People Behind Brands, hosted by Mark Tuxford, is an audio podcast series exploring life lessons from the world of business. Our guests open up about their personal lives involving hardships and challenges that have made them into who they are today. Expect honesty, passion and emotion, these are all real people with real stories. Some of our guests you may already know, some of them you will get to know. Make sure you subscribe to our exclusive content and follow us on our social media @podc ...
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EP 54: Richard Clegg (JMS Financial Services Group) - "As I've got older I've become a curious person, understanding how things work"
28:42
28:42
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28:42On today’s episode we welcome Richard Clegg from JMS Financial Services Group. It’s fair to say Richard has had a varied career from starting out as a DJ from an early age, playing various festivals and venues. Working with the likes of Tinchy Strider, Ed Sheeran, Skepta, Wiley and many more famous names. Before moving into the world of property de…
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EP 53: Bolaji Olatoye (Altitude AI Consulting) - "It felt like the floor had removed from my life"
52:21
52:21
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52:21If you have a keen interest in music, you may recall the third studio album titled ‘No Jacket Required’, released by popular singer-songwriter, Phil Collins. However, as our next guest testifies, to make that all important first impression, a smart jacket that stands out is always required. This is also the founding element of how our bond ignited …
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EP 52: Georgia Cocks (IAMH) - "Failure is not an option for me"
37:48
37:48
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37:48In a completely unfiltered chat, Georgia Cocks talks to us about her young entrepreneurial journey. Learning from toxic experiences at previous roles to building and founding a new business, IAMH Global at the age of 25, Georgia candidly opens up about her struggles and fear of failure along the way. Despite a past and unfulfilling career in digita…
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EP 51: Al Tepper (TepFu) - "Daddy, I don't want to be here anymore"
39:31
39:31
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39:31Introducing the inspirational Al Tepper. The man behind TepFu and Lazy Marketing™ Academy, Al presents a fascinating outlook on life throughout our chat. Al’s best friend is his diary. “Don’t squander your time, make the most of it and embrace it,” he said. “Don’t worry about tomorrow, zoom out of the problem, remember who we are and what we are.” …
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EP 50: Georgia Kirke (Write Business Results) - "Giving access to the written word as a means of self expression"
31:08
31:08
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31:08Georgia Kirke is on a mission to use the power of written word to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs. From growing up in a farming community as one of eight siblings, to branching out into the world of non-fiction writing and business book publishing, Georgia discusses her journey in becoming a business owner, fronting Write Business Result…
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EP 49: Jim Lewis (Youth Talk) - "Anyone that knows me would be shocked to find out that that i've had mental health problems"
45:24
45:24
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45:24Why do we do what we do? When it comes down to it, family is one of the reasons that drives us on from a personal and professional point of view. The silver fox, Mr Jim Lewis, joins us to highlight the importance of Youth Talk. A charity that provides confidential psycho dynamic and individual counselling between the ages of 13-25 in St Albans and …
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EP 48: John Wilson (Honest Video) - "There was one particular week that changed my outlook on life"
39:28
39:28
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39:28Episode 48 welcomes John Wilson from Honest Video who opens up about why he wanted to become a business owner and be in control of his own destiny. John takes us through how his business came to fruition and how founding a video agency within a fast moving industry allows him to be unique and provide a service that has seen him work with many high-…
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EP 47: Dave Plunkett (Collaboration Junkie) - "My six figure business went under so I had to rebuild & start again"
39:51
39:51
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39:51How does your business generate regular referrals? Collaboration is the name of the game with our latest guest, Dave Plunkett from Collaboration Junkie. Dave is full of high energy and genuinely loves what he does when it comes to creating Strategic Referral Partnerships. But it’s not been all plain sailing. Dave opens up about his past struggles o…
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EP 46: Natalie Moores (Mac+Moore) - "Some have described us as the Ant & Dec of branding"
43:37
43:37
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43:37A company brand is much more than just a logo and some pretty colours. Natalie Moores from Mac+Moore helps business leaders solve tomorrow’s problems by moving brands forward. During this episode we touch upon her creative flair in all aspects of her life. In amongst building the Mac+Moore business, Natalie also has a passion for spoken word and cr…
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EP 45: Niki Avraam (Howat Avraam Solicitors) - "I've probably had micro breakdowns but didn't acknowledge them because I felt I had to carry on"
39:53
39:53
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39:53Niki Avraam is a powerful woman in business. A highly successful individual in the legal sector working on many high profile cases whilst fronting and co-founding her law firm Howat Avraam Solicitors. In recent years Niki has positioned herself at the forefront of empowering organisations and individuals to exceed their potential in the future of w…
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EP 44: Aaron Desmond (Networking Essex) - "I literally found out in a matter of minutes that my ex was leaving me & told the kids she was going"
40:46
40:46
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40:46Is networking overrated? What’s the secret to becoming a good networker? For episode 44 I’m joined by Aaron Desmond - a popular figure on the Essex networking circuit. Aaron fronts the ever-growing Networking Essex with the sole purpose of bringing businesses together through networking events within Colchester, Chelmsford, Southend and surrounding…
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EP 43: Christopher Clowes (HC Media Group) - "I grew up in a children's home & when I left I was homeless for a number of years"
31:00
31:00
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31:00Episode 43 welcomes the expert in all things marketing strategies and consultancy, Mr Christopher Clowes. Having met Chris a few times previously, we explore his life story to date which has involved going into care as a child, becoming homeless and struggling with addiction, to building his business empire in the midst of family struggles. Chris i…
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EP 42: Leo Scarborough (Buildsmith Solutions) - "I created a lot of pain to people around me"
37:03
37:03
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37:03Introducing Birkhamstead’s finest, Mr Leo Scarborough from Buildsmith Solutions. Operating in the construction industry and founding his own businesses, Leo opens up about some of the challenges he has experienced where he openly admits he has unintentionally caused a lot of pain to himself, friends and family along the way. Leo sits in the podcast…
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EP 41: Chris Hopkins (Savanta) - "The loss of my Dad is the fundamental thing that has shaped me"
58:45
58:45
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58:45For episode 41, Mark is delighted to welcome his good friend Chris Hopkins from Political Research brand, Savanta. During this episode we discuss fond memories of lads' holidays and their adolescent youth. As well touching upon Chris’ political career, where he regularly features on news outlets such as BBC News broadcasting voter’s opinions on the…
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EP 40: Derry Green (The Secret Garden Glamping) -"Dragon's Den was the ultimate test to see if my business was worthy of investment"
36:38
36:38
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36:38The Secret Garden Glamping’s very own Derry Green joins People Behind Brands Podcast for a heart-warming, emotional episode on how he grew his business born out of COVID-19 for the sole purpose of keeping his children entertained in unprecedented times. What started as a camping trip in the garden turned into a multi-award winning, 5 star brand whi…
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EP 39: Asher Nathan (BIOME9) - "My wife says resilience is my super power"
38:10
38:10
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38:10For an insightful and scientific chat into microbiomes, People Behind Brands welcomes Asher Nathan, co-founder of BIOME9, the UK’s first gut-health test & personalised supplement programme for dogs. During the episode, Asher provides more insight into our human and pet health and why we should stand up and take notice sooner rather than later. Ashe…
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EP 38: Alex Hayes & Matt Lea (Wear London) - "My best friend drowned in a traumatic experience which shook us all"
35:41
35:41
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35:41Men's fashion empire, Wear London is the brainchild of today’s guests, Alex Hayes & Matt Lea. The dynamic duo have a passion for the industry and are proud to help keep UK manufacturing alive one stitch at a time through premium products at affordable prices. Alex and Matt love what they do and if they can have a few laughs along the way, then why …
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EP 37: Jo Coldwell (Red Lion Books / Appetite Book Club) - "The only reason why grief hurts so much is because you had them"
42:02
42:02
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42:02For a festive special, Mark welcomes Jo Coldwell, the manager of independent book store Red Lion Books based in the heart of Colchester City centre. Jo is a family member on Mark’s fiancées side so he is delighted to welcome her on today’s episode to share her life lessons growing up in the East End of London to living in Britain’s oldest recorded …
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EP 36: Bhasker Patel (TV & Film Actor) - "I was a little bit shocked to be told I was leaving Emmerdale"
31:59
31:59
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31:59Well, what a treat we’ve got for you today! Mark welcomes a famous face to the podcast with none other than Bhasker Patel, fresh from his 12 year stretch on Emmerdale. Bhasker opens up about his initial shock at being told his character, Rishi Sharma would be killed off from the soap in a surprise twist. We also discuss Bhasker’s fantastic acting c…
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EP 35: Matt Phelan (The Happiness Index) - "The most important job is being a parent"
45:52
45:52
