Check out the latest careers at easyJet: https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS

Episode Guest

Meet Will Stratton Morris, UK CEO at Caffè Nero.

Will Stratton-Morris has a 30-year career in branded, customer-focused service industries, specializing in transformational leadership in multi-site businesses. Currently, he is the UK CEO of Caffè Nero UK, previously serving as divisional CEO at SSE and holding leadership roles at InterContinental Hotels, Disney, and British Airways. His early career included roles in branding, marketing, and franchise management, starting with Marks & Spencer. Will also serves as Non-Executive Chair at BeEV and Advisor to Splendid Hospitality Group, actively engages in leadership development, coaching, and lecturing, and is passionate about sports, family, and mentoring.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 The Importance of Love and Discipline in Leadership 03:12 Navigating Career Paths and Work Experience 06:02 Leadership Techniques: Intellect, Energy, and Empathy 08:52 The Value of Ground-Level Experience 11:48 Lessons from the Navy: Leadership Training 15:09 Building Community and Culture in Organizations 18:02 The Role of Leaders in Shaping Workplace Dynamics 21:10 The 10 Fs: A Framework for Leadership 23:55 Personal Insights: Faith, Fun, and Authenticity 26:45 Invisible Success: The Unseen Contributions of Leadership 30:08 Conclusion: The Energy of Leadership

Episode Partner easyJet streamlines affordable travel for all, with every role crucial in connecting millions via Europe's top airline network. With an innovative culture, easyJet empowers you to shape travel's future.

Check out IRIS Software Group.

https://www.iris.co.uk/about/

Episode Guest

Meet Elona Mortimer-Zhika, CEO at IRIS Software Group.

From growing up in communist Albania to leading IRIS Software Group, Elona Mortimer-Zhika's journey is one of resilience and inspiration. Her path to becoming a CEO wasn’t easy; she overcame language barriers and economic hardship, driven by her passion for tech, diversity, and making a social impact. Now, she leads a team of 3,500, empowering businesses with mission-critical software while advocating for equal opportunities for underrepresented backgrounds.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Understanding Equality vs. Equity

06:47 The Journey from Albania to the UK

10:50 Resilience and the Power of Opportunity

15:46 The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

20:29 Leadership and Passion in Business

25:41 Building a Strong Company Culture

30:52 Empowering the Next Generation

Episode Partner

Founded more than 45 years ago, IRIS Software Group (IRIS) is a leading global provider of mission critical software and services, and one of the UK’s largest privately held software companies. IRIS is a trusted partner to more than 100,000 customers across 135 countries, empowering finance, HR and payroll teams, educational organisations, and accountancy practices of all shapes and sizes to look forward with certainty and confidence.

Check out the latest careers at IFX:

https://bit.ly/3U63tPh

Episode Guest

How does a barrister end up running a cutting-edge fintech company? Will Marwick, CEO of IFX Payments, shares his unique career journey from law to leading a $40M fintech business. In this candid interview, Will reveals how IFX Payments started in a farm stable and how their innovative fintech solutions are driving rapid growth. He also explains how his legal background has equipped him to navigate the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of finance.

Learn from Will’s story as he discusses the leap from law to fintech leadership, fun facts about IFX’s humble beginnings with horses, and practical career advice for young professionals looking to break into fintech. Will also shares how to build a business with strong culture, values, and vision. Are you ready duvet flippers? Let's explore Will's unconventional and exciting career journey!

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Authenticity and Self-Discovery

02:10 Career Beginnings and Lessons Learned

08:43 Emotional Awareness in Professional Life

13:04 Curiosity and Continuous Improvement

18:58 Effective Communication and Trust in Leadership

23:12 Job Interviews and Understanding Value

26:00 IFX Payments: A New Era in Fintech

33:09 Cultural Attitudes Towards Money

40:26 Investing in Yourself for Financial Freedom

42:24 Life Lessons and Future Aspirations

Episode Partner

Founded in 2005, IFX Payments is a leading global provider of foreign exchange, payment, and financial technology services. IFX offers advanced solutions for corporate payment, treasury, and financial management needs, as well as customised FX solutions for individuals seeking trusted partners for their unique exchange requirements. Their mission is to build an accessible, frictionless, and complete digital payments experience that removes the burden of managing complex treasury processes and empowers businesses to realise their true potential by focusing on the things that really matter to them

Check out the latest careers at easyJet:

⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS⁠⁠⁠

Episode Guest

Meet Aki Hussain, Group CEO at Hiscox.

Aki joined Hiscox in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer for the Hiscox Group, before becoming Group Chief Executive Officer in January 2022. Prior to joining Hiscox, Aki held a number of senior roles in financial services, telecoms and media. He spent seven years at Prudential plc, latterly as Chief Financial Officer for Prudential UK and Europe. He was Finance Director for the Consumer Bank division at Lloyd’s Banking Group until 2009 and prior to that was Finance Director for the Consumer division of ntl (now Virgin Media). Aki is a Chartered Accountant, having trained with KPMG.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 The Value of Problem Solving

02:30 Career Journey: From Waiter to CEO

06:48 The Importance of Gaining Experience

11:01 Building Connections and Networking

14:37 Taking Risks and Seizing Opportunities

18:30 Transitioning from Banking to Insurance

24:50 Demystifying Insurance for the Next Generation

28:52 The Future of Insurance and Customer Experience

32:56 Life Lessons from a CEO

Episode Partner

easyJet streamlines affordable travel for all, with every role crucial in connecting millions via Europe's top airline network. With an innovative culture, easyJet empowers you to shape travel's future.

Check out Lorna’s LinkedIn here:

https://bit.ly/3YkbToR

Episode Guest

Meet Lorna Cobbett, Founder at Blue John.

Lorna founded Blue John, a reputation management consultancy, in 2024 following a 12-year career in strategic communications.

A former investment banker, she started her career in 2001 in London and spent eight years working for Citi and Goldman Sachs. Lorna’s career in strategic communications included being a Partner at Bell Pottinger, Managing Director at Hawthorn Advisors, and UK CEO at Citigate Dewe Rogerson.

Lorna is a senior, trusted advisor for companies and leaders across a range of sectors and works with public companies, private companies, and start-ups.

She has extensive experience in reputation management, transactions, crisis and change management.

Outside of work, Lorna is married with 8-year-old triplets (Roman, Essie and Eva). Essie was life limited and will be forever 18 months old.

Lorna and her family support Chestnut Tree House, the children’s hospice that Essie went to, and she also is a parent ambassador for Together for Short Lives. She is a passionate social mobility champion and a founder member of The 93% Professionals.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Personal Philosophy

03:01 Career Journey: From McDonald's to Tesco

05:54 The Importance of Learning and Adaptability

09:12 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Corporate Challenges

12:04 Navigating New Work Environments

15:08 The Impact of Labels and Societal Expectations

17:55 Transitioning from Investment Banking to Entrepreneurship

21:01 The Birth of Blue John and Its Mission

23:51 Personal Loss and Its Influence on Life Perspective

26:46 Empathy and Support for Others

30:10 Life Lessons and Career Reflections

33:11 Essie's Legacy and Motivation

35:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Partner

Blue John is a reputation management consultancy for companies and leaders facing growth or change.

They advise brands to ‘start with your truth’ and deliver reputation management consultancy through advisory, strategic communications, transaction support or change management.

Often it is a combination of all these areas, as Blue John recognise that each company (or leader) is on their own journey, and it is rarely linear.

Blue John is there to stand alongside brands, however and whenever they need them.

Everything for reputation, for reputation is everything.

www.wearebluejohn.com

Support Links: https://www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/

Check out the latest careers at easyJet:

https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS

Episode Guest

In this episode, we sit down with Martin Gray and Ruth Martin of easyJet to uncover the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of easyJet Airlines, Europe's largest airline. Find out how easyJet maintains its fleet of 346 aircraft, flying over 2,000 flights a day, and discover the mindset that drives their success!

