Episodes

6d ago

Some of the biggest global businesses started the same way: someone spotted an opportunity early- and then chose the right partner. In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with serial venture builder James McHugh, founder and chairman of Tquila . James reveals the “build-operate-transfer” playbook behind multiple eight-figure exits and how he’s now riding the AI wave with agentic systems and post-keyboard CRMs. He also shares how he spotted the Salesforce gap in Europe in 2010, repeatedly building (and exiting) high-growth tech-services including joint ventures with Salesforce, ServiceNow and now AI leaders like Anthropic and you.com. A candid conversation on scaling fast, choosing truth-seeking AI, why governments are dangerously unprepared for mass unemployment, and what abundance on the other side might actually look like. Timecodes 02:31 The Salesforce Opportunity: Building a Business in Europe 05:21 The tquila Story: Naming and Early Success 08:29 The Role of Partnerships in Business Success 11:13 AI and the Future: Opportunities and Challenges 23:22 The Impact of AI on Employment and Society 33:55 The Future of AI and Human Values 38:45 Driverless Cars and the Future of Transportation 47:04 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Society 49:15 The Future of Human Longevity with AI Follow James Reed on Linkedin: Follow James McHugh on LinkedIn: Find out more about tquila: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more here This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Dec 8

How do you build a culture where risk-taking is celebrated, bureaucracy is banished and everyone thinks like an entrepreneur? In this episode, James is joined by Chris Hulatt, Co-founder of Octopus Group, a multi-billion-pound investment and energy business that started in a living room and grew into a global force spanning fund management, renewable energy and technology. Chris shares how Octopus went from backing UK startups to creating Octopus Energy, now valued at $9 billion, and why initiatives like Springboard are helping employees become founders themselves. We talk about how to make fast decisions without perfect data, why bureaucracy kills creativity and what it really takes to scale up without losing your entrepreneurial spark. Timecodes: 02:43 - Octopus Energy: The Startup Story 09:16 - The Importance of Financial Literacy 12:21 - Octopus Group Funds & Investment Approach 17:21 - Culture of Entrepreneurship at Octopus 21:40 - The Springboard Scheme for New Ventures 25:08 - Success Stories & Learning from Failure 28:44 - Barriers to Entrepreneurship in the UK 31:13 - Octopus Group’s Shared Purpose 34:05 - Decision Making & Avoiding Bureaucracy 41:05 - Customer-First Philosophy 44:05 - The Future of Octopus Group Donate to the BigGive Christmas challenge NOW ! Follow James Reed on Linkedin Follow Chriss Hulatt on LinkedIn Find out more about Octopus Group All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more here This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Dec 1

Building a career in food is one thing - but what does it really take to become one of the UKs most famous chefs? In this episode of 'All About Business,' James Reed speaks with renowned British chef Tom Carriage, exploring Tom’s journey from washing dishes in small kitchens to becoming a Michelin-starred chef and a successful business owner with a portfolio of restaurants. Tom discusses his approach to leadership, the ethos behind mentoring young professionals, and his thoughts on balancing passion with business acumen. They also delve into Tom’s personal transformation, including his significant weight loss and sobriety, and discuss the broader challenges facing the hospitality industry, including taxation and workforce management. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 02:40- Early career and challenges 08:52 Building a culinary empire 13:10 Philosophy and success 17:11 Mentorship and team building 27:18 Journey to sobriety 31:29 Embracing neurodiversity in the kitchen 40:52 Challenges in the hospitality industry 47:16 Future plans and reflections Donate to the BigGive Christmas challenge NOW ! Follow James Reed on Linkedin Visit Tom Kerridge's website to learn more about his food, venues, books and other ventures All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more here This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Nov 24

How can businesses gain a true understanding of what drives customer decisions? And how can science be applied to create marketing that not only feels deeply human but also delivers measurable results? Today on All About Business, James is Raphy March, Managing Director at Cowry Consulting, a pioneer in combining behavioral science with AI to help global brands like Coca-Cola, EasyJet, and Sky, influence behavior at scale. They explore practical insights on building human-centered AI strategies, the ethics of shaping customer experiences, and how entrepreneurs can use data and psychology to stand out, scale, and grow with purpose. Timecodes: 02:16 Introduction to Raphy March and Cowrie Consulting 08:27 The Nudge Unit and Government Applications 09:08 Behavioral Science in the Private Sector 17:53 Case Study: Keep Britain Tidy 26:51 Ethics in Behavioral Science 29:31 Practical Applications of Behavioral Science 33:37 Using Physical Evidence to Justify a Pay Rise 36:09 Improving Customer Retention at Sky 43:50 Behavioral Science in Brand Perception 49:16 The Role of AI in Behavioral Science 01:07:02 Future of Behavioral Science and AI Sign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOW Be part of the million job giveaway HERE Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow Raphy March on LinkedIn Find out more about Cowry Consulting All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Nov 17

Being successful in hospitality is incredibly tough. But how do you keep a focus on quality and authenticity whilst expanding into multiple new locations? In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Sir Rocco Forte, titan of the luxury hospitality and hotel industry. They explore his incredible journey as an entrepreneur within a family whose history in hospitality spans over a century. They also delve into how he has prioritised community impact in his work as well as maintaining a family-oriented approach to make something special that lasts. Timecodes: 02:23 Building Iconic Hotels 09:43 The Forte Family Legacy 11:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Business 21:46 Expanding the Hotel Empire 38:54 Family Involvement in the Business 43:53 Leadership and Decision Making 01:00:25 Economic Views and Government Policies Sign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOW Be part of the million job giveaway HERE Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Find out more about Sir Rocco Forte and Forte Hotels here All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Nov 10

Socialism doesn’t work. Hyper-capitalism doesn’t work. Is this the answer? What happens when the DNA of a corporation changes? In this episode of 'All About Business', Alex interviews the usual host, James Reed, about his new book, 'Karma Capitalism.' The discussion revolves around the concept of Karma Capitalism, which James defines as a people-centric variant of capitalism where companies, known as Philanthropy Companies or 'Philcos,' allocate at least 10% of their shares to a charitable foundation. James shares personal experiences, including a life-changing accident, that catalyzed his belief in businesses having a purpose beyond profit. He outlines the benefits of this business model, such as improved longevity, increased profitability, and enhanced corporate citizenship. The conversation also touches on the challenges in current capitalism, the limitations of ESG, and the practical steps for companies to become Philanthropy Companies. James emphasises the potential for this philosophy to create a significant positive impact on business and society. I Timecodes: 03:45 The wake-up fall story 12:01 The Big Give and philanthropy 17:14 The benefits of being a Philco 22:16 Legacy and longevity of Philcos 28:55 Examples of successful karma capitalism 31:15 How to transition to a Philco 34:59 The impact of Philco on business 47:15 Challenges and opportunities for family businesses 51:09 Final thoughts and reflections Sign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOW Be part of the million job giveaway HERE Check out PhilCo’s website: Check out BigGive’s website: Buy ‘Karma Capitalism’ book: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Nov 3

The question is...are you a faithful, or are you a traitor? Television is something we all enjoy. But few of us get to see how the shows we love actually come to life and why some of them grip the nation in what can only be described as a phenomenon. Today on All About Business, James is joined by Stephen Lambert OBE. Stephen is a producer and founder of Studio Lambert, the production company behind some of the UK’s most successful shows like The Traitors , Gogglebox , Squid Game: The Challenge and Race Across the World. In this episode, they explore how Stephen built the UK’s most successful independent production company, what goes into producing formats that connect with audiences around the world, and why encouraging risk-taking and innovation is so important in TV. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction 01:09 How Stephen Lambert Started His Career 03:27 The Evolution of the TV Business 20:00 Studio Lambert – Sued by Michael Jackson 20:50 Undercover Boss 25:51 Gogglebox 29:02 Celebrity Traitors 35:08 Celebrity Race Across the World 38:34 Squid Game: The Challenge 42:48 Confidentiality – Avoiding Leaks & Spoilers 47:09 How to Find Work in Television 55:28 Developing a Show 1:01:05 The Future of Unscripted Television 1:08:43 Interview round Sign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOW Be part of the million job giveaway HERE Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Oct 27

Is it possible to be a highly successful entrepreneur without compromising your commitment to customers, staff, and society? In this episode of All About Business, we’re joined by John Spiers, entrepreneur, philanthropist, veteran of the wealth management industry, and Chairman of EQ Investors, one of the UK’s leading B Corporations. John shares why he returned to the sector to found EQ Investors, how he deliberately built its culture around putting the client first, and why the bottom line will look after itself if you do things correctly. He reveals the unique structure of EQ Investors, with a foundation owning a quarter of the shares, giving clients and staff confidence in the company’s long-term stability and purpose. This purpose-led structure earned the company the highest B Corp score in the UK. John also shares his critique of shareholder-focused capitalism and the short-term pressures of private equity, arguing why a long-term, stakeholder-first model creates greater business resilience. John shares his immense knowledge on how to be an effective philanthropist, explains the creation of his platform, Giving Is Great, and offers vital advice on what to look for, and what not to look for, when assessing a charity’s effectiveness. This episode is packed with valuable insight if you’re an entrepreneur interested in purpose-driven business, investment strategy, and how to build a company that prioritises all its stakeholders for long-term success. Timecodes: 03:52 The concept of philanthropy companies 05:14 Challenges and benefits of philanthropy companies 12:34 The importance of early years and environmental causes 21:24 The creation and impact of giving is great 33:12 The power of matching donations 39:59 Challenges in charity data and impact reporting 47:58 Evaluating charity leadership 54:17 The rewards of philanthropy Check out EQ Investors website: Follow EQ Investors on LinkedIn: Start your free trial at Reed.ai NOW! Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Oct 20

What is the secret to building an iconic brand that resonates with millions of customers on a global scale? In this episode of All About Business , we're joined by Johnnie Boden, founder and creative director of the iconic British clothing brand, Boden. Johnnie shares his unconventional journey from an unfulfilling career in the city, to founding a fashion brand that now generates over £350 million in annual revenue. He talks about how to discover your true passion, and the importance of self-awareness and being honest about what you are good at. He also explains the three-part "magical Venn diagram" from Jim Collins' book, Good to Great , and the impact it had on him. Johnnie also shares the story of the difficult but necessary decision to pivot the business from menswear to the more profitable women's wear, and the importance of listening to your customers. This is a great episode for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to find their true calling, build a brand with clear values, and learn how to make the tough decisions that drive long-term success. Timecodes: 02:33 Johnny's early career struggles 04:20 The birth of Boden 07:56 The importance of passion and self-awareness 15:17 The evolution of Boden's Brand 25:23 Managing and growing a business 30:34 The tough decisions in business 36:31 The importance of having a coach 41:38 Expanding business in America 57:59 The role of AI in fashion 59:43 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs Check out Boden’s website: Follow Boden on LinkedIn: Start your free trial at Reed.ai NOW! Follow James Reed onLinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Oct 13

How do you balance innovation with ethical responsibility? This week on All About Business , we’re joined by Felix Henderson, Co-founder and COO of Ohchat, a generative AI business that builds "digital twins" of real-world content creators. In this episode, Felix shares his journey of building a business from the ground up, and provides insight into the AI future of adult entertainment and how an early venture in student housing, and a strategic pivot during the pandemic, led to a service-based business which became a launchpad for his current AI-powered tech venture. Is this the new OnlyFans? Felix explains how they are building a generative AI business in the sensitive "spicy content" industry. He addresses the critical and controversial challenges of building a company in this space, discussing how they approach user safety and ethical considerations, and why transparency and accountability as founders are key to their mission. Check out Ohchat’s website: Follow Ohchat on LinkedIn: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Start your free trial at Reed.ai NOW! All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Oct 6

How do you build a resilient brand and lasting reputation and control chaos when a PR crisis hits? This week on All About Business , we’re joined by Sarah Woodhouse, co-owner and director at Ambitious PR. With over 25 years of experience in strategic communications, Sarah helps high-growth businesses manage their public image and tell their story with transparency. In this episode, Sarah offers practical lessons on how to communicate with purpose, prepare for unexpected crises, and tailor your message to connect with the audiences that matter most. She discusses the critical differences between marketing and strategic communications, the importance of a founder's personal brand, and how to avoid the "bear traps" of controversy. Sarah also provides insight into crisis management, drawing on real-world examples to demonstrate how to take back control of the narrative. She also explores the impact of AI on how businesses are found and evaluated online, and what entrepreneurs can do to adapt. Links: Check out Ambitious PR’s website Follow Ambitious PR on LinkedIn Start your free trial at Reed.ai NOW! Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

Sep 29

Dame Irene Hays built Hays Travel with her husband John, growing it from a small counter at the back of a babywear shop into the UK’s largest independent travel agency with 512 branches nationwide. Along the way, she navigated major industry shifts, acquired the legendary Thomas Cook brand, founded the Hays Travel Foundation, and built a leading apprenticeship programme that now employs hundreds of apprentices. But this isn't come without massive hurdles, heartbreak and sheer determination to turn crisis into a success. In this week’s episode of All About Business , Irene shares the leadership principles and bold decisions behind her success. She reveals how she scaled without outside investors, why she risked everything to save thousands of jobs at Thomas Cook, and how she rebuilt stronger than ever after COVID-19 brought global travel to a standstill. Irene also explores the “soft infrastructure” behind Hays Travel’s five star customer experience and why apprenticeships and investing in young talent are central to her long term vision. Check out Hays Travel’s website Follow Hays Travel on LinkedIn: Start your free trial at Reed.ai NOW! Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Sep 22

Reed's Report: Employer Attitudes to Hiring People with Criminal Convictions Resettling into society after prison is a huge challenge — especially when employers are reluctant to hire people with a criminal record. Too often, talented individuals are overlooked, leaving skills and potential untapped, and making them far more likely to reoffend. In this episode, we dive into the findings of the latest REED report; " Employer attitudes to employing people with criminal convictions .” , and its findings. The report reveals a concerning trend where one in five employers would not consider a candidate with a conviction at all, and the willingness to hire individuals with criminal records has dropped sharply across various offenses. We’re joined by Alex Head, the owner and founder of Social Pantry, a leading independent catering company known for its work with prison leavers. Alex shares her journey from starting a sandwich delivery service as a teenager, to building Social Pantry into a leading employer of prison leavers in the hospitality industry. She provides practical insight into the successes and challenges of this great work, demonstrating how giving people a second chance can lead to a compelling and persuasive workforce. This is an essential listen for any business leader looking to build a resilient and socially conscious company and challenge the stigma of employing ex-offenders. Timecodes: 04:18 Social Pantry's business model and success 06:14 Challenges and support for hiring prison leavers 13:09 The role of charities and probation services 23:39 Employment boards and training opportunities 29:58 Empathy and communication in the workplace 34:45 Challenges and benefits of hiring prison leavers 38:31 Addressing employer hesitations 44:06 Success Stories and Future Plans If you are interested in supporting prison leavers back into employment and joining Social Pantry's working group, please email alex.head@socialpantry.co.uk Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow Alex Head on Linkedin Check out Social Pantry’s website Check out Key4Life’s website Start your free trial at Reed.ai NOW! All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Sep 15

Education is changing fast, and the old ways of running learning institutes are no longer working. Philippa De’Ath set out to solve this when she co-founded Arbor Education, a platform designed to shift the focus of teachers away from admin work and back to what matters most: the students. In this week’s episode of All About Business , Philippa shares how she and her co-founder built a mission-driven company that is both profitable and has a significant social impact. She reveals the secrets to scaling in a complex, highly regulated industry, from automating routine tasks with AI, to empowering educators with real-time data and insights. Philippa breaks down what it takes to turn a passion for impact into a sustainable enterprise. She unpacks the challenges of scaling, the importance of listening to end users, and how to keep your purpose at the core while building a business that delivers both explosive growth and positive change. Whether you're starting a company or looking for a mission-driven strategy that actually works, Philippa's journey is packed with practical insights you can borrow and scale. 01:03 The Mission and Impact of Arbor Education 02:14 Understanding Arbor's Management Information System 03:03 The Growth and Success of Arbor Education 06:07 The Role of AI and Cloud in Modern Education 13:23 Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Schools 20:40 Philippa's Journey: From IBM to Founding Schools 25:06 Reflecting on the Journey 25:32 Building a School from Scratch 26:15 Opening the Schools 26:43 Challenges and Growth 27:59 Founding Arbor Education 31:44 Expanding Arbor's Reach 34:38 Improving School Efficiency 39:55 Future Ambitions and Reflections Check out Arbor Education’s website: Follow Arbor Education on LinkedIn: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Start your free trial at Reed.ai NOW! All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Sep 8

Fresh from the holidays? Here are 5 top summer takeaways to get you inspired and ready for September. In this special bonus episode of All about Business, we’ve handpicked some of the most valuable insights from our incredible podcast guests. Since launching last October, we’ve had the privilege of hearing the powerful journeys, lessons, and strategies from some of the most successful entrepreneurs out there. We talk about: Redefining self and creativity with an ADHD diagnosis Staying true to your business venture with no turnover in the first years The future of customer service Testing ideas to build a brand carefully The link between marketing and cashflow Timecodes: 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - Takeaway 6 Alex Partridge 05:23 - Takeaway 7 Byron Dixon 09:16 - Takeaway 8 Todd Unger 12:10 - Takeaway 9 Kiki McDonough 15:37 - Takeaway 10 David Mitchell Links: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: Reed.com Start your 28 day free trial at Reed.ai NOW! This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

Sep 1

Fresh from the holidays? Here are 5 top summer takeaways to get you inspired and ready for September. In this special bonus episode of All about Business, we’ve handpicked some of the most valuable insights from our incredible podcast guests. Since launching last October, we’ve had the privilege of hearing the powerful journeys, lessons, and strategies from some of the most successful entrepreneurs out there. Timecodes: 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - Takeaway 1 Rob Moore 03:20 - Takeaway 2 Neil Clifford 08:05 - Takeaway 3 Michelle Kennedy 11:18 - Takeaway 4 Nicola Reed 14:02 - Takeaway 5 Reggie Heyworth Links: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: Reed.com Start your 28 day free trial at Reed.ai NOW! This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

Aug 25

Great business ideas don’t have to be original, they just have to work. Some of the most successful startups are built by borrowing proven concepts, improving them, and executing better. That’s exactly how Toby Burns, founder and CEO of The Silent Disco Company, built a scalable business from a simple idea. In this week’s episode of All About Business, Toby shares how he turned a simple idea into a nationwide brand, built on clever systems, high-volume logistics, and relentless execution that started with a few headphones to now powering thousands of events across the UK. Toby breaks down what it takes to spot scalable business ideas, dominate a niche market, and build a company that runs without you, and also unpacks how to hire smart, stay lean, and keep innovation at the core of sustainable growth. Whether it’s starting a company, or looking for startup strategies that actually work, Toby’s journey is packed with practical insights you can borrow and scale. Links: Check out The Silent Disco Company’s website: Follow The Silent Disco Company on LinkedIn: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Start your free trial at Reed.ai NOW! All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Aug 18

