How I took a $25M brand through an impossible IPO with Mark Buckley

In this episode of Chat CFO, we sit down with Mark Buckley, former CEO of Perfect Moment, to talk through what it takes to get a business listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Mark shares the full story behind taking a loss-making, private equity backed consumer brand through a US IPO, after exhausting every other funding route. We talk openly about the pressure, the fundraising reality, the time away from family, and the things no one really prepares you for.

Beyond the initial public offering, we also get into Mark’s journey from big corporate environments like Marks & Spencer and Burberry, into private equity backed SMEs, and eventually stepping into a CEO role unexpectedly. There are honest reflections on leadership, investments, resilience, career trade-offs, and why slowing down has become a priority in his next chapter.

If you’re a CFO, finance leader, founder, or investor curious about IPOs, private equity, or the jump from corporate into smaller businesses, there’s a lot here that will resonate.

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About our guest 

Mark is a CEO and CFO with over 25 years of adaptive leadership, driving significant growth and transformation across global luxury and omni-channel retail. His career spans established FTSE corporates like Burberry and Marks & Spencer, as well as successful Private Equity backed and founder-led brands such as Perfect Moment and Rapha. 

You can connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdbuckley/

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About Chat CFO 

The Chat CFO podcast gives you insights from CFOs, COOs, and CEOs behind some of the most meaningful business decisions in recent years. 

Listen to honest conversations from leaders about what worked, what didn't, and what it really takes to lead when it matters most. 

Find more episodes and conversations with finance leaders on Chat CFO.  

https://www.youtube.com/@stoixChatCFO