From COO of Rangers FC to Extreme Racing in Saudi Arabia | Productivity Mastery #248 with Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme H

🚀 Productivity Mastery #248In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov sits down with Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme H, for a fascinating conversation about leadership, professional sport, motorsport, innovation, and performing under pressure. https://www.fiaextremeh.com/Ali’s career has been anything but conventional.After starting in the corporate world with Tetra Pak and Coca-Cola, his journey took him deep into professional sport, including leadership roles at Heart of Midlothian, Queens Park Rangers and Rangers FC, before eventually bringing him into the world of motorsport.Today, he is helping lead Extreme H, a hydrogen-powered racing championship pushing new technology to its limits in some of the most challenging environments imaginable.In this episode, Stoyan and Ali go behind the scenes of professional football and motorsport to explore what it really takes to lead when the pressure is high, millions of people are watching, and there is often no playbook to follow.In this episode, you’ll discover:• How Ali went from Tetra Pak and Coca-Cola to Hearts, QPR, Rangers and Extreme H• Why leading a football club is completely different from running a traditional business• What really happens behind the scenes when a major football club is under pressure to win• How Ali coped with one of the most challenging periods of his career at Rangers• Why he believes every team needs to get “on the bus” before it can move forward• What Ali looks for when hiring people, and why he says he looks for “craziness”• Why Extreme E bought a 110-meter ship to race in some of the most remote places on Earth• How Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button and major motorsport teams became part of the championship• Why Extreme H is betting on hydrogen technology and using racing as an R&D platform• How motorsport can help change perceptions around technology, sustainability and climate changeChapters:00:00 Introduction and Background02:23 Ali Russell's Career Journey05:46 From Hearts to QPR and Rangers10:38 Leadership in Sports vs. Business15:42 Life Behind the Scenes at Rangers18:24 Coping With Extreme Pressure21:38 Leadership, Unity and Getting Everyone “On the Bus”24:41 What Ali Looks for When Building a Team26:03 Racing in the World's Most Extreme Locations29:07 Thriving Under Uncertainty30:01 Why Extreme H Is Betting on Hydrogen33:58 What It Takes to Build a Race From Scratch41:05 F1 Names, Drivers and Team Dynamics42:56 Building a New Generation of Motorsport Fans45:45 Can Sport Accelerate Sustainable Change?____________Find Extreme H on social:https://www.instagram.com/fia.extremehhttps://www.tiktok.com/ ⁨@fiaextremeh⁩ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmlrp3y74JN1L1o1tSdeINw____________Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 Productivity Mastery #247How do you grow up in a small town in New York and end up building a life and career in Hollywood?In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomes back Lydia Hurlbut, co-founder of Filmmakers Academy, for a conversation about Hollywood, wellbeing, resilience, and creative leadership.Together with her husband Shane Hurlbut, legendary Hollywood cinematographer behind productions such as "Need for Speed" and "Terminator Salvation", Lydia moved to Los Angeles and took a leap into the unknown.They built their careers together, navigated the pressures of the film industry, and eventually created Filmmakers Academy.Lydia shares stories and lessons from that journey, including what she has learned from working closely with filmmakers and creative professionals.The conversation also explores what happens when high achievement starts to come at a cost.How do you move through creative slumps?When should a leader ask for help?Is work-life balance even realistic?And how can understanding your own "power persona" make you a better leader?Lydia also shares why gratitude, vulnerability, listening, and knowing your own capacity can be essential for sustainable success.A conversation about Hollywood, big ambitions, difficult moments, and what it takes to keep moving forward.Chapters00:00 Reconnecting After Years02:02 Life's Unexpected Twists and Turns03:32 The Impact of Family and Early Life08:10 Journey to Hollywood: A Leap of Faith11:25 Building a Career in Filmmaking12:30 The Evolution of Filmmakers Academy30:02 Creating a Community in Filmmaking34:35 Designing Effective Learning Experiences41:03 The Importance of Gratitude in Success42:29 Navigating Slumps and Building Momentum55:01 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership01:01:01 Balancing High Achievement and Well-Being01:04:58 Understanding Your Power PersonaEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!---Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 Productivity Mastery #246In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomes Lisa Wetter, Director of People Experiences at Mentimeter, for an open and thought-provoking conversation about our relationship with money.Check out Lisa's webpage and take a survey about your money beliefs: https://thedewpoint.co/Lisa has spent roughly 15 years working across HR, People & Culture, and organizational growth. Originally from the United States and now based in Sweden, her own journey across countries, careers, and cultures has shaped the way she thinks about success, security, and money.Over the past several years, Lisa has explored how our beliefs about money influence far more than our bank accounts - from the jobs we choose and the risks we take to the relationships we build and the lives we create.In this episode, Stoyan Yankov and Lisa Wetter explore where our beliefs about money come from and how childhood experiences, family dynamics, culture, and our environment shape the way we spend, save, and think about financial security. They discuss the difference between scarcity and abundance mindsets, why money can become deeply connected to safety and self-worth, and how limiting beliefs can quietly influence some of our biggest life decisions. Lisa also shares her own relationship with saving, risk, and financial security, as well as practical ideas for developing healthier money habits - from automating savings and understanding spending patterns to becoming more intentional about the values behind our financial choices.The conversation goes beyond personal finance to explore a bigger question: **What does success actually mean to you?**Stoyan and Lisa discuss how defining your values, challenging inherited beliefs, and having more honest conversations about money can help you build a relationship with money that supports the life you genuinely want to live.Chapters00:00 Weather Talk and Cultural Adaptation03:00 Journey to Sweden and Career Path05:56 Mentimeter: Culture and People Experience09:01 The Importance of Money in Life11:47 Childhood Influences on Money Beliefs14:46 Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset18:03 The Energy of Money and Self-Love20:58 Risk Tolerance and Financial Decisions24:03 Surroundings and Their Impact on Money Mindset27:05 Defining Success and Personal Values31:08 Redefining Success: Personal Perspectives37:58 Reinventing Relationships with Money43:22 Healthy Money Habits: Practical Insights48:54 Transformative Mindsets in Financial Journeys55:40 The Importance of Conversations About MoneyEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!---Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 Productivity Mastery #245In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomes back to the podcast Steve Cadigan, three years after their first conversation on the show. Steve Cadigan is the originator of the Human Advantage framework and one of the world’s leading voices on workforce strategy in the AI era. As LinkedIn’s first Chief Human Resources Officer, he led the talent push from 400 to 4,000 people in 3.5 years and architected its world-famous company culture.Steve has spent the last 30 years leading talent and culture at F500 companies and today serves on the board of three corporations. He works directly with CEOs and CHROs at scaling organizations who are deploying AI and need a strategy that makes their people more valuable, not less.In this episode, Stoyan Yankov and Steve Cadigan discuss the rapid changes in the workplace driven by AI and the cultural challenges that accompany these shifts. They explore the pressures faced by leaders to adopt AI technologies, the importance of fostering a supportive company culture, and the lessons learned from Cadigan's experience at LinkedIn. The discussion emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt their leadership styles, invest in employee growth, and create environments that encourage experimentation and innovation. Steve Cadigan discusses the pressing need for effective leadership development in organizations, the challenges of navigating silos, and the importance of communication in resolving conflicts. He emphasizes the opportunities that arise amidst uncertainty and the essential skills needed for the future job market, particularly in the age of AI. Cadigan also shares personal strategies for managing uncertainty and highlights the value of surrounding oneself with challenging perspectives.Chapters00:00 The Acceleration of Change in the Workplace03:09 Cultural Challenges in AI Adoption06:13 Leadership Pressures and Expectations09:04 Lessons from LinkedIn's Growth11:59 Building a Strong Company Culture14:45 Creating Opportunities for Growth18:01 Future-Proofing Organizations21:01 Navigating Leadership Development Challenges32:11 The Future of Leadership Development35:10 Navigating Organizational Silos39:28 The Importance of Communication in Conflict Resolution43:54 Opportunities Amidst Uncertainty50:15 Skills for the Future Job Market54:27 Personal Strategies for Managing UncertaintyEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 Productivity Mastery #244In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomes Tim Ringel, Founder & CEO at Meet the People. A company builder at heart, Tim is a serial entrepreneur and start-up investor with a portfolio of over 50 companies mainly in the digital technology space in Europe, the US, and Asia. His pre-IPO investment track record includes well-known names like AirBnB (IPO), Klarna, Spotify (IPO), SpaceX, and many more. Besides his operational passion in the Advertising Industry, Tim is a Director and Advisory Board Member in Late-Stage Venture Capital Fund