Just last week, a Data Analyst was forced to turn to charity to feed his family. Once secure in a stable profession, he is now among the growing number of educated, working professionals whose livelihoods have been eroded by soaring inflation, pushing them into hardship. And the crisis shows no signs of easing. In this week’s episode of All About Business, Mark Game, Co-Founder of The Bread and Butter Thing. They’ve built a business where commercial success and social impact go hand in hand, offering help by rescuing surplus food from major retailers and getting it into the hands of those who need it. Mark’s model of supermarket surplus into consistent, dignified support for thousands of working families proves that you can build a sustainable, logistics-driven business while maintaining dignity and delivering real impact. And your business can partner with them to drive meaningful change. James and Mark explore how poverty has changed, why stigma keeps people silent, and how The Bread and Butter Thing is using smart logistics and scalable systems to meet real human needs, with empathy, efficiency, and long-term impact that goes beyond just food on the table. 02:27 The Bread and Butter Thing: Impact and operations 07:28 Challenges and solutions in food redistribution 09:06 The role of community and volunteers 25:38 Mark Game's personal journey 32:03 Building management teams 35:16 Opening new hubs 42:53 Community and confidence 53:08 Sustainability and growth 59:28 Future goals and reflections Check out The Bread and Butter Thing’s website: Follow The Bread and Butter Thing on LinkedIn: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Start your free trial at Reed.ai NOW! All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Aug 11

AI isn’t the future, it’s already reshaping the way we work, build, and compete. If you’re starting or looking to scale a business right now, understanding how to actually use AI, not just talk about it, could be your biggest edge. In this week’s episode of All About Business , Microsoft UK’s Chief Digital Officer Jed Griffiths shares what he’s seeing at the front lines of AI adoption. From how enterprises are deploying tools like Copilot to what’s coming next in automation and strategy, Jed offers a rare inside look at how the most powerful companies are thinking about the future of work. We break down what AI is really doing under the hood, and why it's more than just a productivity booster. Think smarter decisions, faster execution, new revenue models, and a whole new way to lead teams and run businesses. If you’re building something and want to stay ahead of the curve, or just want to stop feeling behind, this episode gives you a clear, honest view of where AI is going and how to get there first. 01:37 Introduction 03:20 Developing A Company AI Strategy 07:54 What is Microsoft Co-Pilot? 09:08 Productivity - Businesses Don't Use The Term Right 12:09 2025 The Year of More AI Start Ups 14:17 The Valley of Death 18:26 Mentoring Startups 20:59 Before Microsoft - High Tech Weapons 27:37 The Four C's 38:24 Will AI Humanize Work? 41:07 Will AI Change Recruitment? What Happens to Reed? 49:41 Microsoft's Six AI Principles 01:03:39 What Gets Jed Up On Monday Mornings? 01:04:45 Where Jed Will Be In Five Years Check out Microsoft Copilot’s website: Follow Jed Griffiths on LinkedIn: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Start your free trial at Reed.ai NOW! All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Aug 4

Most graduates leave university with a degree but little direction, but how do you figure out what to do with your life, and how do you actually get your foot in the door? In this week’s episode of All About Business , the founder of Bright Network James Uffindell shares the full journey. From his first venture helping students access top universities, to scaling Bright Network into one of the UK's leading platforms for connecting talent with opportunity. From a working-class upbringing in Warwickshire to founding Bright Network, a tech-driven platform used by over a million students, James has spent his career solving the problems he once faced himself. James talks about the crisis that led to their biggest innovation, how they scaled an internship program to 150,000 students, AI, data, understanding Gen Z behavior, and what employers really want when they say they’re looking for passion and resilience. If you’re building a startup, thinking about purpose, or wondering how to turn experience into impact, this episode is for you. James’s story is proof that you don’t have to come from the right family or know the right people, but you do need to listen, adapt, and keep showing up. 02:51 James Uffindell's background and inspiration 04:10 Building Bright Network 08:04 The importance of internships 11:52 Personalisation and data utilization 24:05 Impact of AI on job market 36:55 The importance of office environments for young professionals 39:31 The Bright Network platform and its benefits 41:23 AI in recruitment and business growth 51:03 Diversity and inclusion in the job market 59:38 Future plans and expansion Check out Bright Network’s website: Follow Bright Network on LinkedIn: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jul 28

Five years. Zero sales. No paycheck. Most people would’ve given up. Byron Dixon didn’t. Instead, he turned his chemistry knowledge and desire for change into Micro-Fresh. A breakthrough technology now used globally to fight mold, bacteria, and bad smells in everything from school shoes to hospital bedding. In this episode of All About Business , we meet Byron Dixon, scientist, entrepreneur, and founder of Micro-Fresh. He shares how he went from a council estate in Leicester to living in Denmark and learning from the Scandinavian way of life, to building a global brand that’s protecting lives, championing sustainability, and changing how retailers think about product longevity. Byron reveals the untold truth about bootstrapping a science business, the resilience it takes to go years without revenue, and how one unexpected call changed everything. He also shares how Micro-Fresh is tackling mold in homes, and why “Home-Fresh” might be his most important innovation yet. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, struggled to stay motivated, or wondered if your idea could really make a difference, this episode is for you. 03:16 Why Did Byron Start MicroFresh? 07:27 MicroFresh's Sustainability, Waste Reduction 10:40 Designing A Non-Hazardous Environmentally Friendly Product 18:46 Starting Without Advantages 20:09 Open University 25:18 Determination & No Fear of Failure 26:25 The First Breakthrough 28:40 Domino Effect - Competition Doesn't Want To Be Left Out 31:00 Big Growth & Market Validation 36:51 How Does A CEO Prioritize and Achieve Goals? 39:59 Moving to the USA? 47:03 Why Young People Feel They Can't Do This 49:24 Switching Off The Phone 51:00 Boredom as a source of creativity 52:42 Putting the Phone and Social Media Away 54:54 Top 3 Things We Should Import From Scandinavia 59:41 Interview Round Check out Microfresh’s website Follow Microfresh on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jul 21

He pushed himself to the limit and lost everything. But that didn’t stop him from coming back stronger than ever and building a global brand from scratch. On this episode of All About Business we meet Matthew Jones, founder of Bread Ahead, who teaches us why the road to success isn’t always smooth. For him it was full of late nights, hard lessons, and a brutal turning point that forced him to rebuild his business and his life from the ground up. When Matthew started making doughnuts at Borough Market, he never expected they’d become a worldwide sensation. The founder of Bread Ahead gives us valuable business insight and shares how he uses Instagram and raw storytelling to grow a devoted following. Bread Ahead is more than a bakery, it's a brand built on resilience, realness, and obsessive attention to flavour. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, or dreamed of starting over. This episode is proof that rock bottom can be the start of something extraordinary. 01:59 The rise of Bread Ahead 04:21 Innovative flavours and business strategy 08:28 Matthew's Culinary Journey 19:34 Challenges and recovery 25:44 Rebuilding and expanding 35:44 The power of social media 39:19 Global expansion and future plans 43:00 Resilience and learning from failure 51:47 The Bread Ahead Academy 55:57 The impact of weight loss trends on business 57:41 Daily routine and work-life balance Links Check out Bread Ahead’s website: Follow Bread Ahead on LinkedIn: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jul 14

Nearly 10,000 apps are uploaded to the app store every week, and most of them are ignored. So how do you launch one that becomes a movement? In this episode of All About Business , we’re joined by Michelle Kennedy, founder and CEO of Peanut; the social networking app that has transformed how women connect and help each other through every stage of motherhood. What does it take to walk away from a top executive role and start from scratch? From pitching with nothing but a deck, to raising over $23 million, to building one of the most trusted platforms for women online, listen to Michelle's story and find out. We dive into her strategy for building a matchmaking app that attracts millions of users, how to validate your idea before you build it, and the biggest lessons she’s learned as a female founder. Michelle also opens up about the hardest parts of fundraising, how she built traction without a product, and why not every business should take venture capital. 01:42 Introduction - Michelle Kennedy 01:54 Peanut - Social Media App 09:09 Raising Money 11:34 Advice on Deck, Pitch, Value Proposition 15:56 Not Every Business Needs the Venture Capital Path 20:04 I Wouldn't Have Done It If I Knew ... 24:25 Achieving Critical Mass - The Network Effect 27:40 Start Without Building The App 33:34 Peanut Start Her Fund for Women 36:48 Advice to Family Women on Starting a Business 46:59 Curiosity Spawns New Ideas 50:10 Why A Book In The Digital Age? 54:57 Reed Interview Round - What Gets You Up Monday Morning? 56:39 Where Michelle Sees Herself in Five Years Links Check out Peanuts’s website: Follow Peanut on LinkedIn: Download Peanut app from Google Play: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jul 7

Did you know that nearly half the planet still isn’t connected? In many places, getting essential supplies like medicine and food is not only costly, it’s nearly impossible. But what if we were standing on the edge of a breakthrough that could change all of that? On this episode of All About Business, we're joined by Mark Dorey, co-founder and CEO of Straightline Aviation. A pioneering company building hybrid airships designed to deliver cargo to the most remote corners of the world. No roads, no airports - no problems. It’s a bold mission with the power to reshape global logistics and unlock new possibilities for connection, commerce, and care. Mark shares how he turned an ambitious idea into a real business, what to look for in the right business partner, and some of the great lessons he learned when working alongside Richard Branson. 01:42 Introduction 04:04 How Does an Airship Work? 06:55 Why the Early Popularity of Airships? 12:04 The Customer Benefits of Airships 19:06 Mark's Early Career 24:15 Changing Business Models 29:51 Future Scale 32:07 Learning from Richard Branson 34:35 Delegation and Accountability 44:49 Pros and Cons of Business Partners 47:17 Negotiating and Establishing Business Relationships 51:10 Business Opportunity Check List 52:43 Establishing Shared Vision and Trust Links Check out Straightline Aviation’s website: Follow StraightlineAviation on LinkedIn: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jun 30

We've long been taught that hard work is beneficial for both body and mind, but is that truly the case? Could there be inherent value in slowing down, embracing rest, and allowing ourselves the space to simply be idle? Today on 'All About Business', we meet Tom Hodgkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of The Idler Magazine, a publication that teaches its readers the value of slowing down. In this episode, we learn about the philosophy of idling, challenge traditional beliefs that hard work is inherently good, and explore the idea that true fulfilment, in both life and business, can be found in activities that restore the soul, body, and mind. Tom Hodgkinson founded The Idler Magazine in 1993 together with his friend Gavin Pretor-Pinney. Tom has worked over 20 years in editing and advertising, while also writing several books on the philosophy of idling and its benefits. 00:35 The Puritan work ethic 08:03 Tom Hodgkinson's journey 12:03 Starting the Idler magazine 14:41 The Idler Academy 25:10 Modern work ethic and AI predictions 33:30 The bookshop dilemma 38:26 Challenges of running a business 47:20 The digital pivot 50:43 Idler Retreats and experiences 52:47 The philosophy of idling Links Check out The Idler’s website Follow The Idler on LinkedIn Buy Business for Bohemians, by Tom Hodgkinson Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jun 23

The UK is ranked last in Europe for bathing water quality. With a small team and limited resources, how have a ‘bunch of surfers from Cornwall’ got parliament to listen and launch a commission on England’s chemical cocktail of stinking sewage? Today’s guest on All About Business is Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, a water reform charity that’s been around for over three decades. In this episode, we discuss the dangers of not taking sustainability seriously, how to get the government to sit up and listen, and why community lies at the heart of every charitable brand. Giles Bristow is the CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, a marine conservation charity. Founded in 1990 by a group of surfers in Cornwall, SAS is a powerful environmental movement that addresses a range of ocean-related issues. Giles joined SAS in 2023 and has over 20 years of experience in environmental advocacy. 01:31 Introduction 02:22 What are the problems with the UK's oceans? 08:32 Recent environmental changes 10:41 Why can't water companies solve this? 13:38 Time for systemic change 16:45 Voters Against Floaters 31:31 Giles' advice for effective campaigning 36:42 Circular economies 38:53 Plastic - it's everywhere 40:40 How to lobby - transparency and connections 45:52 Just Stop Oil – Are they effective? 50:22 Helping businesses become more sustainable 53:55 Community and brand 59:19 Interview round Links Check out SAS’s website Follow Giles on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes . This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jun 16

What should you do if you have a brilliant business idea but don’t have the funds to bring it to life? In today’s episode of All About Business, I'm joined by venture capitalist Sasha Kaletsky. Sasha is the co-founder of investment firm Creator Ventures which he started with his cousin Caspar Lee. They have injected millions of dollars into digital tech companies in six short years. In this episode, we explore how to craft the perfect pitch, how social media is shaping our economy, and how you can use simple AI tools to scale your business quickly. Sasha Kaletsky is the co-founder and Managing Partner at Creator Ventures, a firm that invests in technologies shaping the digital landscape. Before founding Creator Ventures, Sasha gained extensive experience in private equity, technology, and consulting. He started at Bridgepoint in private equity, contributed to the launch and expansion of Uber, and worked as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group. Timestamps 01:58 Introduction 02:31 Creator Ventures 17:37 Setting up in the United States 18:48 CEOs becoming creators 20:35 Building companies with AI 25:51 The future social landscape 29:28 Uber 31:12 The network effect 34:04 The secret behind a 5-Star passenger rating 35:09 What makes a good pitch 39:18 How Sasha determines future markets 41:12 Presenting to VCs 42:39 Due diligence 43:20 How to pitch to Sasha 43:53 Working with family 47:06 When due diligence fails 49:15 How companies can make better use of AI 54:53 Interview round Links Send Sasha your pitch Check out Creator Ventures Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk .

Jun 9

How can you use psychology to quickly go from struggling employee to productivity machine? Today’s guest on All About Business is Octavius Black CBE, the co-founder of MindGym, a corporate learning company that merges behavioural science with leadership development to turn struggling teams into powerhouses of productivity. In this episode, we discuss the psychology behind high performance, why most leadership programmes are a waste of time, and the psychometric test that can predict your team’s future. Octavius Black CBE is the founder and executive chair of MindGym, a company that delivers corporate learning and development programmes through 90-minute training sessions known as workouts. Octavius has also co-authored several books that provide actionable insights and techniques to improve mental fitness and overall wellbeing. In recognition of his contributions to business, Octavius was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2023. Timestamps 00:41 The origin story of MindGym 03:50 The 90-minute learning revolution 07:11 Coaching and performance improvement 13:24 The importance of belonging and inclusion 19:43 HR challenges and innovations 27:42 Addressing workplace stress and wellbeing 30:15 Five conditions for thriving at work 35:39 The role of feedback in the workplace 41:54 The importance of emotional self-regulation 49:06 The future of AI in talent development Links Sign up for MindGym Read Octavius’ book Follow Octavius Black on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jun 2

How would a Jeweller who has become a favourite amongst the royal family start from scratch in 2025? In this episode of All About Business, James interviews Kiki McDonagh, a fifth-generation jeweler renowned for her work with high-profile clients including Princess Diana and the current Princess of Wales. They discuss how she transformed the perception of fine jewellery, making it more accessible and encouraging women to buy for themselves. She shares insights into her design inspiration, the evolution of her brand, and the importance of business strategies such as starting small, maintaining strict financial oversight, and building customer trust. Celebrating 40 years in the industry, Kiki outlines her future plans, including expansion into the American market. Timestamps 03:26 Designing with passion and innovation 05:21 Building a brand and customer relationships 14:32 Navigating the luxury market 20:26 The impact of social media and online sales 26:36 Advice for aspiring jewellers 31:53 Building trust and brand identity 38:37 Challenges and opportunities in the jewellery industry 49:18 Expanding into the American market 53:03 Looking forward: Future plans and reflections Links: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed Global Visit Kiki McDonagh here Visit Kiki McDonagh on Instagram This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

May 26

How do you build a brand that not only speaks to a whole generation of women, but also transforms an entire industry? In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Sharmadean Reid MBE, the trailblazing entrepreneur behind brands such as WAH Nails, Beautystack and The Stack World. We discuss her experiences navigating the fashion and tech industries, how the pandemic changed her outlook on business, and the inspiration behind her new luxury beauty brand, 39 BC. Sharmadean Reid MBE is an entrepreneur, creative consultant and advocate for women’s empowerment. Her work focuses on women’s power, equity and ownership. Sharmadean launched WAH Nails in 2009 as a place for women to hang out, form friendships and build communities while getting creative nail designs. She also founded beauty booking system, Beautystack in 2017, as well as The Stack World in 2021. In recognition of her contributions, Sharmadean received an MBE in 2015 from Queen Elizabeth II. She published her first book, New Methods for Women in 2024, and is currently working on her second book, along with a scripted TV show about female founders. Timestamps 01:30 The birth of WAH Nails 05:54 From nail salon to global brand 10:09 The transition to tech and venture capital 12:08 Building Beautystack 20:10 Challenges and reflections during the pandemic 26:06 The pivot to The Stack World 30:38 Corporate anarchy and women's independence 36:31 Introducing 39 BC 49:25 Future projects and vision Links Check out The Stack World Read Sharmadean Reid’s book Subscribe to Shamadean Reid’s newsletter Follow Sharmadean Reid on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

May 19

In December 2020, the UK signed its first post-Brexit trade deal with Turkey, safeguarding a £18.6bn relationship. But how did Turkey become so important for UK business? In this episode of All About Business, I’m joined by Livio Manzini, Chairman and CEO of Bell Holding, a packaging and services company based in Turkey. We explore Turkey’s secret to efficient manufacturing, why trade wars are bad for everyone, and why ditching the Gregorian calendar might be good for business. Livio Manzini has been the Chairman and CEO of Bell Holding since 1993. Bell Holding owns packaging and services companies, which includes Reed Recruitment Turkey. Livio is also an Honorary Chair of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Turkey, where he fosters economic relations between countries by promoting bilateral trade, supporting SMEs, and promoting sustainability initiatives. Timestamps 01:43 Who is Livio Manzini? 08:15 The Gregorian calendar 15:35 Bell Holding, Turkey 21:15 Where the trade war is heading 25:13 Why the US and Europe have failed to compete in manufacturing 27:13 The four-day vs five-day work week 29:26 Livio on tariffs 30:38 Advice for businesses in a fractured world 36:30 Where to find opportunities 38:04 Generational businesses and succession planning 42:41 Advice on starting a dream business 43:43 The relationship between service businesses and manufacturing businesses 46:45 Climate change Links Follow Livio Manzini on LinkedIn Visit Bell Holding's website Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes . This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

May 12

Consistent branding has the power to increase your revenue by up to 20%. But with massive rebrands making headlines for all the wrong reasons, how can you refresh your image without alienating your audience? In this episode of 'All About Business,' I sit down with David Robertson Mitchell, who spent almost a decade working as a brand consultant for Mercedes’ Formula One team. We discuss how he helped build Lewis Hamilton’s influential brand with the Mercedes’ Formula One team, the secret to getting your finance director on board with your marketing plans and why Jaguar’s recent rebrand might not be as terrible as you think. David Robertson Mitchell aka The Brand Rover, is the Founder and Managing Director of dna-rB, a brand consultancy that works with individuals, businesses and sport teams to define brands, support the implementation of brand strategy and help manage reputations. dna-rB specialises in personal and corporate branding, ensuring alignment between a company’s brand and the personal brand of its CEO. Timestamps 02:43 Branding Mercedes’ Formula One team 07:14 Lewis Hamilton's personal brand evolution 14:12 Branding success stories in sports 17:11 Rebranding challenges and strategies 30:31 The importance of messaging 34:25 Consistency in branding and marketing 39:40 Personal branding strategies 42:42 The CEO brand 52:14 Reputation management Links Check out David Mitchell's website Follow David Mitchell on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk .

May 5

With new economic policies forcing UK businesses to tighten their purse strings, how can we keep the UK’s entrepreneurial spirit alive, while also getting the economy back on track? In this episode of All About Business, I’m joined by Luke Johnson, the serial entrepreneur who spotted some of the UK’s most popular food brands, including Pizza Express, The Ivy and Gail’s Bakery. We discuss how to spot a winning investment, what the UK should be doing to promote entrepreneurship, and Luke’s five tips for reviving the economy. Luke Johnson is an entrepreneur known for expanding the Pizza Express brand. He also founded Signature Restaurants, which owned notable restaurants including, The Ivy, and Le Caprice. Luke is currently Chairman of Risk Capital Partners, a private equity firm. From 2015-2021 he wrote a regular column for The Sunday Times where he shared his business expertise. Timestamps 02:11 Who is Luke Johnson? 06:36 The traits entrepreneurs need to have 07:23 Pizza Express beginnings 11:36 Being a projector 13:40 The British business climate 23:19 Risk Capital Partners 26:03 Gail's Bakery 27:33 Luke's business formula 31:56 How we can encourage entrepreneurship in the UK 36:09 Luke's book and weekly column For entrepreneurs 40:56 Television and the arts 46:04 Future projects with Risk Capital Partners 49:05 Reed Interview Round Links Get Luke’s book Visit Luke’s website Check out Risk Capital Partners Follow Luke on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Apr 28

With 77% of 13-18 year olds using artificial intelligence in some way, how can we make sure young people are using AI effectively while also protecting them from its potential dangers? In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Philip Colligan, the CEO of Raspberry Pi Foundation, which provides free AI education to children across the globe. We discuss why AI is becoming more and more human-like, how to build a global network and why asking AI to help with homework might not be such a bad thing. Philip Colligan is the CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a charity that promotes computing education for young people. The Foundation aims to help young people realise their full potential through the power of digital education. Timestamps 02:05 Raspberry Pi going from charity to billion-pound business 07:07 The IPO journey and listing Raspberry Pi 15:39 AI literacy and preparing the next generation 27:44 The role of AI in education 31:07 Inspiring young minds 36:45 Global expansion and partnerships 39:06 Challenges and strategies for global outreach Links Check out Experience AI Visit Raspberry Pi foundation’s website Visit Code Club Visit Hello World Follow Philip on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Apr 21

The UK’s life science sector is booming, generating over £100 billion in turnover in 2022. And with more and more companies entering the space, how do you marry business and science to create a drug that not only makes money but saves lives. In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Dame Kate Bingham, Managing Partner at SV Health Investors, specialising in biotechnology investments. Kate has over 30 years of experience in healthcare investment and led the UK's vaccine task force during COVID-19. She shares the ins and outs of health care investment, the challenges that came with leading the UK’s vaccine taskforce, and what she did when the press questioned her credentials. Dame Kate Bingham is a venture capitalist and biotech investor. She is best known for her role as the chair of the UK Vaccine Taskforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she led efforts to procure and distribute vaccines. Katie is currently a managing partner at SV Health Investors, specialising in biotechnology investments. Kate was awarded a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2021. Timestamps 02:22 Kate Bingham's career journey 05:42 Precision medicine and disease modification 12:01 The future of healthcare and AI 14:18 Dementia discovery funds and new drugs 20:32 The challenges and rewards of venture capital 24:29 The Importance of constructive relationships in venture capital 30:37 Challenges and successes of the vaccine task force 40:32 Navigating political and public scrutiny 49:59 Women in science and leadership Links Follow Kate on LinkedIn Visit Kate’s company website Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Apr 14

How do you go from cleaning toilets to running a multi-million pound company? In this episode of All about business, I sit down with Neil Clifford, the CEO of luxury footwear brand Kurt Geiger. Neil left school with just one O-Level, and rose to become a top player in the retail industry. We discuss the lessons Neil learned from his early retail jobs, why CEOs shouldn’t work from home, and how he helped turn Kurt Geiger into a multimillion pound international business. Neil Clifford started his career at Kurt Geiger as a store manager and worked his way up to becoming CEO over the course of 20 years. He has been instrumental in expanding the business internationally and launching its online presence. The brand has grown to operate in 28 countries with 57 standalone retail locations. Neil is also dedicated to giving back to the community, having set up The Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation which aims to raise £1 million every year to support young creatives. The Foundation has also created Business By Design, an academy for 18-20 year olds to upskill and prepare them for careers in fashion. Timestamps 03:12 First jobs and rising through the retail ranks 13:17 Career breakthroughs 22:12 Private equity and global expansion 37:36 Strategies for business growth 40:05 Personal reflections 50:24 Philanthropy and social responsibility Links Check out Kurt Geiger Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

Apr 7

A recent YouGov survey found that 82% of managers are ‘accidental'. So, what is an accidental manager? Why are there so many of them, and just how much is it affecting results within your business? In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Ann Francke OBE, the CEO of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) which provides training, qualifications and resources for managers. She reveals her tips for dealing with toxic bosses, how line managers impact employee wellbeing, and the key skills every manager needs to be successful. About Ann Ann is CEO of the Chartered Management Institute, an organisation that creates confident leaders through leadership development training, qualifications, and research. She started her career at Procter & Gamble and has held senior executive positions at Mars, Boots, Yell and BSI. She is an expert on gender dynamics in the workplace and has written a book about how to create a gender-balanced workplace. Ann also wrote the Financial Times Guide to Management and was named as one of the Top 100 Women to Watch in the 2015 Female FTSE Cranfield report. In 2020, she was awarded an OBE for her services to workplace equality. Timestamps 02:38 The importance of professional management training 06:56 Key skills for new managers 16:49 The impact of conscious leadership 21:37 Dealing with bad management 31:28 Addressing conflict and toxic behaviour 37:28 The role of line management in organisational success 39:19 Sponsorship vs mentorship 44:56 Examples of effective leadership 48:24 Gender balance and inclusivity in the workplace 51:39 The say-do gap in inclusivity 54:13 The importance of professionalising management Links Follow Ann on LinkedIn Read Ann’s book Get management training Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Mar 31

How can you use data to increase revenue, improve customer relationships, and make better business decisions? In today’s episode of All About Business, I speak with Anita Dougall, the co-founder and CEO of data consultancy firm, Sagacity. Anita started the business in 2005, and since then has helped companies like AA, British Gas, and Moonpig spin their data into business gold. She reveals how to use data to optimise customer engagement, drive revenue, and resolve the billing issues that could be costing you millions. About Anita Anita is the CEO and founding partner of Sagacity, a leading consultancy that specialises in providing data-driven insights to help businesses maximise their returns. Before co-founding Sagacity in 2005, Anita worked in investment banking. Her experience in financial and commercial roles that relied heavily on technology, led to her becoming an independent consultant, eventually co-founding Sagacity. In 2025, Anita was recognised on the E2E Female 100 track list, which celebrates the UK’s fastest growing female-led or founded businesses. Timestamps 00:31 Understanding data 04:55 Improving customer engagement 06:28 Billing and debt collection 20:03 Anita's career journey 30:13 Business growth 37:30 Choosing the right investor 42:46 Recruitment and company culture 45:58 Data usage and permissions Links Visit Sagacity’s website Read about Anita’s recognition on the E2E Female 100 track list Follow Anita on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit www.flamingo-media.co.uk

Mar 24

How do you turn an idea you had at uni into a multimillion-pound enterprise? UNILAD and LADbible founder, Alex Partridge, started both companies while he was studying at university, and was a millionaire by the time he was 25. In this episode of All About Business, we discuss the power of social media, the podcast that led to his ADHD diagnosis, and the harrowing court case that almost cost him everything. About Alex Alex Partridge is the founder of UNILAD and LADbible, two of the UK's most popular news and entertainment platforms. He has been open about his struggles with ADHD, and has written a book that explores how the diagnosis has impacted his life and career. Alex also hosts the podcast, ADHD Chatter, where he discusses ADHD with leading experts, celebrities and psychiatrists. Timestamps 00:43 Alex's early entrepreneurial ventures 03:58 Late-night pizza deliveries 06:19 The birth of UNILAD 09:12 Going viral and building a team 18:08 Challenges and legal battles 22:37 Facing the courtroom: A flashback to childhood anxiety 30:33 Alex’s ADHD diagnosis 40:08 Starting a new career 42:29 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs Links: Watch Alex’s podcast Read Alex’s book Follow Alex on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit www.flamingo-media.co.uk

Mar 17

In a world where consumers are obsessed with Temu and SHEIN, how can you attract customers to your high-end brand while staving off competition from cheaper alternatives? In this episode of All About Business, I speak with Billie-Jo Cronin, the founder of luxury accessories brand, Good Squish. Billie-Jo and her brother, Phoenix, bootstrapped the company, selling 1,900 units in under a year, while also gaining celebrity endorsements. We discuss how they grew the company organically through Instagram, why community is central to their brand, and why local production and quality control go hand in hand. About Good Squish Good Squish is an independent brand that specialises in hand-stitched accessories made from dead stock fabrics, which helps to reduce waste by repurposing materials that would otherwise go unused. Their products, which include scrunchies, hair pins, keychains and tote bags, feature whimsical and creative designs. Timestamps 01:26: The Concept of Dead Stock 02:22: The Organic Growth Journey 08:31: Maintaining Quality and Customer Satisfaction 14:56: Expanding Internationally 19:35: Working with Family 23:31 Decision-Making and Idea Curation 24:36: Challenges and Benefits of Collaborations 32:40: Celebrity Endorsements and Organic Growth 36:49 Future Plans Links Check out the Good Squish website Follow Good Squish on Instagram Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Mar 10

Concern around AI is higher than ever. But could 2025 be ‘make or break’ for businesses who have yet to embrace it? In this episode of 'All About Business' I talk with sibling duo, Richard and Archie Hollingsworth, founders of Fixer AI. They discuss their journey from bootstrapping a $5 million agency to spearheading an innovative AI personal assistant tool which they say can give you an hour back every day. They share insights from their transformative stint in Silicon Valley, reflect on the impactful role of AI in modern businesses, and highlight why 2025 is a pivotal year for AI adoption. Timestamps 04:24 Building Fixer AI 07:00 Success and Growth of Fixer AI 21:05 The Accelerator Experience 30:04 Moving to San Francisco: A Family Decision 31:02 Cultural Diversity in the Accelerator Program 32:13 Lessons from the American Business Culture 33:14 The Power of Being Direct 36:27 Adapting to the American Market 38:05 Building a Strong Team 41:34 Brothers in Business: Trust and Dynamics 44:46 Hiring and Scaling Up 54:09 Future Goals and Reflections Links Follow Archie on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/archie-hollingsworth-a07168152/ Follow Archie on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-hollingsworth-444b8589/ Visit Fyxer.AI: https://www.fyxer.com Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/ All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media.

Mar 3

Entrepreneurs often possess traits that drive their success in business. But what if these same traits were also the root cause of deteriorating mental health, and, if left unaddressed, could ultimately lead to the collapse of their entire business? In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, the world’s no.1 exclusive mental health clinic for the rich and famous. He reveals the traits both entrepreneurs and criminals share, how to foster well-being in the workplace and why mandatory mental health checks might just save your business. Paracelsus Recovery takes a unique, tailored approach to treating its patients and has extensive experience at treating CEOs, UHNW individuals and those with a public profile. Timestamps: 03:25 Recognizing Burnout and Mental Health Issues 08:17 The Role of Addiction and Self-Medication 12:46 Entrepreneurial Traits and Their Dark Side 19:48 The Concept of Reparenting 23:27 Balancing Physical Health and Business 28:02 The Importance of Confidentiality in Mental Health 34:09 Understanding the Impact of Information Diet 39:58 Building Trust in Mental Health Services 48:12 The Role of Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment 53:34 Mental Health Strategies for Business Leaders 01:01:36 Promoting Mental Fitness and Resilience Links: Follow Jan Gerber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerberjan/ Visit Jan Gerber’s website: https://jangerber.com/ Learn more about Paracelsus Recovery: https://www.paracelsus-recovery.com/en Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/ All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

Feb 24

Businessman, philanthropist, a maverick at turning strange ideas into success. In this very special episode, and in celebration of his 91st birthday, I sit down with my father, Sir Alec Reed. Sir Alec founded Reed in 1960 from a carpet shop in Hounslow with just £75 in his pocket. Since then, he’s founded several charities, launched a business school and in 2011, was knighted for his services to business and charity. Born in Hounslow in 1934, Sir Alec Reed left school at 16 and ten years later founded Reed Recruitment, which has grown into the UK’s largest family-owned recruitment company. Today, he shares his insights from over seven decades in business, the lessons he’s learnt along the way and why ideas are the real currency of business. Awarded the Beacon Prize in 2010 and knighted in 2011, Sir Alec’s flagship charity initiative, Big Give, has raised over £346 million for a variety of causes, including Womankind and Ethopiaid, both of which he also started. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:03 Sir Alec Reed 03:27 Starting Out in Life - Accountant 04:13 Joining Gillette - An Idea Company 04:44 Early Business Ideas - Toy Soldiers 05:43 The Reed Brothers - Printing Business 06:26 Taking The Wrong Course 07:44 A Tremendous Urge to be Self Employed 10:31 Starting An Employment Agency 13:31 Working On Your Own - Undiluted Ideas 16:48 Learning to Raise Alternative Funding 18:45 A Family Business - One Route to Consider - Risks and Benefits 23:43 The End Game - Exits - Inheritance and Selling 25:16 Philanthropy - Foundations and Charities 27:35 Cancer - Selling a Business and Financing a Charity 32:14 A New Approach to Charity - A Social Innovation 34:48 The Big Give 38:36 Looking at Failure as a Road Sign to Change Direction 41:39 Ideas! An Idea a Day as an Exercise 47:51 Wrap Up and Thank You Links: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/ Find out more about Big Give: https://donate.biggive.org/ All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

Feb 17

How can you turn everyday employees into strong leaders who are proud to work for your business? In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with executive coach and 'Life’s Work' founder, Steph Rix. She explains how you can beat imposter syndrome for good, the difference between leadership and management and how you can use your personal values to become a better leader. Steph is the Founder and Managing Director of Life’s Work where she provides team, career and Leadership coaching for businesses and individuals. She has a Masters in Career Development and has been an executive coach for almost ten years. 00:58 Defining Leadership: Self-Awareness and Values 08:08 The Role of Values in Leadership 12:27 Dealing with Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 17:37 Overcoming Overthinking and Taking Action 23:31 The Importance of Transparency in Organizational Change 28:39 Navigating Difficult Conversations 35:03 Supporting Employee Development on a Budget 40:46 Identifying and Nurturing Potential in Employees 45:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections Get coaching for your team Follow Steph on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Feb 10

With over a quarter of UK workers experiencing negative wellbeing because of work, how can you improve your own mental wellbeing, and stop being frazzled for good? In this episode of 'All About Business,' I sit down with comedian, writer and mental health advocate Ruby Wax OBE. We discuss how mindfulness can transform your mental health, how businesses can support struggling colleagues and the time Trump left her stranded in Arkansas. Ruby Wax OBE is an actress, comedian, writer, television personality, and mental health campaigner. In 2017, Ruby founded the Frazzled Cafe, a community based on the power of emotional openness that provides space where anyone can come and be listened to without judgment. Ruby has also released a range of best-selling books, including I’m Not As Well as I Thought I Was in May 2023. Ruby also offers leadership and management training, using workshops and practical exercises to enable business leaders to create trust and rapport and more skilled communication with clients and colleagues. 02:59 The Ruby Wax Brand 06:14 Mindfulness and Personal Growth 15:31 Frazzled Culture and Authenticity 28:24 Connecting with People in Business 31:19 Rickman's Wisdom: Let People Come to You 33:53 Managing Stress and Mental Fitness in the Workplace 35:40 The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Management 39:05 The Power of Community and Connection 43:41 A Hilarious Encounter with Trump Join Frazzled Cafe Buy Ruby’s books Visit Ruby Wax’s website Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to get your brand heard, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Feb 3

How do you keep wildlife business running in the face of social, political and cultural change? In this episode of All About Business, I speak to Reggie Heyworth, the owner of one of the UK’s biggest wildlife parks. Cotswold Wildlife Park, which was started by his father all the way back in 1969. We discuss how he took over the business from his father, how they kept the animals alive during the pandemic as well as his thoughts on the ‘anti-zoo brigade.’ Reggie grew up in the Cotswold Wildlife Park, a business his father started in 1969, and which has grown into one of the UK’s largest wildlife parks. For several years, he worked as a conservationist on the African continent. In 2012, he returned to the UK to take over the running of the park. He created the park’s famous gardens, and also runs a number of initiatives, including Keeper for the Day, where you can learn about the animals and how they are looked after. 01:13 The Origins of the Wildlife Park 04:03 Early Challenges and Successes 10:29 Modern Zoo Practices and Conservation 21:07 Reggie's Return and Leadership 22:16 Impact of COVID-19 on the Wildlife Park 27:17 Navigating the Reopening Challenges 28:29 Reassessing Business Strategies 32:15 Difficult Decisions During the Pandemic 35:51 Leadership and Team Building Insights 37:44 The Importance of Loving Animals 41:19 Future of Wildlife Conservation 43:23 Creating a Beautiful Environment 47:01 Looking Ahead: Five Years from Now 48:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Visit Cotswold Wildlife Park Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jan 27

With new sustainability laws coming into play, how can you make sure your organisation is ESG-ready, without sacrificing your bottom line? In this episode of All About Business, I’m joined by Profit with Purpose founder Isabel Kelly, where we discuss all things ESG. We explore how you can meet your social and environmental goals while still remaining profitable, and how you can develop an authentic strategy that goes hand in hand with your brand Isabel is the Founder of Profit with Purpose, a consultancy firm that works with companies to create and embed social impact strategies into businesses and brands. Isabel is a non-executive director at TPXimpact, an AIM-listed tech company where she Chairs the ESG Committee. She is also a member of the board at The Big Give and is a social impact careers advisor for MBA students at the Said Business School, Oxford University. Timestamps 00:57 Introducing Isabel Kelly and Profit With Purpose 02:12 The Origin Story of Profit With Purpose 03:03 Integrating Social Impact in Business 06:42 Defining Authentic Purpose 09:02 Challenges and Resistance in Purpose-Driven Business 13:45 Navigating ESG Legislation and Reporting 24:57 The Role of B Corps in Purpose-Driven Business 31:56 Airlines and Vaccine Financing 32:53 Promoting ESG in the Workplace 33:33 Salesforce's Environmental Journey 35:26 Challenges and Controversies in ESG 37:36 Purpose-Driven Business Strategies 39:50 Becoming a B Corp 42:12 Consulting for ESG and Purpose 48:30 Diversity and Inclusion in Boards 52:07 Metrics and Reporting for ESG 55:58 Final Thoughts and Future Goals Links Follow Isabel Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelkelly-pwp-esgx/ Check out Profit with Purpose: https://profitwithpurpose.co.uk/ Explore the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chairmanjames/ All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jan 24

In this episode of 'All About Business', James is joined by Sue Douglas, who transitioned from a medical journalism background to becoming a top Fleet Street editor. She discusses her move to apartheid-era South Africa as a reporter for the Rand Daily Mail and witnessed significant historical events firsthand. Returning to the UK, she navigated her way through the competitive media landscape, encountering both setbacks and successes, ultimately finding her place in the vibrant and chaotic world of Fleet Street journalism. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:28 Guest's Career Beginnings 00:38 Journey to South Africa 01:22 Reporting in South Africa 03:05 Return to Fleet Street 03:50 Joining News of the World Follow Sue Douglas on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jan 22

In this bonus episode of 'All About Business,' Journalist, Tech CEO and Entrepreneur, Sue Douglas, explores the complexities of balancing business management and leadership with personal life responsibilities. Sue delves into the gender dynamics within professional settings, the historical and biological roles of men and women, and the struggle for achieving a balanced work-life equilibrium. The conversation also touches upon personal anecdotes about parenting, societal expectations, and the implications of more women entering the workforce. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:27 Gender Differences and Career Choices 01:12 Balancing Career and Family 02:21 Reflections on Parenting 03:29 Community and Work-Life Balance 05:14 Gender Pay Gap and Workplace Inequality 07:02 Concluding Thoughts on Gender Roles Follow Sue Douglas on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jan 20

In this bonus episode of 'All About Business,' James is joined by Journalist, Entrepreneur and Tech CEO Sue Douglas. She delves into a chilling investigation from the 1980s when, as a young medical correspondent she uncovered a story about potentially AIDS-contaminated blood used for transfusions, risking public health. She describes the challenges, including government hesitation, media backlash, and the impact of her ground-breaking report that led to a public inquiry 40 years later. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:28 A Chance Encounter Leads to a Big Story 01:58 Investigating the Blood Contamination 04:09 Breaking the Story 06:28 The Aftermath and Reflection Follow Sue Douglas on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jan 13

Imagine losing everything. Then imagine turning it all around and becoming a multi-millionaire within 5 years. In this episode of 'All About Business', entrepreneur, property investor, and author Rob Moore shares his journey from being £50,000 in debt to becoming a multi-millionaire in less than five years. Rob discusses his philosophy on money as a store of time, value, and energy, the importance of finding opportunity, raising money, and building a business from scratch. We explore his views on the significance of hard work, the role of education in preparing future entrepreneurs and the critical aspects of building a personal brand in today's digital age. Timestamps 01:44 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome 03:34 Rob Moore's Early Life and Influences 05:05 The Turning Point: Meeting a Business Partner 09:23 The Rise of a Training Business 14:47 University vs. Entrepreneurship 27:11 The Essence of Money 33:38 Recruitment and Team Building 36:56 The Importance of Management Skills 39:02 Integrity and Honesty in Recruitment 41:42 The Role of LinkedIn in Personal Branding 48:24 The Value of Hard Work and Entrepreneurship 52:51 Rob Moore Foundation: Supporting Young Entrepreneurs 59:20 Finding the Right Business Partner 01:08:04 The Significance of Personal Brand Links Follow Rob Moore on LinkedIn Follow Rob Moore on Instagram Visit Rob’s website Follow James Reed on Linkedin All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Jan 6

Are you ever too old to turn your favourite hobby into a brand-new business venture? In this very special episode of All About Business, James Reed is joined by his wife Nicola, founder of the successful drinks company, Beeble. Nicola shares how she turned her husband’s birthday gift into a thriving business, the ups and downs of bootstrapping a company with her daughter’s friend, as well as some rather disturbing facts about her bee colony. Nicola is an artist, teacher, beekeeper and entrepreneur. She owns Beeble, a B-Corp that makes a wide variety of spirits with honey from her very own hives. Nicola has a Master's degree in Fine Art from St Martin's School of Art, a PGDip from Chelsea College of Arts and a teaching degree from University College London. 01:37 Introduction 02:27 Nicola Reed's Beekeeping Journey 04:43 Turning Honey into Spirits 07:45 The Beeble Brand and Business Growth 13:22 Balancing Business and Passion for Bees 23:54 Insights and Lessons from Beekeeping 27:07 Beekeeping Courses and Techniques 28:31 Personal Experiences with Bee Stings 30:39 The Undertaker Bee and Bee Communication 32:49 Challenges in the Spirit Business 36:11 Marketing Strategies and Customer Feedback 41:36 Beekeeping in Prisons 43:17 The Joys and Challenges of Beekeeping 46:03 Future Plans for Beeble 48:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Try Beeble’s delicious honey whisky Take a beekeeping course Follow Nicola Reed on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Dec 30, 2024

Climbing to the top of the ladder can be tough. With competition from peers, how do you stand out so you can get that promotion and even become Managing Director? In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Donna Murrell, Managing Director of Reed in Partnership. Donna began her career at Reed as an entry-level employment advisor and worked her way up to the very top. In this conversation, she shares little known strategies for boosting your career, explains why diversity in leadership is so important and gives actionable advice for building your confidence no matter where you are in your career. Donna is the Managing Director of Reed in Partnership, a branch of Reed which delivers public services such as employment support, wellbeing advice and DVSA testing. Donna has been at Reed for over 20 years, starting as an Employment Advisor. 00:58 Introducing Donna Murrell 07:47 Expanding Reed in Partnership 09:54 Leadership and team building 13:08 Donna's management philosophy 20:44 Going from Operations Director to Managing Director 25:16 Advice for aspiring leaders 29:51 Spotting and nurturing talent 31:25 Creating Opportunities for Employee Engagement 37:01 Embracing curiosity and learning 39:30 Women in leadership: challenges and progress 49:34 Preparing for career progression 52:05 Building confidence and overcoming anxiety 54:49 Reed interview round Follow Donna on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Learn more about Reed in Partnership All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Dec 23, 2024

With seventy percent of online buyers abandoning their shopping before checkout, how can you create a frictionless customer journey that only takes ten seconds? In this episode of All About Business, James Reed speaks to customer experience expert Todd Unger. Todd reveals why most customer journeys don’t work, how low-cost AI can help you understand your customers better, and the hit Ariana Grande song that could transform your approach to customer experience. Todd Unger is the Chief Experience Officer at the American Medical Association, overseeing membership, marketing and customer experience initiatives. His book, the ten-second customer journey explains how you can rapidly convert customers online, drawing on Todd’s 30 year career in marketing and customer experience. 02:00 Meet Todd Unger: Chief Experience Officer 03:27 The evolution of Customer Experience 08:04 The four points of CXO 10:50 The importance of frictionless experience 18:07 Building effective digital services 24:10 Building a culture of testing and experimentation 26:17 The role of AI in modern testing 26:44 AI's impact on the 10 second customer journey 28:03 Leveraging technology partners for AI 34:29 Practical applications and future of AI 45:17 Customer experience advice for entrepreneurs 48:27 Reed interview round Follow Todd Unger on LinkedIn Visit Todd Unger’s website: https://www.toddunger.com/ Buy Todd Unger’s book Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Dec 16, 2024

Being a socially conscious business is becoming more and more important, but can it really help you grow your brand long-term? In this episode of All About Business, James Reed sits down with Centre for Social Justice CEO and proud Leeds native, Andy Cook. They explore the unseen world of philanthropy, why small charities are often more powerful, the best interview questions to ask future employees, and the steps you can take to become a brand locals love. Andy is CEO of The Centre for Social Justice, an award-winning organisation that aims to solve Britain’s most pressing social issues through political change. Hailing from Leeds, Andy founded another award winning charity that helped disadvantaged youth across the Midlands. Since then, he’s become an advisor to several leading philanthropists and CSJ has been awarded social policy Think Tank of the Year for the last 2 years. 1:56 - Introducing Andy Cook - CEO for the Centre for Social Justice 2:48 - The Centre for Social Justice 8:43 - The five areas of help that affect Society 9:58 - The Big Give 13:38 - The importance of giving people opportunities 16:56 - The power of smaller charities 19:04 - Where do donations go and how to make the process better 21:07 - Should businesses engage more with philanthropy? 25:35:00 - The Kickstart Program 27:40:00 - Finding a balance between education and employer's needs 31:36:00 - The Centre for Social Justice Foundation 34:36:00 - Why businesses should be more involved in the education system 38:18:00 - How you can help 40:10:00 - Reed interview segment 41:50:00 - Wrap up and final thoughts Find out more about the CSJ Follow Andy on LinkedIn Register for the Green Match Fund Donate to a cause you care about Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to get your brand heard, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Dec 9, 2024

