A Different Perspective: Recent Episodes
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A Different Perspective is a Zeus podcast, hosted by Nick Searle, Equity Sales. In the different perspective podcast we speak to interesting characters within finance and business to understand more about their personal journey and ambitions. This is co-mingled with a discussion about their business. It’s more about the formation of the individual than the business per se; thus trying to gain that different perspective.
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week, Nick talks to promotional merchandise entrepreneur, Martin Varley.
Martin has founded several businesses within the promotional merchandise industry and has extensive knowledge of supply and distribution in the sector.
Martin left school at fifteen and worked as a photo journalist before embarking upon his entrepreneurial journey. He started his first promotional product company, which he grew and sold to Bemrose Corporation Plc. Whilst working with Bemrose, Martin launched 4imprint, which is now a UK Plc with a £1.3bn market cap. Martin then went on to found Galileo Innovation and Corporate Solutions, and following a series of deals, he created Altitude Group, serving as CEO from 2005 to 2017, before becoming a NED.
His latest project is Merchr.com, a content monetisation platform that gives brands, influencers, musicians, sportspeople, attractions, charities, schools, entrepreneurs, and more, a unique opportunity to create their own merch collection with no inventory, no risk and a 24-hour shipping guarantee.
Nick and Martin discuss Martin’s background and upbringing, the importance of building trust in sales, investing in your team and Martin’s passion for aviation.
As always, Nick and Martin discuss Martin’s book recommendations: Good To Great by Jim Collins and from Odyssey by John Sculley
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week, Nick speaks to serial technology entrepreneur and author, Michael Tobin OBE.
With over 30 years’ experience in the telecoms and technology sector, Michael is the former CEO of Telecity. Michael built Telecity from a £6m market cap to a £2.6bn business.
Michael has since founded Tobin Ventures, and holds multiple NED and Chairman roles with progressive businesses in the datacentre and technology industries. Michael is also Chairman of Audioboom.
Nick and Michael discuss Michael’s upbringing, his route to becoming CEO of Telecity, his management of several successful exit strategies, and his maverick management techniques.
Michael's book choice was 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C Clarke and his latest book is out now - A Perfect Storm: How to thrive in an uncertain and ever-changing world.
This week Nick talks to James Ashton, an author and CEO of the Quoted Companies Alliance.
James has been a financial journalist for over 20 years was City Editor and Executive Editor at the Evening Standard, and has also worked at Reuters and the Sunday Times. James is also the CEO of the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA), which is an enabling, principles-based, corporate governance code for companies focused on growth.
James is also an accomplished author, and his third book The Everything Blueprint: The Microchip Design that Changed the World tells the story of UK’s technology success ARM.
Nick and James discuss James’ background, and what drove him to join Fleet Street, joining the QCA, perceptions of public markets and what needs to change to keep UK Capital Markets relevant on the international stage. James also discussed the process of writing his latest book and the high-tech, international story of ARM.
James' book choices where Philip Agur's The Bank That Lived a Little - Barclays in the Age of the Very Free Market and Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe.
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
With Nick this week is Harris 'Kuppy' Kupperman, Founder & Chief Investment Officer of Praetorian Capital Fund LLC. Harris Kupperman is a renowned investment manager who specializes in leveraging changing trends to guide stock selection and Event-Driven strategies. He is the founder of Praetorian Capital Management LLC and actively shares his investment process and insights on his blog, Kuppy's Korner.
He is also a contributor to www.KEDM.com, a newsletter focused on Event-Driven investing. In addition, Mr. Kupperman holds the positions of Chairman and CEO at Mongolia Growth Group (YAK: Canada and MNGGF: USA), a publicly traded company, which provides him with a unique perspective as both an operator and financier.
Kuppy's book choice was The First Tycoon by T.J. Stiles
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
Listen to last week’s live recording of A Different Perspective podcast, featuring host Nick Searle with guests, macro trading legends Hugh Hendry and Barry Norris. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at St Ethelburga's in the City of London on 21st’ June.
Nick, Hugh and Barry discussed the rate rise dilemma faced by the FED and Bank of England and what needs to break, are we over peak ESG and what is the future for active fund management.
Hugh was previously at Baillie Gifford and Odey Asset Management, and his Eclectica macro hedge fund was famously up 50% in 2003 and up 50% in the month of October in 2008, earning him a reputation as a contrarian investor. Barry Norris is the Founder of Argonaut Capital, an equity fund management company based in London. Barry is the Fund Manager of the Argonaut Absolute Return Fund, a leading equity long/short fund, managed using contrarian top-down macro views and a bottom-up “earnings surprise” stock-picking process. He also writes the widely followed “Argonautica” blog and creates Argonaut’s distinct “Stockumentary” videos.
Hugh Hendry is a hedge fund manager and podcast host.
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
Join us for a live recording of Zeus' popular podcast, A Different Perspective, hosted by Nick Searle, featuring special guests, Hugh Hendry and Barry Norris.
Barry Norris is the Founder of Argonaut Capital, an equity fund management company based in London. Barry is the Fund Manager of the Argonaut Absolute Return Fund, a leading equity long/short fund, managed using contrarian top-down macro views and a bottom-up “earnings surprise” stock-picking process. He also writes the widely followed “Argonautica” blog and creates Argonaut’s distinct “Stockumentary” videos.
Hugh Hendry is a hedge fund manager and podcast host. Hugh was previously at Baillie Gifford and Odey Asset Management, and his Eclectica macro hedge fund was famously up 50% in 2003 and up 50% in the month of October in 2008, earning him a reputation as a contrarian investor.
Join us for a live recording of Zeus' popular podcast, A Different Perspective, hosted by Nick Searle, featuring special guests, Hugh Hendry and Barry Norris.
Barry Norris is the Founder of Argonaut Capital, an equity fund management company based in London. Barry is the Fund Manager of the Argonaut Absolute Return Fund, a leading equity long/short fund, managed using contrarian top-down macro views and a bottom-up “earnings surprise” stock-picking process. He also writes the widely followed “Argonautica” blog and creates Argonaut’s distinct “Stockumentary” videos.
Hugh Hendry is a hedge fund manager and podcast host. Hugh was previously at Baillie Gifford and Odey Asset Management, and his Eclectica macro hedge fund was famously up 50% in 2003 and up 50% in the month of October in 2008, earning him a reputation as a contrarian investor.
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In this episode, Nick Searle speaks to Tim Steer, former top-ranked UK fund manager and author.
Tim started his career as sound engineer to the stars – touring with the likes of Meat Loaf, Diana Ross, Leo Sayer and Thin Lizzy.
He then qualified as an accountant before moving into investment analysis and fund management, becoming one of the most highly rated fund managers in Britain. Since 2000 he has also written regularly for the Times and Sunday Times, as well as contributing to the Financial Times.
Read more from Tim by purchasing a copy of his book, The Signs Were There.
Tim's book choices are Cochrane the Dauntless by David Cordingly, Putin's People by Catherine Belton, and Red Notice by Bill Browder.
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
In this episode, Nick Searle speaks to Helena Marston, CEO of Purplebricks.
Helena joined Purplebricks in May 2020 as Chief People Officer and took on the role of Chief Operating Officer at the end of 2021 before becoming Chief Executive Officer in April 2022.
Prior to Purplebricks, a passion for driving significant performance improvements in leadership and organisational culture led Helena to hold several senior leadership roles at Virgin Media, Kuwait Energy, Jaguar Land Rover and Vodafone. Helena shares with Nick insights from her background, her motivation, and discusses her interest in human behaviour.
Helena's book choices are Executive Intelligence: What All Great Leaders Have in Common by Justin Menkes, The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez and the Art of War by Sun Tzu.
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
In this episode Nick speaks with Alex Hoye the co-founder of the disruptive ski brand The Faction Collective. After a conventional path of Stanford, Harvard Business School, Disney, McKinsey and even an AIM listing Alex co-founded The Faction Collective. These are the skis your kids want to ski. The conversation takes in the ethos and strategy of Faction with strong shadows of Alex's inspiration Yves Chouinard.
Alex's book choices - Let My People Go Surfing : The Education of a Reluctant Businessman: Including 10 More Years of Business Unusual by Yvon Chouinard
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
Nick Searle speaks to Simon Young, UK Fund Manager. An extremely experienced portfolio manager, Simon has focused on income mandates for many years. Following Cambridge University, Simon joined Mercury Asset Management which became Blackrock, and has also worked at Aviva and AXA Asset Management. Simon and Nick discuss Simon’s background and career progression, the appeal income mandates and cash generative companies and views on how macro headwinds will affect consumer spending over the next six months.
Simon's book choice's are Think Lead Succeed: The Admiral Way by Henry Engelhardt and Capital Returns: Investing Through the Capital Cycle: A Money Manager's Reports 2002-15 by Edward Chancellor
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
Nick Searle speaks to Richard Simpson, CEO of Watkin Jones Group.Richard moved into real estate after starting his career in the British Army. He describes his career progression as Unite expanded and the transition to becoming CEO at Watkin Jones. Nick and Richard discuss the current economic backdrop and the impact on the business, the outlook and the commercial real estate sector following Covid 19.
Watkin Jones is the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent focusing on the build to rent residential, purpose built student accommodation and affordable housing sectors.
Richard's book choice is the Art of War by Sun Tzu
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week the legendary Acid Capitalist Hugh Hendry joins Nick for a truly different perspective. Previously at Baillie Gifford and Odey Asset Management Hugh’s Eclectica macro hedge fund was famously up 50% in 2003 and up 50% in the month of October in 2008. Monikered as a contrarian investor Hugh certainly has some very different views as Nick runs through a tally of macro thoughts and themes. Hugh's book choice was The Gap in the Curtain by John Buchan.
Follow and listen to Hugh's Podcast here - The Acid Capitalist
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
In this episode, Nick Searle speaks to Mike Allen, Head of Research at Zeus.
Mike explains how he entered the industry, and explains how the research offering is structured at Zeus. He also gives some thoughts on his top picks in these turbulent markets.
Mike's book choices are The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham and A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough.
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
In this episode, Zeus' Nick Searle, Equity Sales Director, speaks to ex-hedge fund manager, Richard Howarth. Richard had a very successful career at Brewin Dolphin, Clerical Medical and Insight yet decided to retire six years ago as ‘money can’t buy you time’. Richard now lives in Switzerland skiing in the winter and climbing in the summer whilst continuing to invest in the markets.
In A Different Perspective podcast, Nick Searle, Equity Sales at Zeus, speaks to interesting characters within finance and business to understand more about their personal journey and ambitions. Mixed with a healthy discussion of business, we learn about the individuals and their business, to uncover a different perspective
Richard's book choices are - The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma and Catch 22 by Joseph Heller.
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
In this episode, Nick speaks with Albert Ellis, CEO of Staffline Group plc. Staffline provides recruitment and outsourced human resource services. Staffline is an interesting business for our current economic times of high employment and wage increases. Albert has had a very varied career, from starting as a professional musician to running his own hair salons, before working in recruitment. As always, Albert shares with us some great life lessons.
Albert's book choice's - The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham, Jason Zweig (Contributor), Warren Buffett (Contributor) and
VERY BAD PEOPLE by Patrick Alley
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
In this episode Nick talks to Martin Gilbert and Campbell Fleming of AssetCo. Martin founded Aberdeen Asset Management in 1983, culminating in the merger with Standard Life to create the UK’s largest financial services firm in 2017. Martin serves on many boards, including being Chairman of Revolut and a Senior Independent Director at Glencore.
Campbell is CEO of AssetCo and was previously global Head of Distribution and Marketing at Standard Life Aberdeen.
Martin and Campbell lay out their vision for AssetCo, and the asset management industry, what drives them to ‘go again’, thoughts on current market movements and have some pearls of wisdom for people starting out on their careers.
Martin's book choice - Four Iron in the Soul by Lawrence Donegan
Campbell's Book choice - To Kill a Mockingbird by Lee Harper
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week, Nick talks to Fergus Wylie of SIFA Strategy. SIFA Strategy was established in 2016, recognising the material importance of ESG, and the need for management teams to embed it within their business and reporting in response to increasing influence on the cost of capital and drivers of reputation. Fergus discusses why he founded SIFA Strategy, how he views ESG, how management teams can begin to tackle the topic of ESG and current criticism of ESG.
Find Fergus's book choice here: Anthro-Vision, How Anthropology Can Explain Business and Life by Gillian Tett
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
In this episode Nick Searle talks to AFC's CEO Adam Bond. Adam has been the CEO at AFC for 8 years. AFC is at the leading edge of hydrogen fuel cells, having signed several deals with large industry players. Adam’s background and positioning himself to further a career in alternative energy and specifically hydrogen is captivating. Such a topical focus with our current energy security and climate change agendas. Hydrogen is well placed to be the fuel of the future and AFC is at the bleeding edge.
Read Adam Bond's most recent book here The Key Man.
This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
Zeus is an independent financial services group working across public and private capital markets in the UK. We work alongside many of the most exciting businesses in the UK and we are passionate about supporting our clients. This podcast is a series of interviews with interesting characters from the world of business and finance, uncovering a different perspective.