Secret Leaders

From hitting rock bottom to tripling his business overnight! Executive development specialist Jim reveals how admitting his shortcomings to his wife became the catalyst for transformation, leading him to quit drinking and embark on a path of self-discovery.  Whether you're battling your own demons or simply seeking inspiration to reach your full potential, Jim's story offers a compelling testament to the power of vulnerability, authenticity, and the courage to change." … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

Nick Sabine, Co-Founder of Resident Advisor (RA), shares his journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of authenticity in leadership and life. From his early inspiration in the electronic music scene to the challenges of growing a global brand, Nick candidly discusses the struggles of maintaining authenticity, navigating co-founder relationships, and leading through crisis. A life-altering divorce and a period of self-reflection, including embracing boredom and solitude, led Nick to reconnect with his true self. This newfound authenticity reshaped his leadership style, allowing him to build genuine connections with his team, which proved crucial when COVID-19 hit, wiping out 95% of RA's revenue. Nick offers a rare glimpse into the high-pressure world of the music industry, while reminding us that true success lies in the depth of our relationships and the courage to be unapologetically ourselves. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com

In the face of failure, do you quit or persevere? Alden Mills, a former Navy SEAL who has navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Alden shares the invaluable lessons he learned about failure during his time in the SEALs and how he applied them to his business ventures. From the brink of bankruptcy to generating nearly $100 million in sales, Alden's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying connected to your passion and purpose. Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

Success isn't just about having a great product or service. You know that standing out in a crowded market is tough. But what if you could cut through the noise and build a loyal following that drives real results for your business? Enter the power of personal branding. Chris Donnelly, Founder of Verb and Lottie, shares his insights on leveraging your personal brand to supercharge your entrepreneurial journey. With over 35 million content views per week, Chris has cracked the code on authentic, impactful personal branding. And it’s true, building a strong personal brand isn't easy. It requires consistency, vulnerability, and a willingness to experiment. But if you do it right; you will find an enormous amount of opportunities. If you want to start a new side hustle, you’ll have a jump start. If you want to fill a role in your company, you’ll have countless applications, and if you want to climb the corporate ladder, you’ll be getting a little more attention. Whether you're a seasoned Founder or just starti

What happens when a successful home exchange company tries to launch a rental business? Emmanuel Arnault, CEO of Home Exchange, shares his experience of investing a million dollars in a new rental venture that ultimately failed. Emmanuel dives into the strategic mistakes they made, the challenges of balancing a flagship business with a new side project, and the important lessons he learned about leadership and resource allocation along the way. From the initial planning stages to the final decision to pull the plug, He discusses the importance of adapting one's leadership style as a company grows and the pitfalls of relying too heavily on intuition when launching a new venture. Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

Can you achieve high performance without losing yourself? Jake Humphrey, top sports broadcaster, believes the key to high performance is inner contentment. He shares his radical approach to happiness and achievement. From overcoming bullying to battling imposter syndrome, he's learned that true success isn't about accolades, but about being true to yourself. Through personal stories and practical tips, Jake offers a roadmap for redefining success on your own terms. Discover the mindset shifts and daily practices that have transformed his relationships, career, and sense of purpose. Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking balance or just someone craving a more fulfilling path, Jake's insights will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to prioritise joy. Tune in to unlock a new level of performance and satisfaction in all areas of life … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secret

Jerry Rosengarten is a seasoned, serial entrepreneur and designer who, somewhat unexpectedly, created a revolution in menswear when he designed the leisure suit. However, the leisure suit's success was short-lived. Jerry reveals how knockoffs and cheaper fabrics flooded the market, ultimately leading to the downfall of his business. Through his experiences, Jerry imparts valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, emphasising the importance of pivoting in the face of challenges and having a reliable "drizzler" – a steady source of income to fall back on during tough times. His story serves as a reminder that even the most promising ventures can unravel, and adaptability is key to long-term success. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

As a founder, uncertainty is the air you breathe. Sam Conniff, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and co-creator of the Uncertainty Experts, shares his invaluable insights and strategies for navigating the unknown and transforming your relationship with risk. Drawing from his experience and the Uncertainty Experts program, Conniff breaks down the mental models and techniques that can help you find stillness and comfort in the face of uncertainty—and reveals how anyone can build their uncertainty tolerance and thrive in the chaos. … Promo Uncertainty Experts Use this link to get 25% off when you join the Uncertainty Experts experience: https://www.uncertaintyexperts.com/offers/kCVosyU9/checkout?coupon_code=SECRETLEADERS Start by measuring your uncertainty tolerance: https://www.uncertaintyexperts.com/quiz Check out the research behind it all Here and Here Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://perso

Alison Caffrey opens up about the perfect storm she faced as a new mom and entrepreneur. With her business reliant on her time and her husband losing his income, Alison found herself answering client emails mere hours after giving birth. She shares her emotional journey, from using alcohol to cope with stress to the realisation that her business needed a complete overhaul.  … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

As a leader, your number one job is to be an effective communicator.,  Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Charles Duhigg shares his incredible insights and practical strategies for mastering the art and science of effective communication.  Drawing from his new book, "Supercommunicators," Duhigg breaks down the techniques that set apart those rare individuals who seem to have a magic touch when it comes to conversations and connections—and reveals how anyone can tap into those same skills.  From handling tough talks and building trust to crafting messages that motivate and inspire, this masterclass in communication is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking to build stronger relationships and unlock their full potential. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our histori

Tom McLeod, a serial entrepreneur, shares his wild journey of building 5 companies and surviving a dozen failures. From spy camera apps to failed iPhone tossing games, Tom's story is a masterclass in resilience and failing fast. He reveals the gut-wrenching story of his startup Omni, which despite a successful exit, fell short of his ambitious vision. Tom's key lesson? Take loads of shots, learn from failures, and avoid getting knocked out. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

There is a problem. Lawyers and Founders have misaligned incentives. Daniel van Binsbergen, lawyer turned founder, shares his perspective on tackling legal challenges in the startup world. Having Founded and exited Lexoo, a legal marketplace, DVB bridges the gap between the legal world and the entrepreneurial mindset. From prioritising legal matters and managing risk tolerance, to fostering a productive relationship with your lawyer and adapting to the fast-paced startup environment - expect actionable insights and candid advice on how to effectively handle legal aspects while not being distracted from your business. 

Failing Forward! An Opera Singer's Lessons in Resilience and Reinvention From the opera stage to executive coaching, Caroline Dowd Higgins exemplifies resilience and courage. She recounts her promising opera career's harsh realities, including a pivotal breakdown and questioning if the sacrifices were worth the suffering. With wisdom, Caroline shares lessons on recognising when to pivot, seeking feedback, and embracing her mantra: "The suffering is optional." … Sponsor Check out Personio - the all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders

“99% of successful businesses don’t have a strategy” Alex Smith, a renowned business strategist who argues that real strategic skill isn't about getting caught up in overwhelming complexity, but about identifying key differences that set you apart from competitors. To bring these ideas into reality, Alex and Dan break down brilliant yet straightforward strategies used by companies like Southwest Airlines, Nintendo, Grenade bars, and 5-hour Energy drinks.

Jess Dante, the Founder of Love and London, shares her company's cautionary tale of attempting to launch a new product based on customer demand. Despite months of hard work and a compelling marketing push, the much-anticipated launch fell flat, leaving them with a mere single booking in the first 24 hours. What went wrong? … Sponsor Check out Personio - the all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders

What if the secret to getting more done, is having more fun? In this episode we speak with Ali Abdaal - YouTuber, doctor, author and Founder who has built a business around his own personal brand. Ali shares his approach to being more productive by simply making work feel like play. Ali explains the science behind why we're more motivated when something feels like a game rather than a chore. He provides practical tips for turning boring tasks into engaging challenges by reframing them with an element of fun. From optimising habits to delegating effectively, Ali covers strategies to inject more enjoyment into your daily grind. Whether you're an entrepreneur hitting a career milestone or just looking to get more done without burning out, Ali's perspective offers a refreshing way to tackle your responsibilities with more energy and less stress. _________ Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio

Andrew Wordsworth is the Managing Partner of Sustainable Ventures, an investment fund which has developed Europe's largest cluster of sustainability startups. But the first venture he backed (and was the Chairman of) was a disaster - and what’s strange is it had all the ingredients to be a mega business... -- Check out Personio - the all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders

Finding the ideal Co-Founder is one of the most critical decisions a Founder will make. In this episode, Alice Bentinck, CEO and Co-Founder of Entrepreneur First, shares how to create world class productive partnerships and finding your market edge. With over a decade of experience building entrepreneurial teams that have created businesses worth billions, Alice has seen what it really takes to get a business of the ground in the first 90 days. From identifying complementary skills, to conducting successful market research, to putting practicality before passion - Alice covers the full spectrum of establishing a powerful Co-Founding partnership. ____________ Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

Mussayab Ehtesham sunk $30,000 of his savings into an e-commerce product that completely flopped. Instead of quitting, his obsession with entrepreneurial freedom drove him to learn from that costly failure and iterate relentlessly until he cracked the code and built a $1M private label business. -- Check out Personio - the all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders

Mike Connelly was a top telecoms salesman who decided to strike out on his own. His new venture, Simple Cloud Communications, quickly landed clients thanks to Mike's sales prowess. But he struggled immensely to service those customers without strong technical operations skills. Mike learned first-hand that even star employees can falter as solo Founders if their skillsets are too one-dimensional, but by embracing the right partner to fill knowledge gaps, a business can finally find its footing. -- Check out Personio - the all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders