Ben Fennell has spent his whole career learning and developing as a leader from those around him. Whether that was his early days in London agencies, to working across every market and culture in Asia, to then meeting some of the biggest sports stars in the world and hearing what drives them succeed.

In this conversation he shares his journey from aspiring rugby player to becoming the CEO of The Growth House, reflecting on his experiences at BBH and the lessons learned in leadership, team dynamics, and client relationships.

He discusses the importance of cultural understanding in advertising, the challenges of starting a new business, and the insights gained from writing a book on high-performance teams with Will Greenwood called World Class.

The conversation emphasises the significance of communication, collaboration, and building strong relationships in both business and personal growth.

The SATT Team :)

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In this episode of Swim Against the Tide we meet Chris Miller who shares his bold journey from finance to the forefront of the hospitality industry.

As the founder of White Rabbit Projects, Chris discusses taking calculated risks, supporting early-stage restaurateurs, and innovating in wellness and hospitality.

He dives into the challenges of expanding into new markets, the constant pressures of the restaurant industry, and why customer experience is at the heart of every successful concept.

With a focus on hard work, collaboration, and following his passion, Chris offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs, culinary innovators, and anyone seeking to build a meaningful business in hospitality.

He ends by sharing how he has just built the biggest communal sauna in the UK.

The SATT Team :)

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In this open and frank conversation, Kostas Sfaltos shares his fascinating journey from a modest upbringing in Greece to becoming the Managing Director of luxury hotels in London.

He discusses the pivotal moments in his career, including his Greek military service, which taught him valuable leadership lessons and the importance to building deep relationships that last for life.

Kostas emphasizes the importance of listening to team members and guests, creating a positive culture, and the role of coaching in enhancing his leadership effectiveness as he continues to develop in his role.

He reflects on his current role at Maybourne and the achievements of his team, including The Emory Hotel being recognised in the world's 50 best hotels.

The conversation concludes with insights on the future of luxury hospitality and some sage advice to his younger self.

The SATT Team :)

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This week our conversation explores the journey of a fashion executive from young designer, to launching online phenomenon Boohoo to becoming Group Executive Director at Debenham.com.

With Carol Kane, the Co-Founder of Boohoo we delve into the evolution of fast fashion (and its true meaning), marketing strategies in e-commerce, and the challenges faced during the IPO process.

The discussion highlights the importance of understanding market trends, the role of storytelling in branding, and the impact of acquisitions on business growth.

Carol emphasises the significance of personalisation in retail, the reintroduction of designer labels, and the future of retail through pop-up stores and new channels to the customer.

Finally, she shares lessons in leadership and the value of mentorship, along with the need for a strong consumer connection in today's market.

The SATT Team :)

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In this week’s episode of Swim Against the Tide with Steve Henry, Will Lankston—Managing Director of Timpson Direct—shares his remarkable journey from working school holiday shifts in Timpson shops to leading one of the company’s fastest-growing divisions.

Will reveals the people-first philosophy behind Timpson’s success, including its unconventional hiring approach that prioritises personality over experience and its famous “upside down management” culture.

He explains why employee happiness directly fuels business growth, how mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities, and what social responsibility looks like in practice through Timpson’s longstanding commitment to employing ex-offenders.

Will also explores the future of Timpson Direct, the importance of personal development, and his advice for young professionals eager to build meaningful careers.

The SATT Team :)

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In this episode of the podcast, Rodrigo Maza - CEO of Naked Wines - shares how
he’s challenging convention in the wine industry by building a community-first
business that connects customers directly with independent winemakers.
Rodrigo reflects on his unconventional journey from beer to wine, the evolution of
Naked Wines’ unique model, and his mission to make wine fun, accessible, and free
from industry snobbery.
He breaks down the importance of customer retention, co-creation, and high-
alignment leadership, while also discussing the post-COVID rebuilding period and
the work required to regain trust and deepen engagement.
Rodrigo offers an honest look at entrepreneurship, innovation, and what it takes to
lead boldly in a traditional industry.
The SATT Team :)
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In this episode, Kate Prince shares her journey from being a city lawyer to founding Ancient + Brave, a wellness brand focused on collagen and nutraceutical supplements.

She discusses the challenges of transitioning from law to media, the philosophy behind her brand, and the importance of education and transparency in the wellness industry.

Kate also highlights the significance of partnerships, social responsibility, and her experiences as a female entrepreneur in a competitive market.

She concludes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasising the need for speed and bravery in decision-making.

The SATT Team :)

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In this podcast episode, Goran Vailjevic, co-founder of truefuels, shares his journey from aspiring professional tennis player to successful entrepreneur in the sports nutrition industry.

He discusses the challenges faced during his athletic career, the transition to investment banking, and the eventual partnership with Olympic triathlete Alistair Brownlee to create a brand focused on clean, functional nutrition products.

Goran emphasises the importance of decision-making, execution, and luck in both sports and business, and outlines the strategies truefuels employs to grow its brand in a competitive market.

The SATT Team :)

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship