of being rejected by every publisher, the decision to self-publish with her family’s savings on the line, and the scrappy marketing tactics that brought their little elf to life in homes across America. She reveals the unexpected celebrity moment that sent the brand soaring, the battles to protect their idea from copycats, and the hard lessons learned while scaling a fast-growing company. Christa also opens up about leading through personal loss, staying true to the brand’s values, and building a culture that embraces experimentation, heart, and the occasional failure. It’s a conversation about family, courage, and the magic that happens when you bet on your own story, no matter how many times you hear “no.” --- JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 👔 LinkedIn 👉…

From Top Gear to The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm, Andy Wilman has spent decades redefining what car television can be, and learning a few hard lessons along the way. In this episode, Andy opens up about the high-stakes Amazon deal that launched The Grand Tour, the legal and creative gymnastics of building something “like Top Gear, but not Top Gear,” and the spontaneous tent idea that became the show’s trademark. He reflects on the behind-the-scenes chaos, the unexpected magic of Clarkson’s Farm, and the times they got it wrong, and what those moments taught him about humility, persistence, and trusting your instincts. It’s a candid look at creativity under pressure, the fine line between chaos and genius, and how taking risks (and a few punches) can lead to something unforgettable. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au Andy’s book ‘Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure’ is out now and available to purchase -…

From delivering coffees at 14 to becoming CEO of Matchroom Boxing, Frank Smith has lived every side of the fight game. In this episode, Frank reflects on the defining moments that shaped his career, from his first “final warning” as a teenager to leading global events watched by millions. He shares the unexpected twists behind major fights like Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul, the lessons learned from high-stakes negotiations, and why ego is the enemy of progress. Frank also offers an inside look at the business risks behind boxing’s biggest nights and how staying grounded, adaptable, and relentlessly positive helped him rise through the ranks. It’s a story about graft, growth, and learning to fight smart, both in and outside the ring. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's notebook I discuss the importance of not just finding your why, but acting on it. I share the unexpected panic I felt travelling back from my interview with Robert Lewandowski because of the thought I might miss my flight home. That rising fear revealed something important: when your purpose shifts, your reactions shift too. For me, family has become my why, and anything that pulls me away from it hits hard. If you’ve been feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or out of alignment, this episode is a reminder that purpose isn’t a luxury — it’s your anchor. When you know your why, the world settles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou joins us from Monaco to revisit the moment easyJet was created, beginning with the 1994 launch, where he persuaded his father to back his idea for a new kind of airline. He reflects on the early years of bold marketing stunts, legal battles with British Airways, and a fierce rivalry with Ryanair that pushed him to keep costs low, move fast and build a brand the public instantly recognised. Stelios speaks openly about the pressure of running a young airline, the mistakes that almost derailed it, and the key decisions that shaped its future, including adopting the internet early and expanding the "easy" name into hundreds of businesses. He also shares how this success now fuels his philanthropic mission. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au Heights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…

In this week's notebook, I talk about the fear I felt going into an interview with footballing superstar Robert Lewandowski, why we should enjoy our struggles, celebrate ourselves, and actively seek fear, not run from it. If you're currently feeling paralysed by fear or dissatisfied with everyday life, this episode's here to remind you that life's not meant to be perfect. Be proud of yourself and celebrate your successes, no matter how small, because everything above zero compounds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.