Adit Ventures, Early Stage Syndicate Venture Fund Transatlantic Venture Partners, as well as his own Family Office.Since 2021, Tim has spent the majority of his operational time as Founder and Global CEO of Meet The People LLC, driving the company’s growth and expansion, as well as the continued development of core capabilities, technology, and platforms. Tim raised $150MM+ from Private Equity in 2021 to build his vision and has since acquired multiple advertising agencies in North America, building a business with 800+ employees working for Brands like Google, Moet Hennessy, IBM, Nespresso, Nike, and many more.His goal is to create a global Advertising Agency Group with a billion-dollar valuation, combining 15+ businesses in North America, Europe, and Asia with more than 1,500+ people.Chapters00:00 Tim's Entrepreneurship Journey05:04 Building an Agency: The Art of Collaboration09:56 Navigating Acquisitions: Finding the Right Fit15:04 Empowering Creativity: Balancing Structure and Freedom19:57 Prioritizing Success: The Art of Delegation24:55 The Future of Work: Adapting to Change30:09 Meet the People: A Vision for Growth33:33 Empowering CEOs: The Human Element in Tech36:05 The Trust Factor: Building Relationships in Business38:10 The Renaissance of In-Person Connections40:51 Talent Acquisition: Seizing Opportunities in a Changing Market47:42 Networking: Authentic Connections Over Structured Approaches56:15 The Hustle: Building a Business from Scratch01:01:13 Success by Design: The Importance of NetworkingEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 Productivity Mastery #243In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed David Homan, author of the USA Today bestselling book: 𝐎𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝. Get a copy of his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Orchestrating-Connection-Purposeful-Community-Tribal-ebook/dp/B0FL4KWN5K/David Homan is the founder and CEO of #OrchestratedConnecting, a global community of connectors; Orchestrated Opportunities, an impact-focused advisory firm; and SOAR CONNECT, a start-up focused on the strength of authentic relationships. He hosts a podcast called 𝐎𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 focused on developing relationship value, is an active classical composer, and is a proud father of two. From middle-class beginnings as the son of a college professor father and nonprofit-focused mother, he has built a network reaching into the most private and incredible circles globally while maintaining a code of purposeful community building called Orchestrated Connecting.Chapters00:00 Introduction to David Homan and Tea Culture02:59 Orchestrating Connection: The Composer's Approach06:06 Building a Community of Connectors08:57 The Importance of Double Opt-In Introductions12:16 The Evolution of Networking and Community Building15:08 Creating Value in Networking Events18:00 Strategies for Effective Networking21:11 The Power of Vulnerability in Networking23:58 Authenticity and Trust in Connections29:58 The Desire for Connection30:45 Misconceptions in Networking31:54 The Flawed System of Connections35:04 Becoming a Super Connector37:07 Building Trust with High-Value Individuals39:09 The Power of Gratitude42:23 Intentional Community Building44:43 Understanding Connector Archetypes51:15 Managing Connections Effectively56:01 Creating a Better World Through ConnectionEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 Productivity Mastery #242In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Lubomir Nokov, Cofounder and CEO of one of the most beloved brands in Bulgaria -Harmonica. https://harmonica.bgIt all started with a simple question: “Why is it so hard to find real food?”In 2006, Magdalena Maleeva - former world No. 4 tennis player, environmental activist, and entrepreneur - together with her husband, Lubomir Nokov, decided to take action. They founded Harmonica Foods | Organic & B-Corp with a clear mission: to bring back real food, made the right way.Their journey began with organic yogurt - made from milk sourced from small Bulgarian farms, using traditional methods, live cultures, and nothing artificial. From there, Harmonica grew into a brand offering a full range of organic, clean-label foods - from eggs and cheese to chocolate, pretzels, and drinks.Today, Lubomir Nokov leads Harmonica Foods | Organic & B-Corp as CEO, ensuring the company stays true to its values - supporting local farmers, promoting regenerative agriculture, and maintaining the highest EU organic standards. Harmonica products are now available in more than 1 500 stores across Bulgaria and in more than 20 other countries, and the company continuously pushes for sustainable packaging and responsible sourcing.