Three Things

Sebastian James has the CV built for success but as he explains in this episode, being smart wasn't enough. He opens up about the early businesses that limped along in "living dead" territory, the toll it took, and how an unlikely first day at Mothercare set him on a path to leading Dixons Carphone and then Boots UK through a major turnaround. As always, the episode closes with his Three Things.

Former start-up founder Liam Byrne’s career is a study in the fusion of public service values and business acumen. In a wide-ranging conversation with Jamie, Byrne reflects on how his upbringing, education, and professional journey - from a tough Essex school to the heart of government - shaped his political philosophy and fuels his urgent call for a more radical approach to Britain’s biggest challenges.

Why should you start a business? While many are driven by profit or purpose, for Cubitts Founder and CEO, Tom Broughton, it was a profound and singular passion for an object that 60% of us wear every day: spectacles. Join us in a riveting conversation with Tom, filled with laughter and a level of candour that we absolutely adored, as we explore the compelling origin story of what is now an emerging multinational success. Tom's journey, marked by dramatic lows and almost unbelievable highs, offers not just a narrative that every business leader can relate to, but also unique insights into turning a simple passion into a global enterprise. This podcast is more than just an account of business trials and triumphs; it's an extraordinary tale of fervent ambition and inspiration, bringing to life a business that is as much about vision as it is about spectacles.

A tech company based in Wrexham, a main office with a built-in pub, and a major property lease in the US signed over FaceTime? Join us for our latest Three Things Podcast episode as we sit down with Joanna Swash, the dynamic CEO of trailblazing customer service outsourcing brand, Moneypenny. Known for her exceptional leadership and forward-thinking approach, Joanna shares the secrets behind Moneypenny’s extraordinary scale-up operation, which has seen it grow into a global leader in outsourced communications.Listen in as we delve into the unique culture that Moneypenny fosters, a culture that values innovation, employee well-being, and community above all else. Joanna explains how Moneypenny’s Wrexham office, complete with its own pub, epitomises this ethos, creating a workplace that feels more like a community than a corporate office. Joanna also sheds light on Moneypenny’s successful expansion into the US market, highlighting their strategic office opening in Charleston - a 'Wrexham away from home' - and key acquisitions that have bolstered their presence overseas. This is a treasure trove of advice that any CEO or Founder – and, in particular, those looking to scale – can use to enhance their own business operations. Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and all other major platforms.

With our biggest event ever, 'AI at Work: From Myths to Masterclasses', just around the corner, we delve into the intricacies of Artificial Intelligence with Claudia Harris OBE, the CEO of Britain's leading tech training company, Makers, in our latest Ask an Expert episode.We're all familiar with IQ and EQ, but as technology evolves at breakneck speed, Claudia explains that we must all turn our attention towards a new quotient, worth its weight in gold. LQ, she argues, will set the tone of our success as we enter a new era, bursting with opportunity. So, as we teeter on the precipice, businesses, in particular, must act now.Discover exactly what that means and how to put it into action today by tuning in to this fascinating episode, available now on Spotify, Apple, and other major platforms.For an entire afternoon dedicated to helping you take your business to the next level with AI, sign up to our event, where Claudia and other industry experts, like Octopus Energy CEO, Greg Jackson, will lift the lid on the real truths of the AI revolution.

AI is revolutionising the world at such a rate that it could well be the most significant technological advancement since the inception of the internet. But how? And what can businesses do to harness its power?We had the pleasure of welcoming DN Capital’s Founding Partner, Steve Schlenker, back to our Ask an Expert podcast to ask him those very questions. Due to his involvement in several AI-centric enterprises, Steve has a profound understanding of AI and how it can help businesses across almost every area of their operations. For him, there is no question that business leaders must integrate AI as soon as they possibly can or else submit to being left behind. Tune in now to see how AI can help your business become more efficient, effective, and ultimately, more successful.

This month we sat down with Ella d'Amato, the dynamic Managing Director of True Global and former Not On The High Street CMO, for our Three Things podcast. Joining us to explain her unorthodox, and utterly brilliant, route to becoming a CEO, this wide-ranging conversation is one you really shouldn't miss. As a unique trifecta of VC, PE, and innovation, True is a truly special enterprise. But the real gold dust in this conversation is how Ella and her colleagues are able to balance their personal mantras with the company's values, and her stunning perspective on how they interact and synergise within the workplace and beyond. Tune in to discover more, as well as why Ella is so determined to lead through kindness, how the current economic situation could be a positive, and for her Three Things - three pearls of wisdom that you can implement in your business today.

Following the success of our last Three Things podcast episode with former MADE.com CEO, Nicola Thompson, we were delighted to welcome the brilliant Adam Balon to the hotseat this month.In his very first podcast appearance, the innocent co-founder takes us beyond the legendary innocent story and into his current venture as the co-founder of JamJar Investments. In a time of dwindling business valuations and tight purse strings, this is a must-listen for any founder or CEO looking to secure funding.With less capital available and due diligence making a return to prominence, rapid deals are no longer on the table for founders. Instead, Adam emphasises that they must be frugal, honest, and able to show they can execute their vision.Join us as one of the most successful founders of his generation guides us through the new norms of entrepreneurship and investment, which – as always – is rounded off with his Three Things advice. 

In one of our most exciting episodes to date, we're joined by the former CEO of MADE.com, Nicola Thompson as she speaks out for the first time since the company's downfall. Listen in to learn what it's really like being a CEO in the midst of an existential crisis, and discover the truth behind the business' collapse. The real gold in this episode, however, is undoubtedly Nicola's extraordinary resilience and her exceptional character, which shone through despite the business being caught in a cataclysmic crossroads of misfortune.

In this eye-opening episode of our Ask an Expert podcast series, we revisit our conversation with Steve Schlenker, founding partner of DN Capital, who last year predicted a financial bloodbath in 2023/24. As we face the consequences of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, Steve shares his insights on the current state of the venture community in both the US and Europe, and the implications for CEOs and founders today.While the situation remains dire, Steve offers a glimmer of hope. His Three Things from last year – raise as much as you can, reduce costs, and pivot strategically - still hold true, but business leaders can now afford to be a little more optimistic. Tune in to hear Steve's expert advice on weathering the storm and finding opportunities amidst the chaos.