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45:52What makes up the key components of the business or career you’re involved with? Many people might say the product or service offering, in addition to financial areas. But what if I said culture? Step forward Matt Phelan from The Happiness Index. Matt is all about creating a thriving culture of growth. His ethos is channelled through his company th…
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EP 34: Amy Downes (The Content Planning Wizard) - "I've learned to win over the trolls on social media by staying calm"
44:25
44:25
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44:25Social media content planner, Amy Downes discusses the pros and cons of social platforms from a business point of view and why it’s important to have a strategy. Away from business, we also discuss social media on a personal level. Amy opens up about the harsh realities of Twitter trolls who have impacted her mental health and often crossed the lin…
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EP 33: Joe Moruzzi (Pleese) - "The Dragon's Den experience was so overwhelming"
43:07
43:07
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43:07As the founder of Pleese, a leading frozen dessert company, Joe Moruzzi has a keen eye for business success. The brand thrived on Dragons' Den in 2018, positively received by the four expert judges - however, with his knowledge of business, he turned down the judges' offer and ventured independently. The decision turned out to be brand defining. As…
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EP 32: Danny Djanogly (Dogiz) - "It can still be difficult to separate my work life balance"
31:35
31:35
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31:35On today’s episode Mark welcomes Danny Djanogly, co-founder of Dogiz - a brand-new dog app that helps owners gain a deeper understanding of their pup’s health and rewards them for being more active with their dogs through discounts and premium products with established pet food brands, the app is designed to empower dog owners with the knowledge to…
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EP 31: Jessica Morgan (Tiny Wizard Studio) - "The sudden death of my Dad was really tough"
41:09
41:09
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41:09After a long hiatus working on new ideas and content, People Behind Brands is back for 2023! We had to start with a bang and I’m delighted to welcome a strong and resilient woman who has poured blood, sweat and tears into making her business what it is today. The leading Lady of Tiny Wizard Studio candidly opens up about the personal loss of her Fa…
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EP 30: Martin Lambert (ITFC Talking Town) - "I suffered an accident which left me disabled"
32:04
32:04
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32:04In the very last episode of Series 1, I’m joined by friend and fellow podcast host, Martin ‘The Guv’ Lambert. If you’re an Ipswich Town supporter like me or a football fan in general, this is one for you! Martin is known for fronting the popular YouTube channel, Talking Town - recently being nominated as a finalist at The 2021 Football Content Awar…
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EP 29: Michael Clark (Michael Clark Residential) - "There's always going to be challenges, but it's how you deal with them"
25:19
25:19
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25:19For the penultimate episode of Series 1, I’m joined by my good friend Michael Clark. A self-confessed adrenaline junkie and founder of his new Essex based Estate Agency, Michael Clark Residential. During this episode we go back in time and reminisce on our hey-day of multiple nights out each and every weekend, but now Michael’s path in life is to s…
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EP 28: Jamie Barber (Serial Restaurateur) - "Born out of my own experiences in COVID-19 lockdown"
25:09
25:09
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25:09I’m delighted to welcome Jamie Barber, an incredibly successful individual who has owned and operated many restaurant brands in the UK, including Kitchen Italia, Villandry and Sake No Hana. He is also the co-founder and CEO of Hush Restaurants, Cabana Brasilian Barbecue and Haché Burger Connoisseurs. You may recognise Jamie from BBC television show…
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EP 27: Angela Newton & Derek Binnie (&MORE) - "The worst thing you can do is not make a decision, you've got to make it happen"
32:33
32:33
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32:33Our next guests have worked together for over 10 years and provide a complementary partnership for their new business. &MORE is a leading Design Consultancy, delivering creative solutions for workplaces across Scotland and the UK. Angela Newton & Derek Binnie share the same passion for bringing positive change to office life, by creating people-foc…
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EP 26: Nick Attwell (Attwells Solicitors LLP) - "Sacrificing my family time over business growth"
35:32
35:32
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35:32Our latest guest Nick Attwell joins us for Episode 26 as he touches upon his ever-growing law firm based in Colchester, Ipswich and London specialising in conveyancing and property. People Behind Brands is a platform that gives our guests the freedom to express their personal stories; Nick rose to the occasion where he delves into how his hunger to…
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EP 25: Lisa Fox & Stacey Jaffe (Espresso PR) - "Home schooling the children wasn't a great time in COVID-19 lockdown"
28:01
28:01
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28:01Since forming People Behind Brands podcast we've had many excellent guests showcasing their life lessons from the world of business, some of those guests have been put forward by boutique PR consultancy, Espresso. Company founders, Lisa Fox and Stacey Jaffe have been a great support throughout, allowing me to promote their exciting range of clients…
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EP 24: Josh White (Cano Water) - "Trying to convince people they need to change what they're used to is hard"
20:48
20:48
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20:48When you go on a lads holiday with your mates you might come back with a few embarrassing stories to tell or regret how much you had to drink throughout. But for Josh White and his friends, it was the founding story of their company. After seeing plastic bottles washed up on a beach in Thailand, he and his friends knew that something had to change …
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EP 23: Lorna Wilson (Mnched) - "I found a lump under my arm"
19:44
19:44
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19:44Starting up a new business in the midst of a global pandemic is always something to be admired. We’ve seen many businesses shutting up shop between 2019 and 2021, but for Lorna Wilson of Mnched, the determination to make her start-up venture become a success is there for all to see. In amongst her passion for business, Lorna bravely opens up about …
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EP 22: Megan Jones & Oli Bennett (XITE) - Finding the balance as a couple & running a business together
28:59
28:59
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28:59Mixing business with pleasure can often spell a recipe for disaster, but for Megan Jones and Oli Bennett, it’s been the founding element behind their nootropic energy drink brand, XITE. From becoming childhood sweethearts to successfully building their brand as innovative business partners, we delve into their lives and find out how their relations…
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EP 21: Alex Holliman (Climbing Trees) - "I needed to step out & be more present"
23:37
23:37
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23:37In this episode, Search Marketing expert, Alex Holliman joins me as we discuss Climbing Trees’ post-COVID reality. As always, we delve deeper into the life lessons that have shaped him into who he is today. From the sadness of losing his late mother, to providing for his young twin boys who are always keeping him on his toes. Alex also reflects on …
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EP 20: Natalie Reynolds & Lexi Panayi (Style Cheat) - "The BBC Apprentice experience changed my perception on life"
26:33
26:33
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26:33Bonded by blood, together in business. Natalie Reynolds and Lexi Panayi have co-founded Style Cheat, a womenswear fashion empire that is growing rapidly. The ladies talk to us openly about their life lessons from the world of business, including Natalie’s stint on Series 9 of The Apprentice with none other than Lord Sugar. If you’re a lady who's in…
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EP 19: Jamie Lakes (Gopher I.T Support) - "Sacrificing my 30th birthday celebrations for a client who needed me"
26:32
26:32
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26:32When you think about IT support, you may be forgiven for thinking that it’s full of endless problems and there’s many people out there that call themselves professionals but all do exactly the same thing. Well, for Jamie Lakes at Gopher it’s more than just a career, it’s his life. Our next guest talks openly about making continuous sacrifices and h…
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EP 18: Lizzie Croucher (CroucherLi) - "My family has been the driving force in what I do"
25:35
25:35
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25:35If you like to get your hands dirty and tap into your feel-good vibes, this episode is the one for you. A passionate, creative small business owner, our next guest Lizzie Croucher of croucherli is all about wearing a smile in more ways than one. As a ceramic artist, Lizzie specialises in making pottery come to life, letting her work do the talking.…
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EP 17: Duncan O'Brien (Dalstons Soda) - "What makes you who you are is the people you meet along the way"
27:10
27:10
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27:10You join us for Episode 17 where we’re joined by Duncan O’Brien - the man behind a refreshing drink brand named Dalstons Soda that has gone toe to toe with Coca-Cola and continued to grow. In this episode Duncan opens up about how the death of a friend gave him a new outlook on life, and how running away from his past problems only wore out the sol…
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EP 16: Neil Sheth (Bubbli) - How my family got me through COVID-19 lockdown
25:33
25:33
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25:33From humble beginnings to working in the big city, our next guest has seen it all with plenty of life lessons to share. As a former Investment Banking consultant turned SEO and Digital Content Strategist, life in business has been one big adventure for Neil Sheth. With a young family and founding Bubbli Digital and Writefully, Neil is constantly sp…
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EP 15: Danny Gray (War Paint for Men / JAAQ / Dragon's Den) - "Learning to manage my body dysmorphia"
30:29
30:29
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30:29When you think about inspirational people that have a unique and powerful story to tell, our next guest is the epitome of just that. This is a man who was offered an investment opportunity when appearing on Dragon’s Den, only to turn down the offer and carve out a unique business empire changing the way we see Men wearing makeup - As a result, War …
