Extrology: Recent Episodes
Lee Cooper
Hi I'm Lee Cooper; recruiter, connector, business owner, sports junkie, coffee snob and best of all, Dad. I'm fascinated by what drives the human spirit, and am fortunate to enjoy a job which for 25 years has afforded me the opportunity to interview literally thousands of inspiring people, from all walks of life. So rather than keep all the good stuff to myself, I figured, why not share the insight, the education and inspiration that can be gained from listening to those who've defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary. But success is such a subjective concept, the extraordinary even more so. It means different things based on different measures, to different people. The odds vary, as do the circumstances widely. The stories are unique, I wanted to understand what I could learn from those who have overcome their own unique odds, to achieve their own uniquely personal goals and to share that learning with you. That is how Extrology was born. Expect to hear from people across the spectrum, people who have risen to the challenges of life, family, community, education, health, business, sport, the arts, science, I aim to ensure as wide of mix of the extraordinary as the 7.5 billion of us on this planet can muster. Come and celebrate the human spirit at https://www.extrology.com/ - I look forward to welcoming you there. Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Some stories are told for inspiration, some for entertainment, but a very few become instruction manuals for the next generation.
Today’s Extrology episode documents one such manual, written by a leader forged through experiences at Oracle, Salesforce and Siebel Systems - Steve Garnett.
He grew up in a council house in Liverpool, mentored by one maths teacher who changed everything.
Behind Steve’s work scaling some of the most iconic tech machines in history, lies a lesson in systems, scar tissue and scale with soul.
What Steve's doing now with education, legacy and angel investing reveals not just how to build billion dollar companies, but how to build the kind of life that compounds…
Lee and Steve discuss:
- The power of resilience and mentorship in shaping a life and career
- Leadership at Oracle, Siebel, and Salesforce, and how they maintain high-performing
- The critical role of core values
- Challenges and opportunities presented by technological revolutions, and the need for leaders to adapt and drive change from the top
- Legacy, philanthropy, and giving back
Steve Garnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stgarnett/?originalSubdomain=uk
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Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Lyndon Stickley has built and exited 6 companies, scaled through chaos, and sold for 9 figures - there’s no substitute for the graft and experience he brings to iplicit.
He’s CEO of a SaaS platform which is one of the UK’s fastest growing, not because of what it does, but because of how it operates.
What can’t be replicated is iplicit’s culture, the DNA running deep in a team growing unfathomably quickly… that’s at the heart of today’s utterly unmissable episode of Extrology.
Lee and Lyndon discuss:
- Strategic scaling in an untapped market segment
- The restraint and vision behind Lyndon’s decision to focus on the UK market
- Culture as iplicit’s competitive edge, and how you scale it to a huge, ever-expanding team
- Talent acquisition in a market where geography is irrelevant
- Long-term perspective vs instant gratification
- Lessons on trust, clarity and culture
Lyndon Stickley:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndon-stickley-bab38b78/
iplicit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iplicit/
Send us a text
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Chris Brisson made a public decision to kill the company he’d built, live in front of 34,000 customers.
Why did Call Loop have to fall for Salesmsg to rise in its wake? That’s the million dollar question for a Co-Founder who builds in silence what others try to shout into existence.
This episode of Extrology is a record of the success that’s found by overcoming your old ways, and building systems that scale under pressure.
Lee and Chris discuss:
- Chris' bold, deliberate choice to "kill" his previous business to rebuild anew with Salesmsg
- How bringing in the right co-founders and team members can unlock potential
- Embracing a mindset of constant refinement, treating every business department as a "product" that can be optimised
- Texting as a sacred channel to reach your customers
- The continuous unlearning of old management styles that drives Chris’ growth as a leader
Chris Brisson:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbrisson/
Salesmsg:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/salesmsg/
https://www.salesmessage.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Extrology launched with little representing commercial plans, or a big question to answer - yet 5 years on, it’s taught us so much about others, and about ourselves.
What we’ve uncovered about the extraordinary amounts to a free MBA every week, and so this week I’m sharing five of the most powerful lessons that have changed the way I lead my life.
This episode covers:
- The ability to listen not in order to respond, but to understand
- Why consistency reigns supreme
- How to find your voice
- The real differentiator that sets high achievers apart
- Pressure’s role in revealing what’s rehearsed and what’s real
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
This week’s Extrology is not a productivity pep talk, it’s an exposé of all the habits you’ve been telling yourself you’ll change, but never have…
Rebecca Shaddix is a Founder, Forbes contributor, and a formidable voice on the real cost of success in high performance environments.
She’s built a philosophy from first-hand burnout, which places her perfectly to deconstruct the dangerous myths driving pseudo-productivity today.
Drop the hero complex and reclaim your time, as Rebecca joins us on an unmissable hour of the Extrology podcast.
Lee and Rebecca discuss:
- Redefining productivity by focusing on intentional micro-moments, strategic output, and personal well-being
- The concept of being a "Time Billionaire" purposefully investing your time rather than simply spending it
- Strategies to identify and interrupt unproductive habits
- Embracing acceptable mistakes, and learning to pick your priority
Rebecca Shaddix:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccashaddix/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Flexible leadership isn't about style or softness. It's about letting go of ego, and prioritising what's truly needed with precision.
Kevin Eikenberry is one of the most recognised voices in leadership development over the past three decades, building a 30 year business around one idea, that great leaders don't cling to rigid playbooks.
This isn't a conversation about frameworks. It's about identity. Kevin himself had to unlearn the habits that made him successful, shifting with modern leadership. Discover how you can do the same - join us for an unmissable episode of Extrology…
Lee and Kevin discuss:
- Flexible leadership as a mindset, adapting to changing circumstances
- The critical role of self-reflection
- Influencing outcomes and people, not controlling them
- The need to balance discomfort with a compelling vision that inspires action
Kevin Eikenberry:
https://kevineikenberry.com/flexible/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevineikenberry/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Irrational obsession is the most rational investment strategy that exists.
For those with a passion, and who believe the world is theirs to earn, you’ve a like-minded soul in Carmen Alfonso Rico, an angel investor actively seeking Founders with more than a mere passion.
Discover what sets Founders apart, the mindset systems behind how Carmen operates, and how to rewrite the playbook on early stage investing…
Lee and Carmen discuss:
- Obsession as a Founder's superpower
- Irrational, passionate commitment being more valuable than rational decision-making
- Recognising the patterns in startups
- Cultural differences in risk-taking between territories
- Founders’ need for deep self-awareness, responsibility for mistakes, and a relentless commitment to personal and professional growth
- The novels that have helped to develop empathy, a crucial skill for understanding founders
Carmen Alfonso Rico:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/calfonsorico/
Cocoa:
https://www.cocoa.vc/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/calfonsorico/
Articles mentioned:
https://paulgraham.com/greatwork.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/opinion/persistence-work-difficulty.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
The UK’s first silent disco was a way to bring joy to parties. A decade later, and it’s a full-blown entertainment empire.
The Silent Disco Company isn’t just about events, but evolution. It represents the impossible task of growing a brand in which energy is everything.
That’s what makes this conversation with Founder Toby Burns so profound - it’s your blueprint to reinventing identity, and turning play into purpose without losing your edge.
Lee and Toby discuss:
- The inception of the iconic silent disco movement in the UK
- Toby’s core philosophy, and how it drives the lasting memories he makes
- How to instil the Founder’s energy throughout a growing team
- Why entrepreneurs undertake the toughest journeys in business
- The value of surrounding yourself with successful people and being open to learning
- Redefining success beyond financial metrics, and building a legacy
Toby Burns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-burns/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Success is not achieved by seeking a financial triumph. Instead, it’s the side effect of pursuing greatness.
Michael Tecku was happily retired, until only the pull of purpose and a medical emergency drew him to his latest endeavour - Founding Momentum Shake.
Behind the story of the man creating the Rolls Royce of supplements, lies the mosaic of a man for whom modesty, ambition, ownership and selflessness are non-negotiable.
Lee and Michael discuss:
- The true purpose of entrepreneurship beyond financial success
- How to build businesses aligned with personal growth
- The importance of generating value over chasing profits
- Strategies for continuous personal and professional development
Michael Tecku:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-tecku-55162415b/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
What happens when all that you’ve built - career, purpose, status - starts to crumble… not through failure, but simply because your body says ‘No more’?
Dr Jeanne Retief started life on the front lines of international human rights law, but after a diagnosis of panic disorder, she saw the kind of invisible collapse that so many high performers experience.
Rebuilt and reimagined, she’s forged a new identity and launched Figgi Beauty, and the story of how it came to be might just help you reclaim your power, whatever you’re facing…
CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive topics around sexual abuse, attempted suicide, and alcoholism - listener discretion advised.
Lee and Jeanne discuss:
- How high-achieving professionals can turn mental health challenges into business strengths
- The transformative power of vulnerability in leadership
- Strategies for managing anxiety and building a purpose-driven business
- Why sensitivity isn't a weakness, but potentially your greatest asset
- How community and authenticity can heal you
Dr Jeanne Retief:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeanne-retief/
Figgi Beauty:
https://www.figgibeautyuk.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
The world is at war, and while we’re sat at home comfortably wishing it better, Emery Brusset is making a genuine difference.
Since 1991, Emery has been pivotal to bringing life-saving aid to Iraq, Rwanda, Ukraine and Libya, and he’s perfectly placed to explore the human reality of conflict.
Courage and clarity are at the heart of this episode of Extrology - explore what we gain when we stop reducing people to spreadsheets, and build a better picture of our world…
Lee and Emery discuss:
- How traditional humanitarian aid often misses the mark
- The limitations of bureaucratic reporting and the power of visual storytelling
- Why soft power in international aid is more complex than governments claim
- Emery’s ‘Letter C’ initiative, aiming to transform how we understand and deliver humanitarian support
Emery Brusset:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emery-brusset-3526781/
Letter C
https://www.linkedin.com/company/letter-c-cordee/
https://www.letter-c.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Have you ever felt limited by the belief that you’re simply not a creative person?
On this week’s episode of Extrology, Lee Cooper interviews Pia Mailhot-Leichter, author of “Welcome to the Creative Club”, Founder of Kollektiv Studio and a truly bold creative voice.
Pia challenges the conventional definition of creativity, arguing it’s not just for artists but an inherent part of being human - a birthright we often forget.
They delve into Pia's unconventional journey - from working as a journalist in Sri Lanka, to producing an economic documentary in Bahrain, then building award winning creative campaigns for global brands. Now Pia helps visionaries and founders bring wild ideas to life.
Discover how to dismantle the limiting beliefs holding you back, embrace creativity as an identity, navigate creative blocks, and make your life your biggest, most fulfilling art project.
In this episode of extrology you will:
- Learn how fear and self-doubt limit your creative expression
- Discover why curiosity is the secret ingredient to unlocking creativity.
- Understand creativity as a way of being
- Explore how to design your life as a creative act of self-expression.
Pia Mailhot-Leichter:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pialeichter/
BOOK: Welcome to the Creative Club:
https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Creative-Club-Biggest-Project-ebook/dp/B0DPJ644PZ/ref=sr_1_1
Kollektic Studio:
https://kollektiv.studio/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Looking to scale a tech company from zero to multi-millions? Our latest guest achieved just that in only 4 years!
In episode 128 of Extrology, Tim Barnett, CEO of Credas breaks down how he built a team that can outperform competitors from Silicon Valley, with just 40 people in Cardiff.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking to understand what truly drives high-performing teams, this episode offers valuable insights.
Lee and Tim discuss:
- How clear values, trust, purpose, and removing fear of failure breeds high performance teams
- The importance of defining a clear “North Star” goal.
- Demonstrating vulnerability as a leader, admitting mistakes, and creating a culture of accountability
- The future of digital verification technologies and the challenges Credas faces in a complex market
- Integrating community engagement and purpose beyond pure business metrics
Tim Barnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothymbarnett/
Credas: https://credas.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Creativity is dead and 5 year plans are now quarterly sprints, but in today’s commoditised world Rupert Bedell dares to lead differently.
Rupert has reinvented himself many times over the years, from AmEx & HSBC’s marketing master to now leading Fasthosts in an MD role he was never destined to take on.
If you’re serious about building a lasting legacy, leading with integrity, or reigniting your creativity, join us on Extrology for an insight into Rupert’s remarkable journey.
Lee and Rupert discuss:
- Rupert’s career reinvention, the importance of being adaptable, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth
- Creating meaningful workplace cultures that prioritise purpose over performance
- Leadership through transparency as a way to build trust within an organisation
- The death of creativity in marketing, trading in stories for statistics
- The significance of remaining a student throughout the span of your career
Rupert Bedell:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupert-bedell-7006aa13/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
For over 20 years Les Flitcroft was an aerospace engineer. A double arm break and series of life-altering events later, he has embarked on a journey of discovery, leading him to tutoring countless people in the art of Pranic Healing.
From overcoming initial skepticism of alternative therapies to embracing the unique way in which Pranic Healing combines Eastern and Western medical philosophies, the immense challenges that Les has overcome have demonstrated admirable resilience and resolve.
Find out more about how he’s been touching so many lives and sharing his passion for helping others, on this episode of Extrology.
Lee and Les discuss:
- The life-altering accident that left Les with two broken arms
- Discovering and embracing pranic healing
- Overcoming an initial sense of cynicism
- Emotionally processing the journey of recovery
- The difficulty in accepting intangible concepts
Les Flitcroft: https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-flitcroft/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
What happens when a healthcare innovator decides to transform the entire rail transportation industry?
Catherine Pihan-Le Bars is a visionary Deputy-CEO leading French rail operator Le Train on a fast-track to disruptive innovation. No industry norm will remain unchallenged…
Her own journey is a masterclass in leadership, innovation and resilience, so join us to discover how you can shape your future, and the world around you.
Lee and Catherine discuss:
- Innovation and Disruption: How Le Train is challenging industry norms, breaking through long-standing monopolies and reimagining mobility
- The Sustainable future of Transportation: Creating greener travel options that meet the expectations of younger generations
- Regional Connectivity: The critical importance of connecting regional cities to drive growth, enhance social mobility, and create new opportunities
- A Customer Experience Revolution: The processes behind a seamless, user-friendly experience that prioritises ease of travel and passenger satisfaction
- Entrepreneurial Resilience: The power of vision, persistence, and courage in reshaping the transportation industry
Catherine Pihan-Le Bars:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pihan-le-bars-694980b0/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Want to know how top performers think? How Olympic athletes and special forces soldiers train their brains? How to break free from societal expectations and design success on your terms?
Learn the game-changing blueprint for transforming your life in the latest episode of the Extrology podcast.
Adrian Kelly - lawyer, entrepreneur and sports coach - provides insider secrets on conquering pressure, developing a bulletproof mindset and creating success that actually MEANS something.
In this episode of Extrology you’ll learn:
- Resilience and Adaptability: From growing up in Northern Ireland during a militarised period.
- Performance Under Pressure: Drawing insights from legal, business and sports about managing anxiety and maintaining effectiveness.
- Personal Success and Meaning: Aligning with one’s core beliefs
- Holistic Well-being: The importance of balance, recovery and mindfulness
- Learning & Growth: Maintaining a growth mindset.
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Are you confused by conflicting nutrition advice, tired of diet fads, or simply curious about the fascinating world of food science?
James Collier, Co-Founder of Huel, and author of “Well Fed” brings his 30 years of nutrition expertise to this week’s episode of the Extrology podcast.
Lee & James demolish myths, expose misinformation and reveal the shocking complexity behind what we eat. In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why there’s NO such thing as an “optimal diet”.
- How social media influencers manipulate nutrition information.
- Why black-and-white thinking about nutrition is harmful.
- About emerging food technologies from cultured meat to GMOs.
- The importance of contemplative eating.
This episode is more than just another nutrition podcast - it’s a journey into understanding how what we eat impacts not just our bodies but our entire planet.
James Collier:
https://www.instagram.com/jamescollierrnutr
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-collier-a717604/
https://jamescollier.substack.com/
Well Fed
https://lnk.to/WellFed
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Nature will carry on with, or without us; on our current trajectory, will the human race do the same?
Eoin Murray isn’t so sure, which is why he’s come to be a visionary in sustainable investing, nature finance and biodiversity strategies, all while creating opportunities for others to carry the torch.
He balances profit with purpose, capitalism with conservation, and we’ve much to learn from his experiences, lessons, and bold visions for the future - so join us on this future-focused, extremely human episode of Extrology.
Lee and Eoin discuss:
- Eoin’s purpose-led journey into sustainable investing and nature finance
- The importance of continuous learning, reflection and mindfulness in investment and business decisions
- Challenges and opportunities in nature investing
- The role of serendipity, mentors, and being at the right place at the right time in shaping a successful career
- Eoin's commitment to creating opportunities for those able to make more impact than himself
- The fundamental economic shift we need in order to properly value nature
Eoin Murray:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoin-murray-2164787/
Rebalance Earth
https://rebalance.earth/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebalance-earth/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
RE-RELEASE: WATCH FULL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOZEGITVY6I
Tommy Entwistle’s passion for mountaineering, and the brands who support pioneers of adventure, is driven by his ability to ‘endeavour through adversity’.
That motto is synonymous with both himself and ThruDark, for whom he was Brand Director when we spoke to him in 2023.
It’s an impactful, heartfelt exploration of a man whose perception of success relies less on quantifiable ambition, but on community, connection, and collective strength.
Join us on Extrology to catch this thrilling conversation for the first time in full video on YouTube!
Lee and Tommy discuss:
- Mountaineering’s parallels with Tommy’s other early passion, Rugby League
- Early entry into the mountaineering world and appreciating nature
- Learning that nothing works without great people
- Finding your ‘2am Club’
- Building brand around your story, rather than attaching a story to your brand
- Community being a core pillar of branding
- Success being defined less by numbers and outcomes
Tommy Entwistle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-entwistle-a929b847/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
Gary Arndt’s life, experience, and acclaimed podcast serve as a masterclass in exploration, resilience and storytelling.
As host of the Everything Everywhere Daily podcast, with 1.6m monthly listeners, Gary has inspired millions with his unmatched ability to weave history, culture and human connection into captivating narratives.
His story of curiosity and courage will inspire you to learn and grow, as he shares his journey on episode 120 of Extrology!
Lee and Gary discuss:
- How curiosity drives each new adventure
- Lessons of resilience and perseverance from Gary’s travels
- Learning to become a profound storyteller
- The value of preservation
- Living in the middle of an age akin to the industrial revolution
Gary Arndt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyarndt/
https://everything-everywhere.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Send us a text
From a childhood marked by upheaval as a refugee, to becoming a pop star influencing a presidential election, Christian Ray Flores’ life reads like a movie script.
That’s just the beginning though - he’s an entrepreneur, coach and philanthropist, and his experiences now serve to empower others.
We’ve much to learn from Christian, and as he joins us on Extrology, we explore what drives him, the values that guide his mission, and what he sees as the secret to thriving in a world full of possibilities.
Lee and Christian Ray discuss:
- The blessing and curse of choosing cause over commerce
- How uncertainty creates the opportunity to be a great entrepreneur
- Christian’s remarkable musical career, and how it tied into a presidential election
- The process of recalibrating your career
- Choosing between lowering your goals, or elevating your habits
Christian Ray Flores: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianrayflores/
Xponential Life: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xponential-life/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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RE-RELEASE: WATCH FULL VIDEO EPISODE NOW ON YOUTUBE > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bF9QnseU0U
Of all our guests on Extrology, few possess a relentless passion for their mission on quite the same level as Rich Stockdale, Oxygen Conservation’s fantastic Founder.
His company’s mission will always remain relevant, and his environmental sentiments on episode 53 are pertinent now more than ever; that’s why we’re revisiting another of our most popular episodes of Extrology, now available on YouTube for the first time!
Join us to discover how his work is leaving a legacy for the next generation to shine, how Oxygen Conservation has marvellously outdone their expectations, and how they’re taking on the small task of saving the world…
Lee and Rich discuss:
- Aspirations to become the world’s first conservation-focused unicorn company
- A love for sport feeding into a deeply instilled work ethic
- Sowing the seeds of the business idea at the Environment Agency
- Modern approaches to the indisputable need to take action around the environment
- Oxygen Conservation’s initial goals being blown out of the water
- Hiring people fundamentally better than you in business
- Parallels between business and sport, the environment and much more
Rich Stockdale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richstockdale/
https://www.instagram.com/richstockdale_/
Oxygen Conservation: https://www.oxygenconservation.com/
https://www.instagram.com/oxyconservation/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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Michael McLean is not your typical entrepreneur - he’s turned a bankrupt ice hockey club into a championship team, tripled the profits of his family business, and inspired thousands to embrace bold action.
With a no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners approach, Michael’s motivational sentiment will push you to rethink success and purpose. Join us to explore the power of ‘Vitamin N’, the secret to winning every day, and the three most important words you should live up to.
Lee and Michael discuss:
- Being the ‘Merchant of Truth’ and the personal philosophy that fuels Michael’s success
- Balancing being ruthlessly effective in business with making a meaningful impact on the community
- The parallels between building a championship sports team and running a profitable business
- The one ‘no-BS’ mindset shift every leader needs to adopt immediately
Michael McLean:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mclean-12b9671a5/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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RE-RELEASE: WATCH FULL VIDEO EPISODE NOW ON YOUTUBE > https://youtu.be/DOkJP8s3_3o
Mark Reeves’ story is one of our most popular on Extrology for a great many reasons - his infectious positivity, remarkable mental resilience, and fulfilling, purpose-led life.
After witnessing the attempted murder of his father at a young age, Mark faced a lifetime of challenges. But through Shaka Surf, he’s found healing, helping others rediscover themselves through the ocean.
Enjoy this episode from the back catalogue of Extrology’s greatest guests, now available to watch in full on YouTube for the first time - discover what makes Mark’s story, and the worldview it created, so uplifting.
Lee and Mark discuss:
- The origins of Mark’s surf discovery and how he embraced the lifestyle
- Positivity seeping through every part of Mark’s leadership at Shaka Surf
- Making choices to be rich in life
- The traumatic event which, at just 8 years old, changed Mark’s life trajectory
- Creating and growing the huge phenomenon of the UK Dog Surfing Championship
Mark Reeves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-reeves-722ba724/
https://www.instagram.com/markyreevesie
Shaka Surf: https://www.shakasurf.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/shakasurfbranksome/?hl=en
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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After years in the C-suite, Dave Callan’s transition into personal performance coaching has seen him conquer a 250km ultra-marathon in Namibia.
That commitment to peak performance is both a physical feat, and a marvel of mindset - we’ve so much to learn from a man whose story spans far beyond the boardroom.
Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, leading a team, or simply looking for inspiration to take on life’s challenges, you won’t want to miss this episode of Extrology.
Lee and Dave discuss:
- Leveraging corporate leadership experience to thrive under extreme pressure
- How to transform your mindset to embrace challenges and grow through discomfort
- Making bold career transitions to align work with values and purpose
- How to overcome self doubt and make mental breakthroughs
- Achieving your peak performance
- Dave’s journey to discovering his potential through an alcohol-free lifestyle
Dave Callan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-callan-3bb94413/
ONTO: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onto-consultancy/
https://onto-coaching.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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Happy New Year Extrology listeners! As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on what's ahead: a year full of growth, endless possibilities and the opportunity to create something truly extraordinary.
2025 is your year, so join me in celebrating the new year as a blank canvas. It’s a fresh start to dream big and strive for those dreams with renewed drive.
We’ve plenty in store on Extrology this year to keep you inspired, motivated, and focused on your purpose, so join our community as we strive to make 2025 extraordinary.
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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2024 has been a stellar year for the Extrology community, and we’ve been graced with so many inspiring stories from the world’s most extraordinary people.
I wanted to take a moment to express heartfelt gratitude for all who have embarked on this journey with us, exploring resilience, courage and purpose together.
For now, I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas, and we’ll return in the new year with a truly remarkable lineup of guests.
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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This week’s Extrology episode is one of the most personal I’ve ever shared.
Earlier this year, I went public with my MS diagnosis—a moment that was as challenging as it was freeing. Sharing my story allowed me to connect deeply with so many of you and it’s a conversation I’m proud to revisit.
The blog post supporting this episode will also go live on 18th December - offering further reflections and lessons from this journey: https://www.extrology.com/blog
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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How big would you dream if you knew you couldn’t fail? That simple question lies at the heart of the greatest achievements we’ve explored on Extrology this year.
The courage to thrive is a powerful engine, which has driven courageous individuals like Vanessa Ruck, Colin Day and Chad E. Foster to find success beyond the boundaries that might be imposed upon them.
This week’s special highlight episode of Extrology celebrates the stories of those who have faced life-changing adversity, and overcome it to accomplish the extraordinary.
This episode showcases:
- Nick Klingensmith, a four-time cancer survivor who turned his experiences into a mission of endurance and resilience
- Vanessa Ruck, whose life-changing accident didn’t define her—it propelled her to redefine herself
- Colin Day, a CFO who courageously faced anorexia and emerged stronger.
- Gareth de la Torre, who found hope and purpose after a life-changing epilepsy diagnosis
- Chad E. Foster, who turned the experience of losing his sight into a springboard for growth, reframing adversity as opportunity
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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Extrology in 2024 has exhibited some of the most resilient, ingenious minds in tech, business and beyond - it’s high time we round up some of the year’s most powerful stories.
From the innovative approach taken by the likes of Cameron Brookhouse and Richard Nilsson, to the resilience and grit on show from Ben Parker and Nishant Patel, join us for stories from leaders who’ve turned obstacles into opportunities, and pushed the boundaries of innovation.
In this episode:
- Resilience - How to navigate life’s toughest moments, and come out stronger, wiser and more determined
- Ingenuity - How bright minds think creatively, find unique solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances
- Grit - The sustained perseverance that great leaders exhibit during turbulent times
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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Chris Billam-Smith’s journey to World Champion boxing, Claire Smith’s path from addiction to endurance athlete, Mark Reeves’ ability to turn trauma into a source of joy - each is a perfect example of our capacity to be resilient.
There’s no greater force than the human capacity to overcome adversity, and in this week’s episode of Extrology, we highlight six of the most powerful stories exhibiting resilience at its finest, in the Resilience and Overcoming Challenges Playlist.
This episode covers:
- Chris Billam-Smith path to World Champion, and relationship with failure
- Claire Smith’s journey from addiction to endurance athletics
- Darryl Edwards’ rediscovery of healing through play
- Les Flitcroft’s transformation from pain to purpose
- Gareth de la Torre’s powerful reclamation of independence
- Mark Reeves turning trauma into a source of strength and joy
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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There’s a duty of service that underpins Mark Mears’ illustrious history, which is punctuated by incredible work with huge brands like PepsiCo/Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and JCPenney.