Talent and customers aren’t just looking at the product or service your company provides. They’re choosing organisations with purpose over those who only prioritise profit. In this episode of 'All About Business,' James is joined by Becky Willan, CEO of Given, part of Anthesis. They explore the importance of implementing purpose into the heart of your business,, the impact of ESG and sustainability on brands, and practical steps for organisations to align profit with meaningful societal impact. Becky shares her journey from working at Body Shop to founding Given, and discusses how companies like John Lewis and Lloyd's Banking Group are navigating purpose-driven transformations. 01:31- Introduction 02:26- Meet Becky Willan 03:13- Defining Purpose in Business 03:48- The Journey of Given 07:41- Implementing Purpose in Organisations 11:32- Case Study: John Lewis Partnership 20:31- Case Study: Lloyd's Banking Group 24:01- Advice for Entrepreneurs 29:54- Evidence of Purpose-Driven Business Success 31:25- Purpose vs. Philanthropy: Understanding the Difference 33:52- Reed's Purpose-Driven Philanthropy Model 34:54- Steps to Implementing Purpose in Your Organisation 36:44- The Importance of Employee Engagement and Culture 40:14- Challenges and Pitfalls in Purpose-Driven Organisations 42:54- Case Study: Centrica's Purpose Transformation 49:49- IKEA's Purpose and Philanthropy 51:35- Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations 53:56- Conclusion and Final Thoughts Find out more about Given Follow Becky on LinkedIn: Follow James on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Dec 2, 2024

What if there was a model your business could use to smash your targets faster? And with a team of no more than 10? In this episode of All About Business, James speaks to Alex Day, Managing Director of Big Give. Alex explains how his small team of ten has managed to raise hundreds of millions of pounds for charity. They also discuss how technology is transforming the charity sector, why philanthropy is good for business, and the psychology behind giving money away. Alex Day is Director of Social Impact at Reed and Managing Director of the Big Give, the UK’s biggest match funding charity. Every year, Big Give runs a variety of match funding campaigns, including the Green Match Fund, Kind2Mind and the Christmas Challenge. Since 2008, they’ve raised over £300 million for charities all over the world. Timestamps 00:00- Intro 02:31- How Big Give's Match Funding Works 03:38- The Psychology Behind Match Funding 05:38- Campaigns and Themes of Big Give 08:18- Digital Transformation in Charity Fundraising 12:53- Running a Lean and Effective Team 16:37- Engaging Big Figures in Philanthropy 23:42- Identifying Your Passion for a Cause 25:16- Setting Ambitious Goals 27:37- The Importance of Ambition in Social Impact 29:26- Supporting Smaller Charities 30:50- Innovative Match Funding Strategies 31:59- The Contagious Nature of Generosity 32:32- The Christmas Challenge Campaign 34:18- Philanthropy in Business 37:18- The Philco Model 41:33- Quickfire Round 43:38- Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links Visit the Big Give website: https://donate.biggive.org/ See what difference you can make: Big Give Christmas Challenge 2024 Double the difference this Christmas NOW Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Follow the Big Give on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Nov 25, 2024

Authenticity. It can be the difference between a thriving business and losing your audience. Gone are the days when having a good enough product was enough to drive growth, and with so much competition out there, having a brand that people believe in is non-negotiable. In this episode of All About Business, James Reed sits down with father-daughter duo Molly and Philip King of Ireland’s family-run festival, OtherVoices. Starting in a tiny church in Dingle, it grew to become a hotly-anticipated event. It’s hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Kate Tempest, Arlo Parks and Amy Winehouse and is now watched by millions across the globe. They explore the ins and outs of working with family, how to use digital media to build a brand and, despite massive growth, how they’ve managed to stray true to their original vision. Timestamps 01:55- Family Dynamics in Business 02:27- Building an Authentic Brand 03:57- The Role of Culture and Trust 08:23- The Evolution of Other Voices 10:35- The Digital Transformation 14:33- The Growth of Other Voices 20:39- Maintaining the Core Ethos 23:32- Navigating the Pandemic 24:30- The Birth of Other Voices Courage 25:21- Live Performances in Iconic Locations 26:51- Challenges and Triumphs in the Music Industry 28:59- Spotting and Nurturing Talent 33:13- The Unique Experience of Performing in Dingle 38:04- Ireland's Edge: Bridging Art and Science 42:18- Quickfire Round 45:47- Conclusion and Farewell Watch Other Voices live on YouTube Follow Other Voices on Instagram Follow Other Voices on Tik-Tok Follow James Reed on LinkedIn Find a creative job you love Find out about the Big Give Christmas Challenge All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Nov 18, 2024

One thing that’s on pretty much every business owner's mind is the advent of AI, what it means for your business, and how you can use it to get ahead of your competitors. But AI is only one piece of the digital business puzzle… In this episode of All About Business, James Reed CBE speaks to Oli Green, a trailblazing entrepreneur who has started and acquired multiple businesses across the digital landscape. He reveals the key areas every business should be focusing on when it comes to digitisation and explains why he was able to raise a substantial amount of funding in just a few short weeks. About the guest Oli Green is CEO of Brave Bison, a digital advertising and technology services company. Brave Bison bought Social Chain in 2023, a social media agency founded by Steven Bartlett that has worked for global brands such as KFC and LinkedIn. Oli is also Chairman of Tangent, a company that helps enterprises build future ready digital experiences, products and capabilities with a focus on People, Planet and Purpose. 02:21 Digital First Approach 03:18 Emerging Trends in AI 04:47 Challenges in Recruiting AI Talent 06:45 Improving Digital Experiences 08:46 Social Media Strategies 09:55 Brave Bison's Four Divisions 17:18 Acquisition Strategies 24:36 Integration Challenges 29:18 Working with Family 37:41 Public Company Benefits 40:19 Conclusion and Future Vision Connect with Oli on LinkedIn Follow Brave Bison on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Nov 11, 2024

At a time when consumers are fed up of ads (and advertisers), how can you connect with your target customers and stop them hitting the ‘skip now’ button? In this episode of All About Business, James Reed is joined by award-winning director and veteran ad-man Paul Weiland OBE. He’ll share how some of Britain’s most well-loved ads were created, how to navigate the often tricky client/agency relationship and answers the question every marketer wants to know: how to create a profit-growing campaign everybody loves. Paul is a writer, producer and director whose credits include Blackadder and Mr Bean. He’s also directed 1000s of popular TV ads, most notably, the Gary Lineker Walkers ads. In 2015, he received an OBE for his services to advertising and the creative industries. 02:24- Paul's Journey into Advertising 05:33- Early Career and Breakthroughs 09:01- Directing Commercials and Building a Reputation 20:14- The Walkers Crisps Campaign 25:47- Celebrity Endorsements in Walker's Ads 26:09- The Power Struggle with Supermarkets 28:15- What Makes a Good Client? 29:58- The Evolution of the Gary Lineker Campaign 31:58- The Importance of Continuity in Advertising 36:10- The Changing Landscape of Advertising 42:06- From Ads to Feature Films 45:11- Advice for the Next Generation 48:19- Reflections and Future Outlook Discover how to connect with your customers online with our Digital Marketing Course Interested in watching one of Paul’s movies? Check them out here Follow James on LinkedIn Watch the hand-built by robots ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fXV6KzhBbM Watch the infamous Gary Lineker ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuKgMSUU6-c All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Oct 28, 2024

We often hear that we need to strive for a more diverse workforce. But what if just having diversity as your goal does more harm than good? In this Episode of 'all about business', James is joined by Dr. Heather Melville, OBE CMgr CCMI FCBI, to explore how inclusive business practices can drive growth, retain talent, and align organisational values with commercial strength. They shed light on understanding different needs and demographics within the workplace that go beyond mere diversity so you can make impactful cultural changes to help your business thrive. Heather is a Trustee and Senior Advisor, the Chancellor of York University and a Partner at Stork and May. She’s also the Chair and Non-Executive Director of CMI Women, where she empowers and develops women in leadership. In 2017, she was awarded an OBE for services to Business and Gender Equality, which is why she’s the perfect person to talk to us about building an inclusive business. 02:25 Defining Inclusivity in Business 03:58 Challenges and Misconceptions in Diversity 06:55 Practical Steps for Inclusivity 10:57 Leadership and Inclusivity 17:09 The Cost of Ignoring Inclusivity 22:59 Real-World Examples and Stereotyping 26:23 Gender Pay Gap and Organisational Accountability 27:33 Creating Fair and Equitable Workplaces 27:59 Inclusive Hiring Practices 29:23 The Importance of Leadership in Inclusion 30:17 Employee Advocacy and Organisational Response 31:00 Personal Experiences with Leadership 36:12 Balancing Work and Personal Life 44:45 Recruitment Strategies and Positive Action 48:16 Looking Forward: Future Goals and Reflections 50:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Healther on Linkedin Follow Heather on X Follow James Reed on Linkedin All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Oct 10, 2024

Welcome to 'all about business' with me, James Reed. Every episode, you’ll hear the highs and lows of what it means to be a true business leader to empower you to implement smarter, more meaningful strategy in your business or career.