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EP 14: Andre Hordagoda (Serial Entrepreneur) - "Every day is about experiences, the people around you & smiling"
22:42
22:42
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22:42Never stop believing. A motto our next guest is all about. This is a man who could sell ice to the eskimos, the ultimate salesman who is always one step ahead of the competition. A successful entrepreneur who has co-founded his company Go Instore, using the global pandemic as a springboard and taking his business to the next level. You’ll find that…
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EP 13: Ryan O'Keeffe & Steve Richards (Jago) - "Unless you step up & determine your own reputation, people aren't going to know that"
56:04
56:04
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56:04Brace yourselves for a powerful, honest and emotional episode. In a change to our regular format, I’m joined by TWO inspirational guests who know each other incredibly well. From childhood friends to changing people’s lives through effective personal branding, Jago’s dynamic duo talk us through their life lessons involving family, heartache, near-d…
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EP 12: Stephen Knight (Serial Entrepreneur) - "I'm dyslexic but i've never let it hold me back'
27:44
27:44
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27:44A travel fan, but a family man. Our next guest joins us to promote his new business venture, Ultimate Travel Club - an exclusive travel club that includes many exciting benefits in the wake of the global pandemic and the chance to holiday once again. As the former CMO of Walt Disney and founder of the highly successful organisation, Pimento. Stephe…
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EP 11: Mark McIvor (C2 Group) - "A life long journey of buying, selling & turning a profit"
22:11
22:11
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22:11Mine is not to reason why, mine is but to sell and buy. A motto that our next guest lives and dies by. Mark McIvor is the ultimate businessman, always looking to turn a profit. But he’s more than just that, he’s a family man who enjoys the finer things in life. But things haven’t always been rosy in the McIvor garden, especially during lockdown… Le…
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EP 10: Alex Minchin (Zest Digital) - "Writing an open letter to myself"
32:31
32:31
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32:31Would you Adam and Eve it, we’ve reached Episode 10 of the People Behind Brands Podcast! For this one I’ve managed to drag in a silver fox, no it’s not George Clooney, instead we’ve got the next best thing. This is a man who has pioneered what he does in his craft. An industry award winner and all round nice guy, Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Mr…
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EP 9: Sarah McKee-Harris (Kingswood Group) - Raising her son & going through divorce
25:51
25:51
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25:51A strong and honest business woman, my next guest gives us an insight into the world of HR and recruitment post pandemic. Despite the personal challenges of raising her young son and going through divorce, she has become a recognised leader in business, fronting Kingswood Group, and more recently KG Direct Hire, in London and Essex. I’m pleased to …
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EP 8: Deepa Parekh (Health & Wellness Expert) - "When you hit trauma that's when you realise life is short"
22:17
22:17
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22:17I’m pleased to welcome our very first lady on the podcast, they don’t come much stronger and independent than my next guest. From organising lavish events for the rich and famous to empowering positive mindsets as an social media influencer, please be upstanding for Deepa Parekh of the award winning 7 Star Business Concierge and her latest venture,…
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EP 7: Paul Taylor (Serial Entrepreneur & MWB Director) - "I have a tendency to never be content, I thrive on the buzz of a deal"
30:25
30:25
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30:25They used to say if Paul Taylor fell into a Viper's pit, he'd come up wearing snake-skin shoes... This is a man who knows how to turn a profit and make success come easy. In this episode we touch upon what makes him tick, as well as delving into his undoubted knowledge and success. If you have an interest in property investment and business in gene…
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EP 6: Gerard Francis (Lighthouse Personnel) - "We always want to get it right through honesty & transparency"
32:35
32:35
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32:35Another day, another fantastic episode of People Behind Brands coming at ya! Today’s episode is all about a man who goes above and beyond for his customers, guiding them into the next step of their careers. From steering his company through testing times in lockdown to once appearing on Top of The Pops, the infectious Mr Gerard Francis of Lighthous…
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EP 5: Andrew Bloch (Andrew Bloch & Associates) - A trusted associate to Lord Sugar & other high profile clients
30:53
30:53
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30:53So, our next guest is someone who can only be described as a PR genius. Best known for founding one of the most successful agencies in FRANK PR, to becoming a trusted advisor to Lord Sugar. Ever heard of The Apprentice and Alexsander the Meerkat’s famous tagline, ‘Simples’ ? Well, this is the man behind the success - I’m pleased to welcome none oth…
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