We'll explore how easyJet's dynamic and agile culture, known as the ‘Spirit of Orange’, drives innovation, teamwork and growth. Plus, get insider tips on landing an apprenticeship and building a career in aviation. If you're looking to get into the industry, or just love aviation, this is a must see!

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Careers and Independence

02:55 The Importance of Hard Work

06:12 Navigating Challenges and Motivation

09:02 The Role of Autonomy in Engineering

11:53 Understanding Job Titles and Responsibilities

15:14 Apprenticeships and Career Pathways

18:07 The Culture of EasyJet

20:55 Engaging the Next Generation in Engineering

23:49 Invisible Successes and Personal Growth

Episode Partner

easyJet streamlines affordable travel for all, with every role crucial in connecting millions via Europe's top airline network. With an innovative culture, easyJet empowers you to shape travel's future.

Apply for a chance to win £25,000 via Simply Business' Business Boost:

https://bit.ly/4cUXQdl

Episode Guest

Meet Claire Marchais, Co-Founder at Fair-Well.

How do you turn a milk float into a movement? Claire Marchais did just that with Fair-well! From her first job in Paris fashion to creating a plastic-free revolution in North London, Claire reveals how winning a £25,000 grant helped her business thrive. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or passionate about sustainability, Claire's story will inspire you to dream big, start small, and embrace failure along the way. Tune in to this inspiring episode of MDF to build an eco-enterprise from the ground up!

Episode Timestamps

00:00 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

10:02 Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Failure

19:51 Building a Sustainable Business Model

29:51 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Episode Partner

T&Cs apply. One entry per person and business. Business Boost is open to UK residents aged 18 or over. Entrants’ businesses’ annual turnover must not exceed £750k or have received over £50k in private funding in the past two years (not including Gov grants). For full eligibility terms visit Simply Business. The competition closes: on 15 Oct 2024. Simply Business will announce the winner on 13 Dec 2024

Check out the latest careers at easyJet:

⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS⁠⁠⁠

Episode Guest

Meet Stuart Machin, Chief Executive at Marks & Spencer.

Stuart is the Chief Executive of M&S. He took over as Chief Executive Officer in May 2022, having joined M&S as Food Managing Director in April 2018 with 30 years’ experience across food, fashion and home retail sector.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, Stuart was joint Chief Operating Officer, where in addition to leading M&S Food, he also took responsibility for property and store development, store operations, HR and IT.

Stuart is also a director of Ocado Retail Limited – the joint venture between M&S and Ocado Group. Throughout his career, Stuart has held senior operations and commercial roles across the UK and internationally, starting his career in Sainsbury’s and British Home stores, Tesco and then Asda. Stuart spent 10 years in Australia as part of Wesfarmers as COO and CEO of Coles supermarkets and Target department stores respectively. Returning to the UK he was briefly CEO of home retailer and manufacturer Steinhoff UK.

Stuart has extensive experience of retail transformation and a deep understanding of operations, trading, marketing and online. He also attended the three-month residential HARVARD AMP programme in 2013 and the Harvard CEO programme in 2023.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Stuart's Background in Retail

02:02 Stuart's Journey to Becoming CEO of Marks & Spencer

03:00 The Diverse World of Retail

07:13 The Importance of Being a Team Player

12:26 Gaining Diverse Experience in Retail

15:02 Challenges and the Need for Teamwork in Managing a Large Organization

18:06 The Process of Creating and Marketing Products in Retail

23:50 The Role of Passion and Dedication in Retail Success

25:47 Exploring Job Opportunities in the Exciting Retail Industry

26:20 Conclusion

Episode Partner easyJet streamlines affordable travel for all, with every role crucial in connecting millions via Europe's top airline network. With an innovative culture, easyJet empowers you to shape travel's future.