The scale matters little to Mark though, as his purpose-driven approach to building a legacy defines every decision that he makes - a tenet that fellow leaders should follow in the modern workplace.
Learn how the great leaders today lead with purpose, and how you can do the same, as Mark shares his masterful methods on this week’s episode of Extrology.
Lee and Mark discuss:
- How Mark’s early journey instilled a golden thread of service to others throughout his career
- Conscious capitalism, and purpose-driven profit
- Four fundamental factors that turn leaders into legacy-builders
- Why Mark is dedicated to ‘paying it backwards’
Mark Mears: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamears/
https://www.markamears.com/
The Purposeful Growth Revolution
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Purposeful-Growth-Revolution-Leader-Builder/dp/1636182135
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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Welcome to the latest Extrology playlist, this week highlighting the staggering stories of those who’ve lived with a desire to make an impact, and share their contributions with the world.
Bringing together stories from the likes of Tom Peacock-Nazil on his mission to remove plastic from our seas, to David Haze and his desire to instigate prison reform based on his own transformative journey.
Join us for a collection of incredible conversations with those who’ve transformed personal challenges into positive impact, and stories that’ll inspire you to do the same…
In this episode:
- Tom Peacock-Nazil’s mission to remove plastic from our oceans with Seven Clean Seas
- Darren Hardy’s journey from military life to extreme endurance, proving the power of resilience
- Kate Strong’s world-record-setting adventures that blend athleticism with purpose
- Holly Budge’s endeavours, facing fears and fighting for wildlife conservation
- David Haze’s hopes to redefine freedom and advocate for prison reform
- Paula Reid’s bold trek through Ukraine, revealing courage and humanity’s strength
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
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At just 21, Chad E. Foster faced the life-altering challenge of losing his sight - he’s not just succeeded in spite of blindness… he’s succeeded because of it.
Chad’s a Harvard-educated inspiration to us all, and while you could measure his financial success in billions, the countless life perspectives he’s changed by sharing his story are absolutely priceless.
We discover how Chad has turned obstacles into opportunities, as he shares practical tools we can all use to navigate our own setbacks on this week’s staggering episode of Extrology.
Lee and Chad discuss:
- How a young Chad E. Foster came to terms with his impending blindness
- Learning to be successful because of blindness, not in spite of it
- Getting comfortable with discomfort, and finding growth within that
- A focus on learning before winning
- Why finding your purpose creates a better work life
Chad E. Foster: https://chadefoster.com/extrology/
https://www.instagram.com/FindChadEFoster/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadfoster/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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Welcome to another special edition of Extrology, this time bringing together some of the greatest minds in leadership, and their unique approaches to inspiring teams.
From resilience and innovation, to values and purpose, you’ll hear from six remarkable entrepreneurs as to the qualities that’ve assured their success - and if your interest is piqued by any one of these guests, be sure to go back and listen to their full episode in the extensive Extrology back-catalogue.
This episode covers:
- Harry Bliss’ proactive leadership and mission-driven vision
- Chieu Cao’s specialisation and social impact
- Richard Bevan’s instinctive leadership and sports-informed approach
- Greg Blazewicz’ transformative role and resilient scaling
- Rich Stockdale’s unbridled passion, values-led hiring and legacy
- Connie Moser’s resilience and innovation in a complex industry
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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Welcome to the first in our series of special, curated playlist episodes of Extrology, bringing together the biggest lessons from like-minded, extraordinary people.
This first playlist episode of Extrology features excellence in entrepreneurship, sharing real-world lessons from some of the most innovative business minds; you’ll hear from the names behind Trustpilot, G2A.com, AccountsIQ, Optimy, and the pioneer of Headless CMS tech with Contentstack.
Lee and his guests cover:
- Building trust as a core value
- The power of long-term vision
- Prioritising people over profit
- Innovating with customer-centric solutions
- Sustainable growth with a purpose
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Extrology:
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Being on the cutting edge takes smart moves and smart money, both of which are often hard to come by… unless you know where to look.
Richard Nilsson is the visionary Founder and CEO of MyPetGo, taking on a pet health and wellness challenge in a market set to explode to $35b by 2035.
Learn how Richard seeks lifelong learning and innovation, discover the secrets from both sides of the VC table, and join us as Richard shares his indispensable advice for young, aspiring entrepreneurs.
Lee and Richard discuss:
- Deriving entrepreneurialism from your parents
- Why education is ‘useless’ for entrepreneurs
- Richard’s key lessons from early ventures, before finding success with MyPetGo
- Learnings from both sides of the investor’s table
- Advice for junior entrepreneurs seeking funding
Richard Nilsson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-nilsson-rpn/
MyPetGo: https://www.mypetgo.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mypetgo-world/
https://www.instagram.com/mypetgo_tracker/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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A re-introduction to Extrology: Insights and Inspiration for a Life of Purpose by your host Lee Cooper.
We’re building a global network of listeners - whether you’re here for inspiration or just to hear extraordinary life stories - and we’d love for you to be a part of it. So hit that subscribe button, follow us online, and let’s explore endless possibilities together.
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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Throughout the peak of South Africa’s evolution as a country, a young Matthew de la Hey watched on, discovering his desire to make a purposeful impact.
Inploi is combining the all important human touch with cutting edge technology to foster a more equitable job market, but it’s the Co-Founder and CEO’s background which makes Matthew’s story so fascinating.
Discover how his humble roots, the South African transition to democracy, and transformative experiences all guide Inploi’s mission in this eye-opening episode of Extrology.
Lee and Matt discuss:
- Formative influences from Matt’s hard working parents on his values and mindset
- How exposure to South Africa’s evolution guided Matt’s sense of purpose
- The power of broadening your perspectives
- Inploi’s balance of high tech solutions with the imperative need for human connection
Matthew de la Hey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-de-la-hey/
inploi: https://www.inploi.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/inploi/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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Holly Budge is not just an adventurer and mountaineer who summited Everest, but also the first woman to skydive over it.
She’s feeding back that adventurous spirit into changing the world by campaigning against the devastating ivory trade with How Many Elephants - she’s truly a prime example of mental and physical fortitude.
Join us to explore Holly’s journey, how to redefine your sense of normal to achieve the extraordinary, and the art of turning adventure into action.
Lee and Holly discuss:
- How to outplay fear and eradicate self-doubt
- Why preparation trumps luck every time
- The adventurous roots of Holly’s Everest expeditions and skydiving cinematography
- Evolving into a philanthropic role with How Many Elephants
- The shocking results of a rampant ivory trade
Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/
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Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Holly Budge: https://www.hollybudge.com/
https://www.instagram.com/hollybudge/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollybudge/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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Who knew that launching a product amid a global recession would become one of the ingredients behind a FinTech company’s success story?
Tony Connelly is the visionary Founder of AccountsIQ, and such is his bold nature that he did so by leaving the relative comfort and security of a partner position in an accounting firm.
With his finger on the pulse of how AI and technology advancements will play into the future of accounting, he shares his shrewd insights and bold journey in this week’s episode of the Extrology podcast.
Lee and Tony discuss:
- The bravery that leads you from a safe, certain job to the world of startup entrepreneurship
- Launching a financial product amid 2008’s financial crisis, and why it was a blessing in disguise
- Playing the hand you’re dealt
- The importance of retaining the human element within a tech-led business
- Why it’s paramount to share your vision with your team for best results
Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/
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Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Tony Connolly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-connolly-146529b/
AccountsIQ: https://www.accountsiq.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountsiq/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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After a life-changing accident, Vanessa Ruck endured seven surgeries across years of recovery, all to become the first British woman to finish the gruelling Africa Eco Race.
Such determination stands as proof that Vanessa is truly unstoppable, as she’s proceeded to convert her love for adventure into a powerful global platform for passion and inspiration.
Join us as we break down the mindset of an unbreakable spirit, and learn how we can syphon some of that passion and resilience for ourselves.
Lee and Vanessa discuss:
- The adventurous spirit that inspired Vanessa in her youth
- How motorcycling in the desert has shifted the perspective of adversity
- Vanessa’s remarkable journey of recovery from a life-changing accident
- The origins of ‘The Girl on a Bike’, and those who supported such ambitions
- Finding motivation to strive for greatness every single day
Vanessa Ruck:
https://thegirlonabike.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thegirlonabike/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaruck/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
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With unrivalled passion and purpose, changing the world is at the heart of Tom Peacock-Nazil’s story, a man whose impact is as widespread as it is ambitious.
Aligning our careers with our deepest values can drive change on a level otherwise unimaginable - that much is evident from the prolific work of his business Seven Clean Seas.
Join us for an exemplary 100th episode of Extrology, which epitomises the inspiration that we all might gain from Tom’s remarkable story.
Lee and Tom discuss:
- The strong sense of purpose behind Seven Clean Seas
- What drove Tom to take action
- Setting ambitions on a global, systemic scale
- Giving away your business’ blueprint for the greater good
Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/
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Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Tom Peacock-Nazil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tompeacocknazil/
Seven Clean Seas: https://www.sevencleanseas.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sevencleanseas/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/seven-clean-seas/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Send us a Text Message.
Pedro Couto Lopes’ life was forever transformed by a frame and two wheels - and so was born a cycling entrepreneur and a shining example of resilience and reinvention.
If you’re searching for purpose and striving to grow outside of your comfort zone, then the journey of this week’s guest on Extrology should open your eyes to the opportunities that lie when you turn setbacks into stepping stones.
Lee and Pedro discuss:
- Finding comfort in change and transition
- Commitment to a dream driving huge decisions
- The dangers of being blinded by ego
- Seeking growth in discomfort
- Advice for those stuck and looking for fulfilment
Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Pedro Couto Lopes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/
Ride to Success Podcast: https://www.ride-to-success.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
England vs Slovakia drew in between 8-11 million viewers. Impressive for traditional media, but imagine building a reach of 10 times that on a sports news site…
Jae Chalfin is the visionary Founder of both GiveMeSport, and also social media agency Sports New Media. With prestigious clients from Wayne Rooney to Rio Ferdinand to FIFA itself, his impact is absolutely staggering.
Discover the journey that took Jae from a humble football website to listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange as he joins us on this week’s episode of Extrology!
Lee and Jae discuss:
- The catalyst moment that sparked Sports New Media
- How Jae leveraged social media platforms for huge growth
- Making initial connections with huge names like Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney
- GiveMeSport’s incredible reach, capitalising on the social media landscape
- The uncertain future of sports and social media
Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Jae Chalfin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaechalfin/
GiveMeSport: https://www.givemesport.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/givemesport/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Cancer, addiction, diabetes - having emerged from all these struggles throughout his life, nothing can hold Nick Klingensmith down.
It’s not enough simply to survive, Nick decided to truly live, and since making that mindset switch has embarked on over 100 Spartan races, marathons and ultra marathons, and so many more.
His story is the epitome of determination, and a testament to the power of the human spirit, and one which we share on this week’s episode of Extrology.
Lee and Nick discuss:
- The early stages of alcoholism and when Nick knew it’d be a problem
- Learning to live with Type 1 Diabetes
- Nick’s approach to his cancer diagnoses being different to that of Diabetes
- The moment of Nick’s first obstacle race turning his life around
- Defining yourself not by adversity, but by your response to it
Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Nick Klingensmith: https://www.stridemotivation.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nklingensmith/
https://www.instagram.com/stridemotivation/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
The global video game industry is worth over $200 billion, so what a remarkable position it is to be at the forefront of its next evolution…
That’s where Gamestream finds itself thanks to visionary Founder & President, Ivan Lebeau, and his inspired view on the future of cloud gaming.
Discover how Ivan channels an artistic approach to every facet of his journey, and the potential audience of billions tapped into by expansion into India & beyond.
Lee and Ivan discuss:
- Taking inspiration from art, and how art reflects its period
- The lightbulb moment in seeing streaming become the future
- Huge impending launches in India and Africa, tapping into over 1 billion additional users
- Gaming’s power to enhance education
- The long term vision for Gamestream at the spearhead of the cloud gaming space
Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Ivan Lebeau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-lebeau-gamestream/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gamestream/
https://www.gamestream.biz/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
The voice is one of our most powerful tools for change - are you missing out on the incredible potential of your own voice?
Blair Brian Nichols is a true visionary in the world of public speaking, with a particularly wonderful focus on fostering diverse, purpose-driven success as the Founder of BBN Creative Management.
His views will flip your perspective and prepare you to spark opportunities from your speaking engagements - learn from this masterclass in communication on episode 95 of Extrology!
Lee and Blair discuss:
- How aiding a hearing-impaired friend shaped Blair’s interest in empowering diverse voices
- The path to booking pivotal speaking roles
- Why the value in speaking lies far beyond the booking fee
- How Blair built a prolific creative management brand from scratch
Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Blair Bryant Nichols: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blairbnichols/
https://www.bbncreativemanagement.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bbn_creativemgmt/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
It’s always been a monumental challenge to overcome addiction, but does today’s world make it a greater struggle than ever before?
Last week’s episode of Extrology introduced the brave and remarkable story of Colin Day, whose battle with addiction is detailed in a book which, in itself, became part of the solution.
The power of writing in detaching from a stigmatising, polarising digital world is at the heart of this week’s discussion - discover Colin’s uniquely invaluable perspective on overcoming addiction in the modern age in this week’s episode of Extrology.
Lee and Colin discuss:
- What makes anorexia more impactful than the common presumption of simply not eating
- How those going through struggle can find solace in writing
- The role of the workplace in improving overall mental wellbeing
- Colin’s ‘biggest mistake’ and how to avoid it yourself in overcoming addiction
Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Colin Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-day-3994069/
Man Vs Food - by Colin Day: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Vs-Food-Colin-Day/dp/B0CX5M1R1D
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Addiction recovery is a brutal road, but at the heart of a high pressure finance industry, it’s nigh on impossible…
Colin Day’s been through that journey with anorexia nervosa, and bravely joins us to share his profound journey with a ‘silent struggle’, with uplifting takeaways for anyone in the same position.
Join us on Extrology this week for the first in a special, two-parter uncovering the harsh realities of addiction, and the path to recovery.
Lee and Colin discuss:
- The harsh stigma around male eating disorders
- How vulnerability makes you a better leader
- Addiction’s complex nature, and the lack of understanding around it
- Finding the path to recovery
Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Colin Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-day-3994069/
Man Vs Food - by Colin Day: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Vs-Food-Colin-Day/dp/B0CX5M1R1D
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Marketing needs to be smarter than having the same blue logo as 100 other businesses - it needs to be Sharper…
Bizarrely, it’s a background in standup comedy that best equips Russ Powell, a returning guest to Extrology. His mastery of storytelling has culminated in Sharper B2B Marketing, of which he’s the Founder and MD.
Learn to craft tailored messages, curate the emotions of decision-makers, and harness new technologies in an episode that delivers a marketing masterclass.
Lee and Russ discuss:
- Why people-focused people make perfect marketers
- The role of sound & music in the best campaigns
- Art vs science: what IS marketing?
- How to stand out in the B2B space
- AI & technology’s role in the future of marketing
Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Russ Powell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ--powell/
https://www.instagram.com/russ_powell_/
Sharper B2B Marketing: https://sharperb2b.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharper-b2b/
https://www.instagram.com/sharperb2b/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Are you tired of hustling and burning out, but still want to achieve more? 🤔
Discover how achieving “more” can mean “doing less” through mindfulness, purposefulness and a new mindset in the latest episode of the Extrology Podcast.
Growth Strategy Coach, TEDx Speaker & Author, Gerald J, Leonard, shares how overcoming a debilitating health challenge inspired him to slow down and transform his approach. 🎶
Learn how Gerald harnesses the power of music as a driving force for business brilliance and to conduct teams to victory.
From leadership insights to productivity hacks, unlock the secrets behind using music as your ultimate productivity tool booster 🚀
In this episode Lee & Gerald discuss:
- The unexpected connection between music and business success
- Lessons leaders can learn from a jazz ensemble
- Reframing ‘disability’ as a positive ‘constraint’
- The importance of captivating your whole audience, not just the front row.
- The power of using positive vocabulary with yourself
Tune in now! 🎧
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Gerald J. Leonard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard/
https://geraldjleonard.com/ext/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Looking for a podcast episode that will ignite your spirit of adventure? ⛰️🛶
Introducing Mark Agnew - European Adventurer of the Year 23, holder of 2 world-first records, and the very first to kayak the Northwest Passage with his crew, the Arctic Cowboys.
Mark shares gripping tales of his daring 103-day expedition including harrowing encounters with polar bears and sea ice that could have ended in tragedy.
But it’s not all thrills - you’ll also gain invaluable insights into how Mark trained his mind and built an unstoppable team to overcome adversity.
Tune in to discover practical strategies for cultivating mental strength, developing camaraderie and rekindling your spirit of adventure - whether you stay close to home or seek the next great challenge on the open sea. 🌊
In episode 90 of Extrology, Lee & Mark discuss:
- The evolution of the world-first expedition from idea to achievement
- The power of teamwork: How camaraderie fuels extraordinary expeditions
- How mindset keeps the body going past its limit
- Redefining what it means to explore
- Developing mental strength for life’s biggest challenges
- Mark’s amazing work for the Wilderness Foundation UK
Mark Agnew:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-agnew-0b498489/
https://www.instagram.com/adventureagnew/
https://twitter.com/AdventureAgnew
Get ready to question what's possible - this is one story that will have you believing in the strength of the human spirit.
Introducing Darren Hardy; Former Soldier, Extreme Endurance Athlete & Author. Overcoming trauma, breaking records and helping others - just some of the things Darren has achieved in his remarkable journey of resilience.
Tune in to hear how he battled PTSD after the military and found purpose through extreme challenges. You’ll be amazed by the death-defying feats this man has accomplished, from dragging cars to conquering altitudes.
But it's not just about the physical pushes - we'll also explore Darren's big heart, and how he's raised thousands for those in need. He also shares his secrets to transforming pain into progress.
NOTE: This episode contains a brief, but particularly graphic description of the events behind Darren’s PTSD at the 8:20-12:15 mark. Listener discretion is advised.
This episode of Extrology includes:
- Darren's experience of PTSD after his military service and traumatic events witnessed overseas
- How he discovered extreme endurance challenges as a way to manage his mental health and find purpose
- His history of pushing physical limits through feats like dragging cars and altitude races
- Using his platform to raise money and awareness for good causes
- Developing resilience and mental fortitude through consistently challenging himself and overcoming obstacles
- The factors that make up a ‘bulletproof mindset’
- Stretching the comfort zone and reinventing failure
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Darren Hardy: https://www.instagram.com/darren_hardy4/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-hardy-mba-426aa0115/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
From ballet to blockchain, this unique episode of the Extrology podcast has it all!
Tune in to hear the journey of eflow Global Founder, Ben Parker - from outback Aussie to Oxford Philosopher to RegTech revolutionary.
Discover how Ben overcame resistance to move Wall Street to the cloud and learn his unconventional leadership tactics that made FinTech giants follow his lead.
He also weighs in on the future of finance - will crypto crash the system or change it for good?
There’s only one way to find out what’s next for this entrepreneur as his empire continues to expand - tune in to episode 88 of Extrology now on all major podcasting platforms.
Lee Cooper and Ben Parker explore:
- Ben’s unlikely journey from religious studies to ruling the compliance game.
- How eflow took opportunities ahead of the industry
- Balancing maintaining culture with scaling operations
- Implications of decentralisation and cryptocurrency on today’s financial world
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Ben Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-parker-1a72069/
Eflow global: https://eflowglobal.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eflow-uk-ltd/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Ready to get an inside look into what it really takes to disrupt an industry?
Introducing Nishant Patel, Founder & CTO at Contentstack and the visionary entrepreneur who saw headless CMS coming before anyone else, and built a billion dollar company on that bet.
Digital experiences are ever-evolving - such relentless innovation drove Contentstack to build a cornerstone in modern web development. Now Nishant is betting big on Artificial Intelligence.
Discover the journey of a man who uprooted himself halfway around the world to become one of the great tech innovators in this week’s episode of Extrology with Lee Cooper.
You’ll learn:
- Nishant’s journey from outsider to pioneering tech titan
- How he disrupted an entire industry
- How AI will transform content in just a few years.
- The mindset hacks for thriving in a world of constant change.
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Nishant Patel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patelnishant/
Contentstack: https://www.linkedin.com/company/contentstack/
https://www.contentstack.com/
https://twitter.com/contentstack
https://www.youtube.com/contentstack
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
G2A.COM; 30 million users across 180 countries makes it the world’s largest marketplace for games, gift cards, subscriptions & software.
Now a billion dollar business, built by one visionary entrepreneur: Bartosz Skwarczek.
On episode 86 of the Extrology podcast, discover how Bartosz revolutionised the competitive gaming industry and his proven formula to scale a business internationally by prioritising people and culture over profits.
As Forbes’ BrandMe CEO Award Winner, Digital Shaper Award Winner, Investor, Coach, Mentor & Public Speaker Bartosz’s episode is packed with actionable strategies for every entrepreneur to apply to their own venture; from innovative pivots to acquiring unique in-country expertise when scaling.
Lee and Bartosz discuss:
- Early inspirations within Bartosz family to run your own organisation
- First interests in the gaming industry, and G2A’s pivot to a marketplace route in 2014
- How you go about becoming a global market leader
- Ways to attract the best talent without money
- Why ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast’
- How the gaming and digital industries will evolve over the coming years
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Bartosz Skwarczek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartosz-skwarczek-37183015/
G2A.COM:
Website: https://www.g2a.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/g2a-com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g2a_com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G2Acom
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Dear Extrology Listeners,
This is an episode that is a little out of the ordinary for Extrology - but a personal story I’ve been wanting to share with you all for a while.
Yes, I have spent time going back and forth, considering whether it is the right topic to share on the podcast, changing my mind over and over again.
But Extrology is all about sharing stories of overcoming adversity, adapting through change, and achieving the extraordinary. The countless guests I’ve been fortunate to entertain have, in many cases, had to dig incredibly deep to find the courage to share their own very personal battles.
The least I can do is follow their shining example and put into practice the lessons I have learned from their courage.
So it only seems right to share my journey as I battle with my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.
My goal of this episode is to share how I’ve learnt to find strength in moments of uncertainty, to educate others on MS, and to inspire those who may be also struggling with the disease, or other health conditions, to find support and forge their own journey forward.
Thank you for listening. I really appreciate it.
Lee
Attention, CEOs and Leaders! Are you ready to revolutionise your approach to leadership while prioritising your well-being?
Tune in to this enriching podcast episode filled with actionable insights and wisdom that will transform the way you lead.
Join Extrology Host, Lee Cooper and his latest guest, Ryan Renteria, a seasoned CEO Coach, Diverse Board Director and Bestselling Author, who brings a wealth of experience from his dynamic career, including his tenure at Goldman Sachs and large hedge funds.
Ryan’s transformative insights will empower you to lead with clarity, purpose and vitality. In this episode of Extrology you’ll uncover:
👥 The Art of Delegation: Learn how to delegate effectively to liberate time for strategic thinking and self-care - allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
🎸Building a Dream Team: Explore the secrets to hiring rockstars and fostering a culture of trust within your team, empowering them to excel and thrive.
🧠 Prioritising Mental Health: Gain invaluable strategies for prioritising mental health and well-being amidst the hustle and bustle of leadership, ensuring you remain resilient and energised.
Don’t miss out, listen on your favourite podcasting platform today.
In 2023 we were fortunate to be joined on Extrology by a staggering number of inspiring guests, and sometimes we need to look back in order to refresh our worldview for the year ahead.
From Jenn Drummond’s Seven Second Summits to Sue Anstiss’ game-changing Netflix documentary, join us as we look back on some of the best moments from our amazing array of guests last year.
Building upon last week’s exciting recap of 2023 guests on Extrology, we’ve another host of unmissable clips from last year’s most thought-provoking episodes.
Udo Erasmus’ life experience is like no other, and his worldview is equally unique and profound; Jenn Drummond’s story is similarly gripping, but holds an uplifting and revitalising message for all to hear.
Join us on Extrology this week as we once more revisit last year’s most fascinating guests ahead of the roster that we look forward to in 2024.
This episode features:
- Udo Erasmus’ ethos of simplicity being the key to living harmoniously
- Jenn Drummond’s incredible physical feats, and the numerous hardships she overcame in taking back control of her life
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
In 2023 we were fortunate to be joined on Extrology by a staggering number of inspiring guests, and sometimes we need to look back in order to refresh our worldview for the year ahead.
It’s an impossible challenge to summarise the insights from so many, but in the first of two special ‘Best of 2023’ episodes we shine a spotlight on Sue Anstiss’ game-changing Netflix documentary, Paula Reid’s admirable cycle across war-stricken Ukraine, and the pariah of positivity himself, Mark Reeves.
This episode features:
- Paula Reid’s remarkable cycle across Ukraine, and some of the inspiring figures she met on the way
- Mark Reeves’ unrelenting positive mindset in spite of some harrowing life events
- Sue Anstiss’ return to Extrology having made a monumental mark on the growing world of women’s sport
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
The Ultratriathlon is a staggering feat in its own right, but becoming the first person in the UK to complete two of them back to back is among Claire Smith’s crowning achievements.
She once hated sport, and has fought through addiction and mental battles, demonstrating a level of resilience that enables us to achieve the impossible.
Claire joins us on Extrology to detail the brave start to her endurance athletics journey, how she processes failure, and the huge next chapter to come.
Lee and Claire discuss:
- The journey from once hating sport to completing her first half marathon
- Focusing on the journey over the destination
- The sheer scale of Claire’s past achievements, soon to be surpassed by future endeavours
- Processing failure as a deeply personal experience
- How to cultivate the power of the mind to overcome challenges
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Cameron Brookhouse’s exploration of fitness in gaming is a bold step into an engaging future for wellbeing in the digital age.
Through Quell, he and his Co-Founders are trailblazing an industry with the first ever dedicated fitness gaming platform, in a captivating game called Shardfall.
The link between gaming and wellbeing has rarely been perceived positively, but over the course of this episode of Extrology, you’d be hard pressed not to find new worlds of potential, especially through the lens of such a visionary as Cameron.
Lee and Cameron discuss:
- A multicultural upbringing with stints around the world
- Cameron’s fascinating first foray into product design
- How Quell identified the links between fun in fitness and in video games
- The breakneck pace with which they went from prototype to reality
- Breaking stereotypes around the health impacts of video gaming
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes particularly detailed discussions about suicide between the 32:30-35:00 mark, which listeners could find distressing, and may wish to avoid. If you, or somebody you know, requires urgent assistance, Samaritans are available on 116 123.
Our lives can be turned upside down in an instant, but as Gareth de la Torre can attest, losing everything isn’t an ending, it’s a beginning.
Epilepsy is an often-misunderstood condition with far-reaching, daily impacts, and while it cost Gareth much of his previous life, the hope and inspiration that he exudes comes from how he’s reclaimed that life.
Join us for a deeply impactful journey of adversity and perseverance in this episode of the Extrology podcast.
Lee and Gareth discuss:
- The accident at home which led to Gareth’s epileptic seizures
- Common myths and misunderstandings with epilepsy, and the unique ways that it can affect people
- Everyday life challenges less frequently considered by non-epilepsy sufferers
- The challenge of epilepsy being an invisible disability
- Gareth’s attempt to take his life, and turning around from rock bottom
- The awakening moments that continue to give a new lease of life
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
It’s rare that we’re afforded truly enlightening conversations in life, but this exploration through Udo Erasmus’ worldview is absolutely full of revelations.
Through childhood wartime experiences, a studious mind and relentlessly seeking life’s answers, his perspective on finding ourselves and seeking stillness is utterly infectious.
Join us in this episode of extrology to experience just a portion of this wisdom.
Lee and Udo discuss:
- Udo’s harrowing wartime childhood, escaping fighting at as young as 6
- Finding a path of learning through the sciences
- The art of stillness and finding ourselves through heartache
- How business shows your every personal strength and weakness
- Where to start with self-improvement
- The simplicity to life that we often overcomplicate
A must-listen episode for anyone seeking either motivation, strategies or tools to create positive change in their lives.
Doug Fleener shares his incredible journey from the depths of despair, to becoming a corporate director at a global corporation, a CEO and international speaker and a trusted business advisor.
Doug reveals his practical strategies for daily success, how to embrace failure and move forward and how to overcome uncertainty.
This episode of Extrology explores: :
- How addiction informed Doug’s early life choices, and path to recovery
- The principles that guided a remarkable business career
- What ‘One Day Success’ means to Doug
- How to let go of past pain and regret
- Defining failure and moving forward
Not every business is lucky enough to say that their work has a genuine positive impact on communities worldwide. Kenneth Bérard, Chief Executive Officer of Optimy, is here to share his story; that businesses can serve as a force for good.
Optimy is revolutionising how organisations manage their philanthropic efforts, with a highly configurable, positive impact platform, serving over 350 organisations across 25 countries. It’s an impressive feat and a truly inspiring episode.
Lee and Kennth discuss:
- How Optimy helps organisations amplify their positive impact
- Why positive impact is no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have
- Navigating the complexity of working with multiple languages
- Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make positive impact
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
While we rightfully celebrate our NHS, it’s not without room for innovation - that’s where Navenio’s Connie Moser hopes to make her mark.
Simple technology used in a complex way is key to a solution that’s reducing wait times and connecting medical professionals with patients’ needs like never before.
Connie’s career has been a blend of innovative tech solutions and effective management strategies in healthcare, the culmination of which she shares in this week’s Extrology podcast.
Lee and Connie discuss:
- Early, inspirational role models in Connie’s life
- The greater growth found in diversity of thought
- Differing attitudes towards learning from failure between the US and UK
- Navenio’s inception, greatest challenges, and medical innovation
- Evolving leadership styles in an increasingly digitised world
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
The natural world is more than simply around us - for many, it saves lives.
That much is true of Isaac Kenyon, an eco-adventurer and world record-setting advocate for sustainability and mental wellbeing alike, noting the unbreakable link between our wellbeing and the world around us.
Isaac joins us on Extrology to detail his experiences with eco-anxiety, and how he was spurred to take on rows, runs and Ironmans.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains deep discussions around suicide, suicidal ideation and mental wellness - for those in need of immediate support, Samaritans are available by phone at 116 123.
Lee and Isaac discuss:
- Early experiences with nature, rooting a sense of exploration within Isaac
- Everyone’s responsibility as a sustainability leader
- Overcoming eco-anxiety and mental health challenges
- The inception of Isaac’s huge adventurous projects and world record-setting ways
- Businesses’ role in saving our planet for the future
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Some people’s fates are seemingly mapped out before their birth, and for Dr Craig Thayer, a life devoted to helping others was preordained.
Craig started life adopted at 9 months, and through his family upbringing became a surgeon with a faith as strong as his conviction to do good through his medical marvels.
Join us for the inspirational story behind Craig’s book - Saved: One Trauma Surgeon's True Accounts of the Miracles in His Life - and his remarkable journey through life.
Lee and Craig discuss:
- The catalyst for Craig’s passion in medicine and path to becoming a doctor
- His eventful upbringing, dealing with loss and struggle from an early age
- How Craig’s faith manifests in his surgery and medical help
- Turning pain into purpose
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Playing small does not serve the world, and by no means does Paula Reid ever play small.
She ventures where most seldom dare, cycling across the entirety of 16 countries, and most recently adding a war-stricken Ukraine to that list in an adventure which exposed the remarkable, resilient nature of its people.
What kind of mindset takes the nub of an idea and turns it into such a bold pursuit? Paula returns to Extrology this week for us to learn more…
Lee and Paula discuss:
- Paula’s love of adventure
- Regaining a sense of childlike wonder
- How much of our lives we should spend in the comfort zone
- The genesis of Paula’s cross-Ukraine cycle, and logistical challenges
- Handling the emotional weight of the stories that came from Paula’s encounters
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Fundraise with Paula:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/paula-reid-siobhanstrust
We don’t make relationships through ‘funnels’, but rather bonds are formed through considerate discussion - the power of a conversation is near-enough unparalleled.
Interview Valet began based on the tenet that we’re just one conversation away from creating limitless opportunities, and its Founder & CEO is the greatest advocate for better marketing through conversation - Tom Schwab.
Join us for a dive into the kiss of death in modern marketing, the art of the awkward conversation, and why the future is in rich audio.
Lee and Tom discuss:
- Why digital marketing might actually be hurting businesses
- The value of connections, and breaking out of obscurity
- Tools as amplifiers of brilliance and stupidity alike
- The two-way nature of magnetic marketing
- What makes podcasting such a lucrative marketing tool
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Since November 2020, when we last caught up with Sue Anstiss MBE, she’s become Director and Producer of a hugely powerful Netflix documentary, and that’s just scratching the surface…
Much has changed in 3 years for Fearless Women’s Founder - to have Sue return to the Extrology podcast is both an ultimate privilege, and a chance to observe the bountiful progress that women’s sport has enjoyed, and what’s yet to come.
Lee and Sue discuss:
- The inception of what became Sue’s stellar Netflix documentary - Game On: The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport
- Significant shifts in media coverage for women’s events
- Unexpected production challenges that faced the making of the documentary
- Whether we need an approach of advocacy, activism or anarchy
- Immediate steps that governing bodies can take to achieve true equality and equity
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
We sometimes need to come close to death, to realise how much life we’ve yet to live.
Jenn Drummond had once quit on herself - now she stands proud, having scaled the 2nd highest peaks on all 7 continents, arguably the most challenging climbs on the planet.
So how do you take a near-death experience and channel it into a new lease on life? Jenn’s story is an unparalleled inspiration, and she shares it all in this week’s Extrology.
Lee and Jenn discuss:
- How Jenn had come to quit on herself
- The car wreck that became Jenn’s catalyst for change
- Why the Seven Second Summits are such a challenging feat
- Practising the pause and seeking your summit
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
For challenger brands, a PR strategy that takes a small budget a long way could be the difference between a flash in the pan, and an underdog story to admire.
Bringing her passion for sharing others’ stories with creativity and emotive messaging, CommsCo’s Founder Ilona Hitel is this week’s guest on the Extrology podcast.
We share how tech innovations are shifting the PR landscape, uncover her remarkable family roots, and touch on the perfect time to differentiate yourself.
Lee and Ilona discuss:
- Growing up with her father’s close experience with conflict
- Being atop the Berlin Wall when it came down
- How to differentiate in recessions and crises
- The challenge of evidencing creativity
- ChatGPT’s impact on the PR industry
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
From writing for The Economist to guiding CEOs through the learnings of other leaders, Tim Jackson's business impact is immense.
With shrewd economic insight and 4 books worth of entrepreneurial analysis, we speak to Tim about his role at Walking Ventures, his prolific journey to date, and the unseen futures into which our technological advances might take us.
Lee and Tim discuss:
- How his journalism background altered his entrepreneurial approach
- Knowing the perimeter of your circle of competence
- Tim's 5 top qualities of an investable CEO
- Staying ahead of disruptors in the tech industry
- The true role of a CEO coach
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
The city as we know it cannot stay the same forever, and how we change it comes down to the remarkable data for which VivaCity is responsible.
Replacing the inefficient observer-with-clipboard methods of data gathering with computer vision AI is just the first step in revolutionising cities, and Mark Nicholson is the Co-Founding CEO at the forefront.
Mark joins us on Extrology to discuss the evolution of cities, a new age of data analysis, and why hardware rather than software will play host to the most exciting innovations.
Lee and Mark discuss:
- Parallels between tennis coaching and business ownership
- Mark’s balance of technical and creative endeavours
- How we’ve been poorly served in data analysis, and how modern methods have iterated
- The challenging mission of shifting transport demand within cities
- New, localised challenges with a launch in the US and a European presence
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
While evolution pushes us forwards, we’re holding our youngest generations back from their physical potential.
Shockingly, most kids spend less time outside than prison inmates, and Darryl Edwards is the Movement Coach, Author & Founder of Primal Play looking to reignite the joy in movement.
He joins us for an episode of Extrology which details a journey to which most will relate, the greatest eye-opening epiphanies around exercise, and how to tap into the power of our primal instincts.
Lee and Darryl discuss:
- Darryl’s former career in investment banking technology, and how it motivated a change in lifestyle
- Development of The Primal Play Method
- How physical movement links to wellbeing in a multifaceted way
- Shocking statistics about the activity of kids today
- How we make societal change
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Behind the future of every single workplace is a near-unfathomable world of data science, a world which Helge Bjorland is tackling head-on.
Mishiring staff is one of the most costly mistakes a business can make, which is why Helge’s business, Globus.ai, is leveraging artificial intelligence to make smarter decisions, quicker.
This episode of Extrology is awash with eye-opening perspectives on the future of work, machine learning, recruiters’ top challenges, and the power of data.
Lee and Helge discuss:
- The unforgiving nature of early technology
- How to interest top management teams in data science
- AI’s progression since the period shortly before Globus’ inception
- The long-term impacts of AI in the recruitment sector
- Machine learning, and the dangers of bias in data
- Advancements in tech within creative and health sectors
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
The life of a standup comedian couldn’t be fraught with more pressure, being tasked with single-handedly eliciting emotional responses from hundreds, if not thousands… is marketing so different?
Dell, Microsoft and Fujitsu have had the pleasure of Russ Powell’s company and marketing expertise, as do we on this week’s episode of Extrology, as Russ shares the invaluable and unique lessons that his standup career taught him as Founder of Sharper B2B Marketing.
Lee and Russ discuss:
- Russ’ formative years in Brighton
- Unexpectedly discovering his talent as a comedian
- How comedy has influenced Russ’ approach to marketing and comms
- The central tenets behind Sharper B2B Marketing
- Making the distinction between being happy and being comfortable
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
The AK47 is one of the most recognisable firearms in human history. Through his artwork and experiences, Bran Symondson is altering what it’s recognised for.
An artist, photographer and entrepreneur with military experience, his work challenges perceptions through his emotive photos and intricately adorned, decommissioned weapons - each a rousing anti-war statement.
It’s a privilege to unpack Bran’s creative mind, and detail the experiences that influence his work, on this week's episode of Extrology.
Lee and Bran discuss:
- Bran’s introduction to the wilder disciplines of photography
- Military experiences, and the opportunities to document his journey
- Messages and motives rife throughout Bran’s AK47 work
- Art’s opportunity to become a voice for global issues
- The impact of the digitisation and democratisation of art
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
If you consider data more valuable than oil, then nVentic’s approach to inventory management is the key to striking gold.
Tackling an issue shared by most organisations, Founder Dan Weil and Managing Director Matthew Bardell are the bright minds behind a technology that analyses data to give businesses actionable insights.
Behind this is a dynamic between the Founder and Managing Director, which we dive into in this episode of Extrology.
Lee, Matthew and Dan discuss:
- Adding value with the right questions
- How Matthew and Dan build algorithms to solve core issues
- The power of data, and how to create ‘Data Lakes’
- Being motivated by the mission, not a quick sell
- The AI landscape, and why they’re hesitant to describe their work with the term
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Transforming the way the world moves is no small feat, but taking e-bikes as the incredibly efficient basis for this mission was Jamie Milroy’s first step.
Proceeding to take the e-bike subscription platform DASH Rides up to a national scale proves its power, and as Co-Founder & CEO, Jamie’s drive and vision are nothing short of admirable.
Jamie joins us on Extrology to detail the storytelling behind successful fundraising, and how 30 seconds of courage is all it takes to set great ambitions in motion.
Lee and Jamie discuss:
- How sustainability is emerging in the boardroom
- Balancing profit against the need to do good
- The virtues of finding a great Co-Founder
- Storytelling as a key ingredient to fundraising
- Jamie’s ‘30 Seconds of Courage’ mantra
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
We will always need agriculture, yet it contributes to half of the world’s loss of biodiversity. Where some see shock, others see an opportunity to do better.
Varda is an incredible agricultural startup aiming to use field-level data in creating a nature-positive food system, and Davide Ceper is the man at the helm with lofty ambitions.
Join us to break down our everyday impact, how we encourage the agricultural sector’s uptake of this universal good, and the impact of your consumer choices.
Lee and Davide discuss:
- Agriculture’s startling impact on global sustainability
- The inherent issues plaguing data capture, which Davide hopes to solve
- Encouraging change in the agriculture sector
- Consumers’ understanding of their environmental impact
- Exciting new innovations in agriculture
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Endeavour through adversity. It’s a simple tagline for the deep and impactful ThruDark brand, and a motto by which everyone in business must live.
Tommy Entwistle’s passion for mountaineering and the brands leading the industry bleeds through his roles at Osprey Europe, Snow + Rock, and now being Brand Director at ThruDark.
His definition of success has evolved, and commitment to the people around him undying - this episode of Extrology is a fascinating expedition into his mindset, motivations and the momentum of ThruDark’s stellar success.
Lee and Tom discuss:
- Mountaineering’s parallels with Tommy’s other early passion, Rugby League
- Early entry into the mountaineering world and appreciating nature
- Learning that nothing works without great people
- Finding your ‘2am Club’
- Building brand around your story, rather than attaching a story to your brand
- Community being a core pillar of branding
- Success being defined less by numbers and outcomes
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Mark Reeves’ journey through life might begin with a horrifying event, but it is far from a sad tale - it’s a story brimming with unrelenting positivity and inspiration for all.
After decades in an unfulfilling role, Mark found his calling in the surfing lifestyle, and began his new endeavour as Founder of Shaka Surf.
The depth of Mark’s experiences is truly unparalleled, and can only be told in his words, so it’s a pleasure and a privilege to share it in this week’s episode of Extrology.
Lee and Mark discuss:
- The origins of Mark’s surf discovery and how he embraced the lifestyle
- Positivity seeping through every part of Mark’s leadership at Shaka Surf
- Making choices to be rich in life
- The traumatic event which, at just 8 years old, changed Mark’s life trajectory
- Creating and growing the huge phenomenon of the UK Dog Surfing Championships
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Why settle for working from home - Ronan Finnegan is the award-winning entrepreneur proving that you can run a business from just about anywhere on Earth.
The growing wearables brand which he Co-Founded, ‘spacebands’, is proof of the entrepreneurial pedigree on show in Ronan’s work, driven by his desire for flexibility.
Joining Lee Cooper on Extrology this week, Ronan shares how to overcome the outdated reliance on presenteeism, the inspiration behind the future of workplace wearables, and much more.
Lee and Ronan discuss:
- Early entrepreneurship with crowdfunding and being invited to speak at a TEDxYouth event
- The freedom and flexibility that drives Ronan
- Outcome-based work taking over from the presenteeism of old
- The innovative technology solving tangible pain points with ‘spacebands’
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
The world grows more technologically dependent with every passing second, an evolution that puts Daizy’s David Ffoulkes-Jones on the cutting edge.
As CEO of the business focused on the hard-to-define Internet of Things, having been a world-leading CEO at WDS in a mobile-first revolution, he’s well placed to guide us into a tech-led future.
Lee and David discuss:
- Growing up underserved in his diagnosis of dyslexia
- Why there are rules in sport that don’t translate to business
- The element of luck in business
- How AI tools like ChatGPT learn and evolve
- What we can do with the Internet of Things to adapt our daily lives
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Some possess an innate entrepreneurial talent which is seen by others before themselves. Such is the case for medical professional turned Co-Founder, Stephanie Eltz.
She’s a remarkable example of using her talents for good, as her business Doctify promises to capture medical patients’ voices and build trust in a global network of medical professionals.
We hear from Stephanie on Extrology as she details the inspiration behind such a unique platform, how we can begin to mend a fractious relationship with the NHS, and much more.
Lee and Stephanie discuss:
- A childhood in Vienna immersed in diverse backgrounds
- The dilemma of whether passion inspires purpose, or purpose breeds passion
- Numerous parallels between medical professionals and entrepreneurs
- The inspiration behind Doctify as a unique platform in the medical space
- How we could mend our complicated relationship with the NHS
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Oxygen Conservation’s mission is an imperative, and despite their relatively brief existence so far, their impact is already magnitudes greater than their initial plan.
Such progress can only come from a Founder who lives and breathes the values that are deep rooted throughout the business - Rich Stockdale’s passion for their mission burns bright for all to see.
We hear from Rich on Extrology this week in a rousing conversation touching on how they’re saving the world bit by bit, surpassing expectations 25-fold, and allowing the next generation to truly shine.
Lee and Rich discuss:
- Aspirations to become the world’s first conservation-focused unicorn company
- A love for sport feeding into a deeply instilled work ethic
- Sowing the seeds of the business idea at the Environment Agency
- Modern approaches to the indisputable need to take action around the environment
- Oxygen Conservation’s initial goals being blown out of the water
- Hiring people fundamentally better than you in business
- Parallels between business and sport, the environment and much more
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Once a small Danish startup, Trustpilot has likely appeared at some point on most web-users’ screens en route to its stellar success as a FTSE 250 listed company.
Behind that success lies a founder with a drive for consistent growth, and who could fall in love with the problem they were solving - Peter Holten Muhlmann.
Peter joins us on Extrology to discuss the company’s inspiration, how they digitised the human quality of trust, and what keeps the startup spark at such scale.
Lee and Peter discuss:
- The natural sense of caution with which Peter takes risks
- Falling in love with the problem in order to solve it
- The inspiration for Trustpilot’s original form and subsequent evolution
- Importance of consistent high work rather than a single pivotal moment
- Changing strategies for success as a company grows
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
There’s often a motivation in academia to focus on publishing research, rather than the impact on people’s everyday lives. Brain in Hand affords Dr Louise Morpeth the best of both worlds.
Combining digital technology with human support, the organisation assists organisations and end users at a time where assistance for a neurodiverse workforce is more vital than ever.
Louise joins us to share how the business creates tangible change, the perfect intersection of humans & technology, and the huge proportion of the country for whom they could truly change lives.
Lee and Louise discuss:
- The benefits of Louise’s background in social research
- How they take academic research a step further and create tangible change
- Combining the best of human nature with technology to create support pathways
- Neurodiversity in the workplace and the small changes that can accommodate large proportions of the population
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Rafie Faruq is a Co-Founder of Genie AI, and with so far left to go on his journey it’s a spectacle to observe his outlook on life & business, which is truly brimming with wisdom.
Genie AI’s use of machine learning to open source the law has a monumental number of use cases, and Rafie’s grown the company with pace and force without losing that initial spark.
Join us for a conversation that challenges perceptions of success, documents the power of machine learning & AI, and rouses us to take control of our lives.
Lee and Rafie discuss:
- The ever-relevant learnings from ancient spiritual teachings
- Basics of Machine Learning and the sheer potential it can unlock
- Rafie’s moral compass around giving, and how it informs his decisions
- Why seeking success is actually counterintuitive to leading a content life
- Genie AI’s huge range of use cases in disrupting the legal world
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Greg Blazewicz had a desire to change what marketing could be and do within a company. Decades of technological advancement are realising those dreams in the form of SALESmanago.
As Founder of a company used by global brands like Starbucks, Lacoste and Vodafone, which has enjoyed over 3,000% growth over the past five years, Greg is a remarkable CEO and respected Author.
Discover more from Greg’s fascinating story as we learn how he reimagined an industry, scaled a business while maintaining its culture, and changed his entire career trajectory in a single, fateful flight…
Lee and Greg discuss:
- The evolving business landscape in Poland within the 1980s-90s
- Reimagining the role of marketing from cost-centre to revenue source
- Keeping culture at scale with SALESmanago’s huge recent growth
- How to continue innovating with technology in a fast moving marketing world
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains important, open discussions about mental health which briefly mention topics of suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate support, Samaritans are available by phoning 116 123, or at their website https://www.samaritans.org/
Success in hospitality is challenging enough; it takes a whole other type of leadership to revolutionise how the industry takes on mental health as a whole.
Ty Temel’s business journey arguably began with outselling the school tuck shop, and has culminated in hugely successful brands in fitness, the nightclub space, and music festivals.
In an episode brimming with honesty and deep lessons, we look at the catalyst for Ty to put mental wellbeing first, the challenges necessary to build mental strength, and how these qualities manifest in the pursuit of unmatched hospitality experiences.
Lee and Ty discuss:
- Building mental resilience and fortitude through hardships
- Social pressures that faced Ty throughout his school years
- How experiences and memories remain at the heart of hospitality
- The unmatched power of human stories
- Naturally evolving from fitting in to standing out
- The source of his entrepreneurial mindset
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
The catalyst for so many businesses emerges through personal struggles, and in Simone Thomas’ case she has converted that catalyst into a thriving business empire.
A highly respected entrepreneur, best-selling author and leading authority in the world of hair health and wellness, the story behind her marvellous rise is one of strength, resilience, passion and purpose.
Simone joins us on Extrology to share the incredible story behind her challenging upbringing, personal struggles with hair loss, huge business growth, and much more.
Lee and Simone discuss:
- Why purpose is an essential driver for business ownership
- Simone’s remarkable resilience throughout early struggles
- The inspiration behind Simone’s wellness journey
- Overcoming the impact of hair loss and health issues
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Given the right opportunities, anyone can flourish. Having carved a path through a marvellous corporate career, Elham Fardad is encouraging migrants to unlock their potential and develop their talents within Britain.
As Founder & CEO of Migrant Leaders, Elham draws from her experiences at EY, News Corp and GE to create an environment in which everyone can thrive.
Joining us on the Extrology podcast, she shares the huge hurdles she overcame, how much value ego can destroy if it’s not set aside, and more on helping others discover their unique potential.
Lee and Elham discuss:
- Maximising opportunities at a young age
- Capturing a passion for contributing to the community
- The fulfilment to be found in helping others
- How Elham’s staggering corporate career helped create links for Migrant Leaders to thrive
- Setting ego aside and challenging assumptions of ourselves and others
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Elham Fardad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elhamfardad/
Migrant Leaders:https://www.migrantleaders.org.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/company/migrant-leaders/
Mark Sear’s corporate career boasts huge names and traces his entrepreneurial streak as Co-Founder of Inteligex, but that only scratches the surface of his extraordinary story.
Earning a scholarship that might have saved him from prison, creating the hugely popular Championship Manager video game, and owning Europe’s 2nd biggest swimming cap manufacturer are among the topics in this deeply pensive, pertinent and powerful episode of Extrology.
Content Warning: This episode of Extrology contains open conversations covering depression & suicide. If you/someone you know is in need of immediate support, Samaritans are available on 116 123.
Lee and Mark discuss:
- Mark’s upbringing, and the source of his interest in maths, tech and cryptography
- The birth of the Championship Manager video game
- Balancing a measured approach with the desire to be an entrepreneurial maverick
- Managing depression and investing in happiness over financial gain
- Freeing oneself from the past and the future
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
We’re always on the precipice of technological advancement, and while we’re all familiar with the shift to digital, the future belongs to quantum networking and computing.
Channelling the curiosity and passion for discovery shared by the greatest scientific minds, Dr Maksym Sich is Co-Founder of Aegiq, a deep tech business implementing quantum tech for the betterment of society and businesses.
In this fascinating, technical episode, Lee and Max discuss:
- The inspirational figures in science and aviation that instilled Max’s curiosity
- Returns for investors in the deep tech space
- Basic fundamentals of quantum computing, and how it’ll change our world
- Current issues with the ecosystem that will support growth
- The role of doubt and uncertainty in business leaders’ decision making
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Until recently, Formula 1 teams relied predominantly on physical boards to communicate with drivers. Enter IRIS’ pairing of technology and psychology, reinventing team comms and maximising performance.
Developing the tech to revolutionise team radio is just one of the strings to Jacobi Anstruther’s incredibly diverse bow, among other endeavours in polo, music production, record label ownership and much more.
Join us for an absolutely fascinating journey into the mind of a business leader who seeks success, fails fast, and never ceases to learn and innovate.
Lee and Jacobi discuss:
- Early entrepreneurial ventures, finding inspiration to lead a business at 16
- Entry into the audio space through record label ownership, festival plans and EDM music production
- IRIS’ partnership with Red Bull Racing to revamp the technical approach to team communications
- Psychology, biomechanics and utilising audio to maximise flow state
- AI’s role in our future, and how Jacobi perpetually seeks to learn & innovate
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Karshare is building a community that will enable the world to do more with less, with Founder Andy Hibbert’s commitment to delivering people-led experiences enabled by top-tier technology.
The ingredients that make up Andy’s entrepreneurial mindset are varied, but come from a place of perseverance and doing good for the community - in this case for the planet, taking polluting traffic off the road.
Discover Andy’s story and the inspirations behind Karshare, having seen considerable success in the travel industry with BA, STA Travel, EasyJet and Reed Mackay.
Lee and Andy discuss:
- The imperative step in Karshare’s birth of obtaining buy-in from essential partners like RAC and Octo
- Andy’s practical engineering mentality, working on cars and taking interest in F1 at an early age
- Formative travel experiences with roles at BA, STA Travel, EasyJet and Reed Mackay
- Karshare’s mission, and how their innovations can help communities on small and large scales
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Many of us have lost our sense of freedom and passion for adventure, succumbing to the pressures of modern life. This is a sentiment vouched by David Haze, who has learned this as a result of his extraordinary journey.
Drug addiction, alcoholism, gambling, crime and prison time took David to dark places, but the manner in which he overcame that strife serves as a lesson to all who seek purpose, direction and inspiration.
David opens up on Extrology to share the highs and lows, how he’s channelling his energy into paddleboarding world records, the reforms we need to make to the prison system, and much more…
This episode does contain sensitive discussions around gambling, drug use, addiction and suicide. If you or anyone you know is in need of urgent help, there are resources in the links and references for this episode at: https://www.extrology.com/.
Lee and David discuss:
- The adventurous childhood that inspired David’s current expeditions
- Recovering from the challenging spiral of addiction and crime
- Penal Reform Solutions’ endeavours to rethink the UK prison system’s approach to rehabilitation
- David’s 7 paddleboarding world records, and upcoming global challenge
- The bravery of opening up and asking for help in times of need
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
With heightened scrutiny of the financial market, given recent Russian sanctions, such uncertainty makes the work of Bion Behdin’s First AML so much more indispensable.
Bion, Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer of First AML, brings 7 years of experiencing difficult Anti-Money Laundering processes with several major banks to the forefront, having now launched in the UK.
In this week’s Extrology, we discover how First AML extended their international reach to London - the ‘money laundering capital of the world’, how the 3 Co-Founders complement each other’s skills, and advice on picking the right time to seek investment and take your venture to the next level.
Lee and Bion discuss:
- The power of Co-Founders over going it alone
- Tips for obtaining investment, and when it’s the right time
- Taking the opportunity to push back against money laundering’s prevalence in global financial capitals
- Bion’s perception of success, and why you should focus on the problem you’re solving for customers
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
The working world is more flexible than ever, and the gig economy continues to rise in popularity. At its precipice is Limitless Technology, Co-Founded by Megan Neale and this week’s Extrology guest, Roger Beadle.
Among their client list are Microsoft, Unilever, eBay & Facebook, a marker of Roger & Megan’s successful strategy, undoubted resilience, and timely patience.
Roger shares with us how Limitless are tackling the biggest customer service challenges, AI & AR’s future impacts, and the value of finding a Co-Founder with complementary skills.
Lee and Roger discuss:
- The complementary skill sets that make Co-Founders so indispensable
- Exciting tech developments like AR & the metaverse, and how they'll change the working world
- Overcoming early challenges & securing funding
- Tackling the issues of staff attrition and low pay in the gig economy
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
“I know everything and I know nothing” is the confident, open-minded sentiment of world champion triathlete, world record holding cyclist, adventurer and philanthropist Kate Strong.
The list of experiences under Kate’s belt is beyond extensive, and there’s so much to learn from her empowering outlook on life.
Discover how her global entrepreneurial experience and athletic success have equipped her to strive for a sustainable future, touching so many lives through her many endeavours.
Lee and Kate discuss:
- Kate’s extraordinary triathlon world championship success and cycling world records
- The experiences amassed from extensive and ambitious travels
- Inspiration that Kate draws from everyday champions, more so than typical role models
- Struggles with identity in finite careers, such as that of an athlete
- How Kate thrived in the wake of financial and emotional challenges
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
With projects funded by UK 5G and the European Space Agency, Maria Lema’s PhD in Wireless Communications clearly serves as a fantastic grounding to democratise access to telecommunications infrastructure.
Such is the mission Maria hopes to achieve as Co-Founder of Weaver Labs. Drawing inspiration from elite athletes’ commitment, the humble mindset of crossfit, and resilience taught by her parents, Maria shares her industry-altering journey on this week’s episode of Extrology.
Lee and Maria discuss:
- The comfort-zone-pushing and problem solving principles behind Maria’s entrepreneurship
- How elite athletes’ mindsets can inform those of us striving for business success
- Demands from the telecoms industry and how Weaver Labs are looking to change the landscape of the sector
- Pros and cons of creating a business with as many as 4 Co-Founders
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
The world of care is one in which trust and relationships are paramount, and bringing together the many complex components of a comprehensive care system is no mean feat.
Driven by a desire for greater access to care and rising to the challenge of living with minicore myopathy, CareLineLive’s MD Josh Hough should be an inspiration to many.
Josh joins us on Extrology to break down how his focus is on people as your most important asset, where tech could both revolutionise the sector and hinder its human touch, and much more.
Lee and Josh discuss:
- Turning the diagnosis of minicore myopathy into a driving force to write the future
- The necessity and value of human touch in an increasingly tech-driven world
- Josh’s first venture into the world of business aged just 13 years old
- Bringing many elements together in an offering that creates value for stakeholders and end users alike
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Michael D’Onofrio’s vision is to build a sustainable and enduring legacy for the next generation, and he couldn’t have a greater breadth of experiences under his belt to achieve those ambitions.
With over 15 years of global experience, his current role as CEO of Orbus Software sees him employing the skills from an MBA with Harvard Business School in a forward-thinking, future-ready cloud software firm.
Hear how Michael created a plethora of executive & non-executive opportunities, why people are paramount to his leadership values, how to achieve true transformation, and so much more in this incredibly rich discussion on Extrology.
Lee and Michael cover:
- The incredible global expansion, growth mindset and innovative tech that drew Michael to Orbus
- How digital transformation has accelerated since Covid, and how it’s created competitive advantages
- Defining your mission and purpose, and taking steps towards achieving it
- Advice for those juggling executive duties with non-executive roles
- The value of amassing a breadth of experience early in your career
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
These days we’re taught of an industrial revolution in the history books, but with innovations in AI and ML led by companies like TurinTech AI, we’re most likely living through a technology revolution.
Co-Founder & experienced researcher Dr Leslie Kanthan is one of the incredibly bright minds behind the venture, who’ve garnered recognition and support from Microsoft, Google & Amazon.
We hear from Dr Kanthan how reverse engineering a Donkey Kong replica game catalysed a desire to learn programming, why passing on knowledge is essential, and the balancing of business with lifestyle & relationships.
Lee and Leslie discuss:
- The educational catalyst of hands-on experience with coding at an early age
- Growth of a culture in which collaboration is key
- A need to fully understand the requirements of clients, the industry, and your own team
- TurinTech AI’s groundbreaking developments in artificial intelligence and quantum computing
- How the value of sharing knowledge is integral to their company culture
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
The sheer scale on which the beautiful game makes its social impact is almost incomprehensible, and coordinating football managers to help make this impact is the impressive job of the LMA’s CEO, Richard Bevan.
With 11 successful years as chief executive of the Professional Cricketers Association, it’s no surprise that monumental names like Sir Alex Ferguson played a part in encouraging Richard to take up his current, prolific tenure.
In this week’s fascinating episode of Extrology, we touch on coaching being the ‘Golden Thread’ that applies to sport & business, the instinctive leadership behind some of the LMA’s hugely influential campaigns around dementia & suicide, and Richard’s impressive array of sporting experiences in football, cricket, golf and rallying.
Lee and Richard discuss:
- Coaching being the ‘Golden Thread’ in sport and business alike
- Sport’s unique ability to mobilise quickly for charitable causes
- The value of instinct inherent to a football manager which translates to any leadership
- Influential lessons from sporting giants like Sir Alex Ferguson, Walter Smith, Guus Hiddink and Nassar Hussein
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
LDC named Vlad Nanu and his Co-CEO Andy Rogers among their 50 most ambitious business leaders in 2021, and with Vlad’s emphasis on the importance of a vision in business, it’s no surprise.
With sites in Bristol and across mainland Europe, Amdaris is formed not of remote individuals, but remote teams, focusing on bringing together the best, most innovative software developers.
Vlad joins us this week to share the humble inspirations behind his passion for technology, why he prefers criticism over 10-out-of-10s in their feedback, and the pandemic-accelerated digitisation that makes his industry one of the most exhilarating to work within.
Lee and Vlad discuss:
- The experience of childhood in the Soviet Union, and cultural shift upon moving to America
- Finding greater interest in the business applications of technology than the tech itself
- Vlad’s 4 pillars of entrepreneurialism
- Getting more excited by constructive criticism than perfect praise
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
It’s common for young people to feel disenfranchised and that their voices fall upon deaf ears. Less common, though, is founding a charity at 15 years of age to make societal change.
Saeed Atcha - the youngest recipient of an MBE in 2019, and the youngest ever Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester - founded Youth Leads UK which, since its inception, has supported over 7,000 young people with opportunities and skills development.
What does it take to be driven to achieve so much in such relative youth, and for an initially small project to make an impact on a national scale? Saeed shares his story with Lee Cooper on this week’s Extrology.
Lee and Saeed discuss:
- Events that catalysed the foundation of his charity at just 15 years old
- The strength that comes from empowering young people to initiate vital conversations
- The challenges and frustrations that led Saeed to take action at such a young age
- Saeed’s drive & determination to grow Youth Leads UK to influencing systemic changes
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
James Gray has over 25 years’s experience as CEO & Director in the digital content industry, watching the world’s accelerating digitisation in every facet of today’s world. With aggregation playing a huge role in how we consume media nowadays, it was a matter of time until someone found the key to revolutionise how we access learning content.
Coutts Information Services may have been his first foray into streamlining written content in 1991, but with his latest venture, Kortext (@kortextonline), James is bringing a huge selection of educational texts to over 80 countries globally.
We delve into the takeaways from James’ extensive career to date, and where he sees the digitised future of the industry in the coming years, on this week’s episode of Extrology.
Lee and James discuss:
- The exciting future of digital education delivery
- Incorporating AI into tailoring teaching content
- How to capitalise on the US market
- James’ role at the advent of ebooks’ prevalence
- Managing short-term and long-term business decisions
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
With a Youth Olympics gold medal to his name, Ian Flanagan’s drive and motivation is indisputable, and as his bespoke accounting software solution Voly prepares to expand industries from yachting to music, his business acumen is equally apparent.
Ian, a Welsh former-professional Tennis player with incredible international sporting experiences as one of the world’s best, joins Lee Cooper on episode 29 of Extrology to discuss transitioning his determined mindset into a budding business venture.
We hear how Ian’s built business relationships that are more akin to friendships, why you should avoid rushing and chasing short-term money, and the invaluable lessons learned from a round of golf with Michael Jordan...
Lee and Ian discuss:
- The influences and idols behind Ian’s fantastic tennis career
- Career highlights from the Stella Artois Championships at Queens and the Youth Olympics
- Finding inspiration for Voly and building the right team to fulfil its potential
- Building strong, meaningful relationships with clients
- Employing Michael Jordan’s approach to embracing losses
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
It’s been said that no idea is truly original, so bringing value to business is all about an ability to execute those ideas. With an incredible track record to show from his decades as a serial tech entrepreneur & angel investor, there’s no doubt that William Reeve possesses that ability in abundance.
Having run the largest technology consumer research programme in Europe, Co-Founded the UK's leading online DVD rental brand - which eventually became LOVEFiLM - and holding Non-Executive roles in Secret Escapes, Graze and Dunelm, William has no shortage of tales and takeaways from his experiences.
Joining Lee on this week’s Extrology, William recalls the pain points that became progress on his business journey, which now sees him as the CEO of Goodlord.
Lee and William discuss:
- William’s remarkable portfolio of executive and non-exec roles
- Early fascination with technology, and releasing a game during his GCSE years
- Finding more value in executing ideas than conceiving them
- The oft-overlooked quality of sales as a professional skill
- Taking a portfolio approach to business vs having a sole focus
- The importance of diverse skill sets and outlooks in any team
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Very few businesses consider half of the entire globe as a target market, but in lieu of woefully absent education and funding around female health issues, MPowder is breaking barriers and making menopause an issue that can be tackled together.
MPowder’s success is driven by the creative mind of Rebekah Brown, a Founder whose experience spans several successful businesses, as well as the process of menopause that they’re working so hard to cater towards.
Discover how Rebekah achieves such strong backing for an issue that’s under-represented, the roles that have seen her expand teams in the face of imminent closure, and why MPowder represents so much more than an entrepreneurial opportunity...
Lee and Rebekah discuss:
- Rebekah’s personal experiences with menopause, and how they inspired the inception of MPowder
- The abhorrent lack of education and funding around female-specific health issues
- Obtaining backing from predominantly male investors through open honestly and storytelling
- Rebekah’s creative upbringing in theatre, leading to creative support in the landmark 1997 UK elections
- The importance of data and knowledge in catering to consumers
- Growing a team from 4 to 30+ as MD of bite
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
The BBC’s coverage of news events is an institutional mainstay, and journalism would be bereft with its absence. Playing a key role in shaping their internet presence is one Nic Newman, now a Lead Author of the Reuters Institute Digital Report.
Clearly, Nic’s dedication to quality journalism delivered effectively is a trait demonstrated throughout his career, from the demanding training grounds of local radio, to playing an instrumental role in the formation of the BBC’s news website, to now heading up the world’s largest annual report in his field.
Joining Lee Cooper on this week’s Extrology podcast, Nic shares the exciting advancements that paved the way for the BBC’s digital presence, some incredible findings from his work with the Reuters Institute, and the balance to be found between technological advancements and retaining human connection.
Lee and Nic discuss:
- How Nic broke family expectations to enter the world of radio
- The incredibly broad skillset demanded by roles in local radio stations
- Editing as a ‘lost art’
- Moments of large scale change in journalistic delivery
- Building the BBC’s reputation and infrastructure
- Combatting the feelings-over-facts reporting currently prevalent on the internet
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
The chances that your life has been completely devoid of content without John Lloyd CBE’s involvement is slim-to-none. With a roster of work reading like a memoir of British cultural phenomena through sound and screen (QI, Blackadder, Spitting Image, and No Such Thing As A Fish to name but a few), his dedication to creating engaging content shines in lieu of career changes and runs of misfortune.