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Harmonica and Its Origins08:49 The Journey of a CEO: Daily Life and Priorities13:52 Leadership Lessons: Mistakes and Growth18:30 Building a Strong Team: Hiring and Culture24:48 Networking and Curiosity: The Key to Connections30:31 Crisis Management: Navigating Challenges36:45 Worry Management: Strategies for Entrepreneurs39:05 Embracing Imperfection and Self-Compassion42:12 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Struggles and Resilience44:52 The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Beyond the Highlights49:00 Product Development: The Art of Quality and Integrity56:00 Navigating Challenges in Food Production01:02:01 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Patience and ConnectionEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 In episode #241, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Sarah Stone McDevitt, author of "THE ROUND TABLE: how relational intelligence will become your human advantage in the age of AI". Get your copy here: https://shorturl.at/3i5oRSarah McDevitt is a TEDx speaker, author, and advocate for human-centered leadership in the age of AI. She's currently serving as Sr Director Partner Strategy, Operations & Capabilities at Hubspot. Drawing on her experiences growing up in Ireland, working across business, saas and marketing, and navigating leadership in increasingly digital workplaces, she explores how relational intelligence, empathy, and human connection are becoming the most valuable skills in the AI era. In this conversation, Stoyan and Sarah delve into the concept of relational intelligence (RQ), particularly in the context of AI's rise. They explore how human connection, empathy, and understanding are becoming increasingly vital as technology advances. Sarah shares her personal journey with dyslexia and how it shaped her understanding of communication and relationships. The discussion also touches on the importance of awareness and presence in interactions, the role of neurodiversity in communication styles, and the five signals of relational intelligence that can be developed to enhance interpersonal skills. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Relational Intelligence (RQ)03:07 The Importance of Human Connection05:50 Developing Relational Intelligence09:02 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Skills12:01 Understanding Neurodiversity and Communication14:52 The Five Signals of Relational Intelligence35:26 The Role of Presence in Communication39:44 Building Meaningful Connections43:19 Empathetic Structuring in Organizations48:05 Understanding Connection Capital55:23 The Importance of Human Differentiation01:06:31 Starting Your Journey to Relational IntelligenceEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 In episode #240, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Marek Kesküll, Former Co-founder & CEO at Scorestars. So much talk about success and glorifying entrepreneurship. The reality is much different. Every founder knows it. Despite raising €725K and scaling internationally, Marek and his team made the difficult decision to shut it down before the money ran out. They didn't run out of cash. ❌ They ran out of emotional runway. ✅ Listen to a NO-BS conversation about entrepreneurship, navigating uncertainty and challenges, and having the guts to make the difficult decisions. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of Entrepreneurship03:03 The Journey of Starting a Startup05:52 Gaining Traction and Early Success08:59 Challenges in Expansion and Market Understanding12:01 The Pivot: Adapting to Market Needs15:04 Fundraising and Investor Relations18:12 Lessons Learned from Feedback and Iteration20:54 Reflections on Business Model and Strategy23:52 The Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship26:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions33:06 Vision and Strategy: The Road to Success36:27 The Decision to Shut Down: A Defining Moment39:32 Navigating Investor Relationships: Communication and Transparency42:05 The Emotional Roller Coaster of Entrepreneurship44:19 The Importance of Therapy: Managing Stress and Expectations49:49 The Power of Community: Support Among Entrepreneurs56:19 Perseverance in Fundraising: The Path to Success01:01:52 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and MindsetEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

🚀 In episode #239, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Amel Gaily, CEO at Cuckoo.Amel Gaily is an entrepreneur and CEO of the health technology company Cuckoo Networks. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Amel worked in management positions as CEO of the Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN) and at Nordea. Amel serves on the boards of several different organizations. Amel is also known as the advisor on the Finnish version of the TV show: The Apprentice.Connect with Amel Gaily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelgaily/And check out the Cuckoo app: https://cuckooworkout.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Current Challenges02:58 The Role of AI in Business06:08 Becoming a CEO: Journey and Motivation08:53 Navigating Workplace Complexity12:01 Aligning Teams with Vision15:10 Effective Communication Strategies17:48 Creating a Culture of Breaks21:03 The Importance of Breaks for Productivity23:48 Implementing Effective Break Strategies26:57 Building a Supportive Work Environment29:58 Conclusion and Future Outlook37:33 Designing Workplace Culture40:27 The Importance of Breaks and Well-being43:55 Redefining Work in the Age of AI46:08 Creating a Fun and Productive Environment49:41 Energy Management and Work-Life Balance52:30 Linking Well-being and Performance54:40 Cultural Insights from Finland57:34 Lessons from Reality TV: Leadership InsightsEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/