Inside the World of Elite Close Protection with UMBRA Founder Kate Bright

In this episode of Brave Bold Brilliant, Jeannette Linfoot sits down with Kate Bright, Chartered Security Professional, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and Founder & CEO of UMBRA International, to explore what it really takes to protect the world's wealthiest families. Kate shares her journey from Family Office Chief of Staff to trained Close Protection operative to industry-changing entrepreneur, revealing the "Four Pillars of Secure Lifestyle®" (Physical, Digital, Reputational and Emotional security) and why she believes security should be seen not as a fear-based reaction, but as a long-term investment in resilience. Expect candid stories on invisible security, "gilded cage" over-protection, the rise of women in close protection, and how UMBRA is reshaping an entire industry. About Kate Bright Kate Bright (CSyP, FRSA) is a pioneer in the security industry and a former Family Office Executive who has spent almost three decades protecting clients around the world. Working within Family Offices, Kate identified a critical gap in proactive, reactive and truly lifestyle-integrated security advisory for international private clients, and in 2015 founded UMBRA International to close it. Today she leads Team UMBRA, drawn from top-tier ex-military, law enforcement and public/private sector specialists, and created the first "Security as a Service" subscription model for private clients (UMBRA+). Her insights are regularly featured in the Telegraph, Forbes, Times Luxx and Business Insider. Beyond UMBRA, Kate is a Trustee for a Gender Impact Foundation, spent six years as a Trustee of the Security Industry Livery Charitable Trust, and sits on the British Army's Gender Advisory Committee. 🔗 Website: https://www.umbrainternational.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katevbright/ About Your Host, Jeannette Linfoot Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, board advisor, property investor and business mentor with over 30 years of global experience across travel, leisure, hospitality and property. Having built, run and sold businesses around the world, Jeannette now channels her expertise into mentoring leaders and entrepreneurs to become Brave, Bold and Brilliant in business and in life. 📺 About Brave Bold Brilliant Brave Bold Brilliant is the podcast and YouTube channel where Jeannette Linfoot talks to extraordinary people about the moments they chose to be brave, bold and brilliant, unlocking their full potential in business, their careers and life. From boardroom tables of global corporations to the dining tables of entrepreneurial start-ups, this show is about overcoming challenges, embracing opportunity and staying true to yourself along the way. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on leadership, legacy and living boldly. Connect with Brave Bold Brilliant & Jeannette Linfoot: 🌐 Website: https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@braveboldbrilliant 🔗 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeannette.linfoot/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brave.bold.brilliant 🎧 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brave-bold-brilliant-podcast/id1524278970 #BraveBoldBrilliant #KateBright #UMBRAInternational #SecureLifestyle #ClosePro­tection #JeannetteLinfoot YouTube Tags: Kate Bright, UMBRA International, Brave Bold Brilliant, Jeannette Linfoot, close protection, bodyguard for the wealthy, secure lifestyle, private security, family office security, executive protection, security concierge, women in security, personal security expert, ultra high net worth security, digital security, reputational risk, security industry, entrepreneurship podcast, business leadership, Chartered Security Professional

Sphere of Influence: Why the People Around You Decide Your Success In this episode of Brave Bold Brilliant, host Jeannette Linfoot dives into your Sphere of Influence, the people you surround yourself with, and how they shape the version of you that shows up in business, career, and life. Jeannette breaks down why the right relationships, mentors, and peer groups act as accelerators for growth, while the wrong ones quietly hold you back. If you want to become brave, bold, and brilliant, this episode will help you audit who's in your circle and why it matters more than almost anything else. You'll learn: Why your environment and relationships shape your mindset, habits, and results How to identify who is adding value to your sphere of influence, and who is draining it Practical steps to intentionally build a circle of people who challenge and elevate you Why surrounding yourself with experts who know more than you accelerates growth How to overcome fear and step into the leader you're meant to be ABOUT THE HOST: JEANNETTE LINFOOTJeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, run, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies and their own personal development. She's a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate for nurturing talent so everyone can unleash their full potential. ABOUT BRAVE BOLD BRILLIANTBrave Bold Brilliant is where Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first-hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave, Bold, and Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs, it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself, overcoming challenges, embracing opportunities, and taking risks along the way. Visit https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ for free tools, guides, and resources to help you take action now. CONNECT WITH JEANNETTE LINFOOT: 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot 🌐 Website: https://www.jeannettelinfootassociates.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@braveboldbrilliant 💼 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeannette.linfoot/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brave.bold.brilliant Subscribe to Brave Bold Brilliant for weekly wisdom on leadership, legacy, and living boldly. Let's make your next move your bravest yet. #BraveBoldBrilliant #JeannetteLinfoot #SphereOfInfluence #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Mindset #SuccessMindset #SurroundYourself #SelfImprovement #BusinessMentor YouTube Tags: sphere of influence, brave bold brilliant, jeannette linfoot, surround yourself with the right people, personal growth, leadership mindset, success mindset, mentorship, business podcast, self improvement, career growth, entrepreneurship, mindset shift, who you surround yourself with, leadership podcast, motivational podcast, personal development, brave bold brilliant podcast

Shereen Ritchie built her career from clearing tables at TGI Fridays at 15 to becoming Group CEO of Kuvi Hospitality, and in this episode of Brave, Bold, Brilliant, she reveals how she did it. Shereen Ritchie is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Kuvi Hospitality, a London-based hospitality investment platform bringing the best of American restaurant culture to the UK, GCC and wider EMEA markets. Before Kuvi, Shereen was Managing Director of LEON Restaurants, where she led the brand through both its most successful and most demanding period, culminating in LEON's £100 million sale to EG Group (Euro Garages) during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She then became CEO of Buns From Home, the Instagram-born bakery brand, taking it from six locations to more than 21 sites across London in just 18 months. Now at Kuvi Hospitality, Shereen is leading the company's first major franchise partnership: bringing Miami cult-favourite taqueria Coyo Taco to the UK, with ambitions for more than 50 locations across the UK and Ireland, plus a shortlist of 10-15 more US restaurant concepts she believes could thrive here next. She's also Co-Founder of Boardwalk, an industry mentorship programme (launched with Ann Elliott and Christine Martin) dedicated to helping women in hospitality reach their first board-level position. In this episode, we cover: How Shereen scaled LEON through the most turbulent period in UK hospitality history  Taking Buns From Home from 6 to 21+ sites in 18 months  Why Coyo Taco was the brand Kuvi chose to bring across the Atlantic  The playbook for translating US restaurant concepts for a UK audience  Why hospitality's "human element" can't be replaced by AI or social media  Boardwalk and the fight for more women in hospitality boardrooms  What success looks like for Kuvi Hospitality over the next 3-4 years ABOUT SHEREEN RITCHIE Shereen Ritchie has over 25 years of experience across hospitality, investment and executive leadership. She is Group CEO of Kuvi Hospitality, the master franchise partner of choice for US restaurant brands expanding into the UK, Europe and the GCC. Previously Managing Director of LEON Restaurants (2017-2021) and CEO of Buns From Home (2023-2025), she is recognised for scaling ambitious hospitality brands, building high-performing teams, and driving growth in highly competitive markets, even in the most challenging trading conditions. She is also Co-Founder of Boardwalk, championing women into board-level roles across hospitality and beyond. Connect with Shereen Ritchie: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shereen-ritchie-b5b929163/ 🔗 Kuvi Hospitality LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuvi-hospitality/ ABOUT THE HOST: JEANNETTE LINFOOT Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality and property sectors. Having bought, run and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now hosts the Brave Bold Brilliant podcast, talking to incredible people about how they've unleashed their full potential in business, careers and life. She is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate for nurturing talent. ABOUT BRAVE, BOLD, BRILLIANT Brave, Bold, Brilliant is the podcast and YouTube channel where Jeannette Linfoot talks to CEOs, founders, entrepreneurs and industry leaders about the risks, mindset shifts and hard-won lessons behind their success — from boardroom tables of big international business to the dining room tables of entrepreneurial start-ups. New episodes weekly on leadership, business growth, mentorship and living boldly. CONNECT WITH JEANNETTE & BRAVE BOLD BRILLIANT: 🔗 Website: https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@braveboldbrilliant 🔗 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeannette.linfoot/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/ 🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brave.bold.brilliant 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brave-bold-brilliant-podcast/id1524278970 ABOUT KUVI HOSPITALITY Kuvi Hospitality is a London-based hospitality investment platform backed by Kuvi Capital, the family office of hedge fund manager Vikram Kumar. Its mission is to identify high-potential US restaurant brands and bring them to the UK, Ireland, Europe and GCC markets, starting with Miami taqueria Coyo Taco. #ShereenRitchie #KuviHospitality #CoyoTaco #LEONRestaurants #BunsFromHome #BraveBoldBrilliant #JeannetteLinfoot #HospitalityLeadership #FemaleCEO #RestaurantFranchise #WomenInBusiness #Boardwalk #UKHospitality #FranchiseExpansion #BusinessPodcast #CEOInterview #HospitalityIndustry #ScalingBusiness #RestaurantIndustry #WomenInLeadership

If you can't lock in to the task in front of you, how can you possibly lead your team to success? In this episode of Brave Bold Brilliant, Jeannette Linfoot dives into why real leadership starts with your own focus, and why locking in and locking through, even when things get hard, is the difference between leaders who talk about results and leaders who actually deliver them. We explore what it really takes to stay committed to the mission when distractions, doubt, and pressure show up, and why your team will only ever be as locked in as you are. ABOUT THE HOSTJeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, run, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development. Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. ABOUT BRAVE BOLD BRILLIANTBrave Bold Brilliant is where Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first-hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave, Bold, Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs, it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself. Visit https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ for free tools, guides and resources to help you take action now. 📩 Want extra support? Email [email protected] to book your free mentoring session with Jeannette. Let's make your next move your bravest yet. VALUABLE RESOURCESBrave Bold Brilliant: https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/Jeannette Linfoot Associates: https://www.jeannettelinfootassociates.com/Brave, Bold, Brilliant podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brave-bold-brilliant-podcast/id1524278970 CONNECT WITH JEANNETTE:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/JLinfootYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@braveboldbrilliantLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfootFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeannette.linfoot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brave.bold.brilliant #BraveBoldBrilliant #JeannetteLinfoot #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #FocusAndLeadership #BusinessMentor #ExecutiveCoaching #TeamSuccess #LeadershipPodcast #WomenInLeadership #BusinessGrowth #Mentorship #LockIn #LeadershipSkills #CorporateLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset

Welcome back to Brave Bold Brilliant, the podcast where we talk to incredible people about their experiences in business and in life, gaining first-hand insight into how they've unleashed their potential to become brave, bold, and brilliant.  In this episode, host Jeannette Linfoot sits down with a genuine legend of Welsh rugby, Jonathan "Jiffy" Davies CBE, one of only a handful of players in history to captain his country in both rugby codes, Union and League. From his beginnings in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, Jonathan became one of the most gifted fly-halves of his generation, before making the bold decision to walk away from a successful Union career to reinvent himself in League, and then coming back to do it all again. ABOUT THE EPISODE Jonathan and Jeannette unpack 10 lessons in leadership and life shaped by his extraordinary journey: vision and values, working hard and loving what you do, failure and self-belief, resilience and mental toughness, teamwork and communication, adaptability and reinvention, treating people right, embracing diversity and inclusion, work-life balance, and the legacy he wants to leave behind. It's a conversation about what it really takes to reinvent yourself again and again, on the pitch, on air, and in business, while staying true to your values. ABOUT THE GUEST — Jonathan Davies CBE Jonathan Davies CBE (born 24 October 1962) is one of Wales' most celebrated dual-code rugby players, having achieved international success in both rugby union and rugby league. He played for Neath, Llanelli and Cardiff in Union, winning 37 caps for Wales, before his shock 1989 move to rugby league with Widnes, one of the biggest transfer stories in world rugby at the time. He went on to play for Warrington, the Canterbury Bulldogs and North Queensland Cowboys, representing both Wales and Great Britain, before returning to Union with Cardiff. Since retiring from the pitch, "Jiffy" has become one of the most recognisable voices in rugby broadcasting, working with BBC Sport, S4C, and covering the Six Nations, Rugby World Cup and British & Irish Lions tours. He also hosts his own Welsh-language chat show, "Jonathan," on S4C. Alongside his media career, Jonathan has moved into business development, and his long-standing charity work, particularly as President of Velindre Cancer Centre, for whom he has helped raise over £50 million,  earned him an OBE in 2015 and a CBE in the 2026 King's New Year Honours for his services to broadcasting and cancer charities. ABOUT THE HOST — Jeannette Linfoot Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 25 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, run, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies and their own personal development. She is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. ABOUT BRAVE BOLD BRILLIANT Brave Bold Brilliant is the podcast where Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences of being brave, bold, and brilliant — experiences that have allowed them to unleash their full potential in business, their careers, and life in general. From the boardroom tables of big international business to the dining room tables of entrepreneurial start-ups, it's about overcoming challenges, embracing opportunities, and taking risks, while staying true to yourself. The podcast is listened to in over 90 countries worldwide and features founders, CEOs, athletes, and leaders sharing the real stories behind their success. ABOUT THE CHANNEL This channel brings you the full video episodes of the Brave Bold Brilliant podcast, in-depth, honest conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and inspiring people from all walks of life, unpacking the lessons behind their success. Subscribe for new episodes on leadership, reinvention, resilience, and building a brilliant career and life on your own terms. 🔔 Subscribe for more Brave Bold Brilliant conversations 👍 Like this episode if it resonated with you 💬 Share it with a founder, leader, or team who needs a bit of Jonathan's resilience CONNECT WITH JONATHAN DAVIES LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-davies-cbe-b8254317/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/JiffyRugby CONNECT WITH JEANNETTE LINFOOT Website: https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraveBoldBrilliant1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtsU57ZGoPhm55_X0qF16_Q Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brave-bold-brilliant-podcast/id1524278970 #BraveBoldBrilliant #JonathanDavies #Jiffy #WelshRugby #RugbyLegend #RugbyUnion #RugbyLeague #JeannetteLinfoot #Leadership #Podcast SEO Tags: Jonathan Davies, Jiffy, Jonathan Davies CBE, Welsh rugby, Wales rugby legend, rugby union, rugby league, Brave Bold Brilliant, Jeannette Linfoot, BBC rugby pundit, S4C, Velindre Cancer Centre, dual code rugby, rugby broadcaster, leadership podcast, business podcast, resilience, reinvention, Six Nations, Widnes rugby league

Jeannette explores why self-belief is the ultimate superpower for leaders and entrepreneurs, introducing her six-part B.E.L.I.E.F. framework developed over 30 years in business. What You Will Learn Brave: Achieving greatness requires stepping out of your comfort zone and taking action anyway. Jeannette shares how leading a massive acquisition for TUI in Russia and Ukraine—despite lacking local language skills and corporate finance experience—became a pivotal career moment. Energy: You must secure your own oxygen mask first by prioritizing sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being. Your physical vitality and body language directly dictate your presence, and walking into a room with your shoulders back can completely shift your dynamic as a leader. Love: If you find yourself wishing away the week waiting for retirement or the weekend, it might be time for a change. True financial and personal success comes much easier when you genuinely care about your daily work and the people you surround yourself with. Influencers: You are heavily impacted by the people closest to you. It is essential to audit your network and distance yourself from individuals who drain your energy or introduce self-doubt, focusing instead on those who lift you up. Execution: A strategy is useless without consistent, sometimes boring, repetitive action. What gets measured gets done, and tackling repetitive tasks is exactly what leads to mastery. Failure: You must be willing to fail your way to greatness. Making mistakes simply means you are actively pushing beyond your comfort zone and learning along the way. Bonus Listener Resource Want to put this framework into practice? Send a DM or comment the word "belief" on social media to receive a free, comprehensive Belief Toolkit directly from the team. 🚀 Want to accelerate your business growth? Join Rise Academy today and gain access to expert business coaching, leadership training, proven growth frameworks, live coaching sessions, and practical strategies designed to help you build a thriving business. About Jeannette Linfoot Jeannette is a senior executive, portfolio entrepreneur, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional experience across various sectors. She is passionate about helping ambitious leaders scale their growth and step up to the next level while staying entirely true to themselves.

🎙️ About This Episode Sir Liam Fox joins Jeannette Linfoot on Brave Bold Brilliant for a conversation spanning medicine, government and global diplomacy. They explore what medicine taught him about leadership and decision-making, how he made high-stakes calls as Defence Secretary, and the lessons business leaders should take from Britain's post-Brexit trade reset. The conversation moves into the changing shape of global leadership, the growing importance of personal diplomacy in an AI-driven world, the significance of the Abraham Accords, and why Sir Liam believes water, not oil or AI, could define the geopolitics of this century. He also reflects on resilience under public scrutiny and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. 👤 About Sir Liam Fox Sir Liam Fox qualified as a medical doctor from the University of Glasgow before entering politics, serving as the Member of Parliament for North Somerset from 1992 to 2024. He held some of the UK's most senior government roles, including Secretary of State for Defence (2010–2011) and the UK's first Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade (2016–2019). He has also served as a Foreign and Commonwealth Office minister and Chairman of the Conservative Party. In 2013 he published Rising Tides, examining the challenges of globalisation, and in 2020 was the UK's nominee for Director-General of the World Trade Organisation. In 2021 he was invited by the Ambassadors of the UAE, Israel, Bahrain and Morocco to establish and chair the UK Abraham Accords group, and he now chairs the international Abraham Accords Prosperity Group. His second book, The Coming Storm: How Water Will Write the 21st Century (2024), explores water's critical role in global security, climate and human health. 🎤 About the Host: Jeannette Linfoot Jeannette Linfoot is a corporate CEO turned entrepreneur and the founder of Brave Bold Brilliant®. With over 30 years of C-suite experience, she has bought, run and sold businesses around the world and now advises and mentors leaders and entrepreneurs on scaling their businesses and careers. A passionate champion of diversity, inclusion and nurturing talent, Jeannette brings warmth, curiosity and sharp business insight to every conversation. 🎧 About the Podcast Brave Bold Brilliant is where business leaders, entrepreneurs and their teams come to be inspired, challenged and equipped with the tools for growth and success. Each episode, Jeannette talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life — from the boardrooms of major international companies to the front lines of entrepreneurship — uncovering how they unleashed their full potential to become Brave, Bold and Brilliant. 🌟 About Brave Bold Brilliant Brave Bold Brilliant® is a leadership and business growth platform founded by Jeannette Linfoot, helping business owners and senior executives take their careers and companies to the next level through coaching, mentoring and community. 🔗 Connect with Jeannette & Brave Bold Brilliant LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/ Instagram (Brand): https://www.instagram.com/brave.bold.brilliant/ All Links: https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot 🔗 Connect with Sir Liam Fox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drliamfox/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drliamfox/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/LiamFox Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/drliamfox/ 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who loves conversations about leadership, business and the future of our world. SEO Tags Sir Liam Fox, Liam Fox interview, UK Defence Secretary, International Trade Secretary UK, Abraham Accords, Brave Bold Brilliant podcast, Jeannette Linfoot, UK politics podcast, Brexit trade deals, global water crisis, The Coming Storm book, business leadership podcast, WTO Director General, UK diplomacy, medicine to politics, leadership under pressure, entrepreneurship podcast

Jeannette breaks down the exact step-by-step roadmap she would use if she had to start all over again. Moving through five distinct stages—foundations, legal and financial setups, going to market, systems and pricing, and long-term sustainability—Jeannette shares candid lessons and practical strategies designed to help new founders launch with confidence and established owners scale without burning out. You'll Learn Why: Clarifying your core "why" and validating ideas with real audiences saves you from wasting years and capital on the wrong path. Mastering your baseline metrics and choosing the right legal structure early protects your profits and enables bolder growth decisions. Launching a minimum viable product to hand-picked early customers beats delaying your launch in the pursuit of perfection. Prioritising long-term consistency over short-term intensity—backed by a trusted advisory network—is the ultimate key to sustainable scaling. Whether you're a founder, CEO, small business owner, entrepreneur, startup leader or executive, these lessons will help you make smarter hiring decisions and build a stronger, more successful business. 🚀 Want to accelerate your business growth? Join Rise Academy today and gain access to expert business coaching, leadership training, proven growth frameworks, live coaching sessions, and practical strategies designed to help you build a thriving business. About Jeannette Linfoot ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development.  Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

Jeannette talks to Mark “Fish” Fisher to uncover his extraordinary journey from a 16-year-old bear mascot at Alton Towers to the boardroom as Chief Development Officer for Merlin Entertainments. Mark opens up about taking a business to a £6 billion IPO, the harsh realities of navigating global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and the critical importance of staying fiercely authentic in rigid corporate environments. Packed with candid insights on surviving the scrutiny of public markets, managing a workforce across 24 countries, and making agonizing welfare decisions during severe economic disruptions, this conversation provides an essential roadmap for scaling a business while keeping your team grounded. You'll Learn Why: Staying authentic is a competitive advantage; corporate facades fall apart under the intense scrutiny of public markets and analysts. Building an in-house creative team drives product quality and innovation faster than relying solely on external agencies. Maintaining transparent communication and rapid decision-making across global teams protects your company culture during sudden economic stops. Transitioning from a hands-on executive to an advisory or board role requires checking your ego and trusting the talent you've nurtured. Whether you're a founder, CEO, small business owner, entrepreneur, startup leader or executive, these lessons will help you navigate massive scale and build a resilient organization. 🚀 Want to accelerate your business growth? Join Rise Academy today and gain access to expert business coaching, leadership training, proven growth frameworks, live coaching sessions, and practical strategies designed to help you build a thriving business. ABOUT THE GUEST Mark ‘Fish’ Fisher has spent over 40 years in the hospitality industry. He was one of the founders of Merlin Entertainments, helping it grow into the world’s second largest visitor attraction operators, with a market value of over £6 billion. Fish started his career as a humble costume character at the age of 16, at Alton Towers, and eventually rose to become Merlin’s Chief Development Officer. In his time at Merlin, he was responsible for creating its global creative and project delivery engine, building both Merlin and international IP brands, across North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. Having started as a Marketeer, he has served as Managing Director for numerous Merlin Divisions, including Theme Parks, Hotels and Midway businesses. More recently he has enjoyed a portfolio career, as a Chair, Non-Executive Director, mentor and investor. He currently holds several non-executive board positions, in particular, he has been part of the Daniel Thwiates board for several years, helping them consolidate their position as one of the best family brewers in the UK. More recently he has joined the board, and invested in, The Lost Estate, the UKs premium immersive dining experience. He has also just fulfilled a lifelong ambition by investing in a small craft brewery!!!! He spends his spare time running The Fisher Charitable Trust, set up after his time at Merlin and looking after his menagerie of animals at his Wiltshire smallholding. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fish-fisher-52132914/ About Jeannette Linfoot ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development. Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant.From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

This time, we unpack the real, unvarnished truth behind leaving corporate life to work for yourself—moving beyond the glamourised highlight reels to what making the leap actually requires.  Jeannette breaks down the crucial difference between simple workplace frustration and genuine readiness, how to design the next phase of your life with intention, and the exact financial safety nets and realistic timelines you need in place before handing in your notice. You'll Learn Why: Hating your current job is not a requirement for deciding it is time to build a business of your own. Having at least six months of living expenses in liquid cash is critical before making the leap into self-employment. Most new businesses take up to three years to become profitable, making early financial buffers non-negotiable. Designing the next phase of your life by intention matters more than chasing an impulsive exit from daily stress. Whether you're a founder, CEO, small business owner, entrepreneur, startup leader or executive, these lessons will help you make smarter hiring decisions and build a stronger, more successful business. 🚀 Want to accelerate your business growth? Join Rise Academy today and gain access to expert business coaching, leadership training, proven growth frameworks, live coaching sessions, and practical strategies designed to help you build a thriving business. About Jeannette Linfoot ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development.  Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.