In a truly captivating discussion with Lee Cooper, John ponders many of life’s tribulations and the lessons to be learned from every hurdle that most would call “failure”. From the closed door of straight acting that opened up the opportunity to produce radio shows, right through to earning his rightful reputation as an industry icon, we’re taken on a journey through his highest highs and toughest challenges.
Lee and John discuss:
- John’s multinational childhood, and the values it taught him
- Reaching your full potential and finding your success, even if not in a conventional sense
- Focusing on ‘autotelic’ work - content worth doing for its own sake and not for others
- Learning more from failure than from success
- The evolution, and current barren state, of cultural movements that inspired particular art styles and creative trends
- Finding meditation in your work
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Following idols like Nigel Mansell, Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill, Hamish Gordon’s talent and passion for racing has led him to podium glory and competing against accomplished drivers like Jenson Button. Hamish’s latest feat, however, sees a Graham Hill-esque mascot adorning the label of a unique, innovative, non-alcoholic gin brand - The Driver’s Tipple.
Having launched in 2018, the truly remarkable alternative to regular gin - as host Lee Cooper will attest to after an on-air taster in this podcast - has grown through the strength of Hamish’s network, quality of the product, and customers’ connection to the tongue-in-cheek brand & loveable mascots Miles and Ophelia.
Discover the story behind The Driver’s Tipple’s arduous development and progression since their successful launch on this episode of Extrology.
Lee and Hamish discuss:
- Hamish’s early entry into motorsport and racing idols
- Competing in Formula Ford against the likes of Jenson Button
- Finding podium success in international races
- The inspiration to start an innovative, revolutionary drinks brand
- Entering the market as our drinking culture and habits shift towards healthier, more experimental lifestyles
- The invaluable support that a strong network provides in both racing careers and business ventures
Links & references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Andrew Radcliffe’s passion for technology, like many, began with pushing the limits of early Amstrad computers at a young age. Fast forward to the modern day and in an impressive 5 year journey of expansion, his business Spyrosoft has gone from very humble beginnings to Europe’s fastest growing tech company.
On that path to realising a long-time dream of his, Andrew has evolved from a developer to learning how best to manage a team of them, capturing the importance of data in technological advancements and the vital emphasis on building your business with the right people.
Lee and Andrew discuss:
- How an undiminishable passion for technology directed Andrew’s career path
- Adjusting from being a developer to managing a team of devs
- Embracing digitisation and data at Ordnance Survey
- Growing Europe’s #1 fastest growing technology company
- The paramount importance of the right people in your business
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
At the humble age of 27, Harry Bliss is a CEO revolutionising the health and wellbeing space, Co-Founding Champion Health in 2018. In the wake of the loss of his friend and mentor, Harry has set off on a mission which is changing and saving lives, revolutionising the offerings for employee health and wellbeing.
Speaking on his incredibly noble motivations, Harry shares the story that details his relationship with mental and physical health, the massive ambitions to achieve real positive impact, and shifting from a reactive to a proactive methodology.
TRIGGER WARNING - This episode of Extrology does contain conversations raising awareness around the sensitive topics of self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate support, Samaritans are available on 116 123.
Lee and Harry discuss:
- The power of sport, and Harry’s appreciation of Freddie Flintoff’s mental resilience
- Champion Health’s origins, and its focus on inclusive and accessible wellbeing
- Harry’s hopes to achieve a greater impact than financial gain
- How organisations can embrace a healthier culture around wellbeing
- A growing focus and importance for self-compassion
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Chieu Cao’s career has demonstrated a dedication to championing happier workplaces. The sources of his business acumen and life lessons are varied; coming from small business owners like his parents as much as his considerable stints at tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon.
Now the Founder & CEO of Mintago, Chieu is implementing end-to-end financial wellbeing that affords its clients a happier life and advocates a level of financial education currently lacking in our schools.
Discover Chieu’s incredible career, his takeaways on the importance of embracing a specialism, and the vital storytelling aspect to any successful marketing campaign.
Lee and Chieu discuss:
- An early understanding of being self-sufficient
- Learning about specialism from his time at Amazon, Microsoft & Yahoo
- Creating a message that customers share for you
- Surrounding yourself with great people
- Chieu’s desire to help people’s financial education
- Finding success in having a real, positive societal impact
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
For over 20 years Les Flitcroft was an aerospace engineer. A double arm break and series of life-altering events later, he has embarked on a journey of discovery, leading him to tutoring countless people in the art of Pranic Healing.
From overcoming initial skepticism of alternative therapies to embracing the unique way in which Pranic Healing combines Eastern and Western medical philosophies, the immense challenges that Les has overcome have demonstrated admirable resilience and resolve.
Find out more about how he’s been touching so many lives and sharing his passion for helping others, on this episode of Extrology.
Lee and Les discuss:
- The life-altering accident that left Les with two broken arms
- Discovering and embracing pranic healing
- Overcoming an initial sense of cynicism
- Emotionally processing the journey of recovery
- The difficulty in accepting intangible concepts
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
The multi-faceted business of game development has seen an ever-growing presence in the spotlight in recent years, especially in lieu of an increasing range of free, open source development tools. At a time where blockbuster studios claim the lion’s share of the industry’s worth - upwards of $77bn for mobile gaming alone - Stuart De Ville has seen considerable success with his indie studio, Zap Pop Pow.
Sharing his experience as a creative leader in game design, fine art, book illustration, graffiti art and Founder of Game Dev London, Stuart explains how he directs a varied creative team to achieve a vision, the low barriers to entry for budding game developers, and boldly taking the first steps to working for yourself.
Lee and Stuart discuss:
- Pursuing a dream in spite of deterrence from his art school
- Learning business sense from his graffiti artist gig
- Stuart’s exciting start in the games industry
- Taking the initiative to work for yourself and achieve your own goals
- Managing a creative team with greatly varied personalities
- Effects of the increasing accessibility of open source game development tools
- Growing Game Dev London as a creative community
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
With a list of credits that include Strictly Come Dancing, The Voice, Little Mix: The Search, and This Morning, there’s no doubt that Andrea Hamilton has earned her stripes in the TV industry.
Behind her success as an accomplished Executive Producer is an admirable display of commitment and determination to follow her instincts, which led her from journalistic aspirations to television success.
In this episode of Extrology we take a look at Andrea’s award-winning career, her views on how the industry has evolved since she started, and where her latest venture, ModestTV, promises to make its mark on the small screen.
Lee and Andrea discuss:
- The financial barriers to enter the TV production industry
- Learning all aspects of the industry as a runner
- This generation’s desire for rapid success
- Carving a career path to being Executive Producer on Strictly and The Voice
- The role of world-building, authenticity, spectacle and relatability in TV success
- Shifting from roles in a corporate to running her own business
- Differing expectations between YouTube and TV platforms
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Sir Ranulph Fiennes describes Jordan Wylie as a determined, fearless adventurer and an inspiring man. A former soldier, best selling author, extreme adventurer and one of the stars of the award-winning TV shows Hunted and Celebrity Hunted, his expeditions - including a staggering number of world firsts - have raised more than £1m for charity.
Having achieved two world records, 10 years of military service, one unfathomably difficult climb of Mount Kilimanjaro and years of tireless campaigning to remove the stigma around mental illness, this episode of Extrology uncovers the incredible mindset behind a man who truly lives by the mantra: Be the difference that makes a difference.
Lee and Jordan discuss:
- The streetwise skills Jordan learned in his early years
- Military service as a levelling experience
- Disparity between military mentality and private sector businesses
- Jordan’s entry point to maritime security and dealing with Somali pirates unarmed
- Embarking on world record breaking expeditions as a charitable force of good
- Raising awareness of the stigma around mental health and mental illness
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/
At the height of the Dot-com Bubble in the late 90s, Bill Carr came across a rare opportunity to be a part of internet-giant, Amazon. After a hugely successful career spanning 15 years as Vice President of Prime Video, Amazon Studios and Amazon Music, he stepped down to reflect on his experience. Bill is now co-author of the newly published ‘Working Backwards’, a first person account of Amazon’s revolutionary principles and processes, which catalysed the launch of such businesses as Kindle, Prime, and AWS.
In this episode, Bill shares his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become part of one of the fastest growing internet companies in the world, the lessons he took forward from Procter & Gamble, and how your long term success is forged not on easier roles, but on the resilience you grow through challenging times.
Lee and Bill discuss:
- Lessons from Bill’s time at Procter & Gamble and Amazon
- The feeling of possibility when arriving at Amazon
- Fighting established competitors to launch Amazon Prime Video
- Working with his talented team on products with tangible world impact
- Finding most personal growth in tougher times
- How Bill’s new book aims to highlight Amazon’s revolutionary management style
In 2013, one morning commute which turned into a discussion around a shared love of baking spawned a home baking subscription business which has been named one of The Independent’s top 15 food subscriptions two years running. The last 8 years has seen the meteoric rise of Bakedin, the brainchild of one Joseph Munns.
Joseph joins Lee Cooper to share the intimidating leap that saw a career change from 15 years with IBM, to curating a team who have since developed recipes with a world-leading chef, and have facilitated an incredible expansion to their D2C channel amidst the past year’s tumultuous times.
Lee and Joe discuss:
- Transitioning from IBM to business ownership with Bakedin
- Lessons from corporate experience that helped lead Joe’s team
- The difference between self-motivation and momentum
- Focusing time into a project that captures your passion
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
With the hospitality sector in a state of relative disarray in lieu of the past year’s developments, and the government’s somewhat misguided response trying to help the industry, there are swathes of people begging to return to the kind of experiences and venues that incubate moments of genuine human connection. One man who hopes that his brand, and sector as a whole, emerge stronger than ever with a focus on facilitating the ‘touchpoints of humanity’ is Mark Cribb, the Managing Director of Urban Guild.
Joining Lee Cooper to detail the steps on his business journey and years of travelling which renewed his interest in creating moments that people cherish and enjoy, Mark shares his entry point to business ownership and the lessons he carries forward from running a market stall at an early age. He also elaborates on some ‘creative’ business expansion methods, and the importance of taking the first step into entrepreneurship without fear or, as Mark calls it, ‘the paralysis of analysis’.
Lee and Mark discuss:
- The valuable business lessons learned from running a market stall
- Feeling permanently out of your comfort zone when travelling
- The difference between customer service and true hospitality
- Creative methods of business expansion
- Being motivated by ‘the touchpoints of humanity’
- Support needed to alleviate difficulties faced by the hospitality sector
- Overcoming the ‘paralysis of analysis’
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
There is no age too early to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit, as evidenced by Russell Merry, whose story takes him from selling newspapers aged 5, to growing cycling company Hot Wheels from £1m to £13.5m annual revenue with 26 employees before selling the brand in 2009. Russell then doubled the revenue of the business continuing as Managing Director at Cycling Sports Group, distributors of Cannondale, Charge, GT, Mongoose & Wethepeople Bikes.
Now in 2021 he’s embarking on a new venture to prove to himself that the term ‘One Trick Pony’ does not apply, Russell tells us of his ambitions for Brake Fluid, a caffeine-based sports brand, while explaining the incredible drive and passion which has seen success both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, and spurred him on to find pastures new, at a time where many would simply settle.
Lee and Russell discuss:
- Russell’s passion and expertise in the cycling industry
- Learning a new craft from those who have a lifetime of experience
- Inheriting his father’s entrepreneurial spirit
- Running a business through generations of world-changing crises
- Transferring business ambition to a new industry
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
The style of football exhibited by England’s teams has undoubtedly evolved, in part due to a shift in the types of training offered to our rising stars. One man whose contributions to introducing samba-style futsal to the masses have likely shaped some of our current sporting talents is Chris Sharman.
Throughout his decades of sports and leisure experience, Chris has made incredible efforts to professionalise working with kids, and demonstrated remarkable resilience dealing with vastly different management scenarios.
Now the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Topodium Group, a new sports, health and leisure agency that’s weathered the storm of 2020, Chris has had an incredible journey, into which we delve on this episode of the Extrology podcast.
Lee and Chris discuss:
- Introducing a new football style to upcoming young talent
- Heading up an internationally successful business division
- The skills learned from hosting kids at leisure centres
- Professionalising childcare
- Handling challenging business politics
- Starting a business in exceedingly challenging conditions
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
With the advent of website creation tools like Wix and Squarespace, making an impact online now is far easier than in the late 90s, where a young Michael Saunders - fresh from a degree in Film & Video Directing and Producing - began a ‘side job’ which formed the basis for an incredibly prolific digital agency celebrating its 16th year in business.
Besides his more explicitly successful fiscal endeavours, on episode 11 of Extrology we hear how Michael was a part of what may have been the first multicam music festival live stream, the lessons he’s picked up from running a business with a large number of freelancers, and why learning to handle problems by yourself can be simultaneously a blessing and a curse.
Lee and Michael discuss:
- Michael’s early passion for music and film
- Developing a revolutionary multicam festival livestream
- The challenges of managing lots of freelancers
- Pros and cons of learning to tackle issues yourself
- Overcoming traditional issues with business scaling
- Picking the right business partners/investors
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
Becoming MD of a football club emerging from the throes of their lowest ever final league position at the mere age of 26 is both a great privilege and an intimidating prospect. Now celebrating his 20th year at YMU, Group CEO Neil Rodford has demonstrated an incredible work ethic to make the most of the opportunities offered to him.
On episode 10 of Extrology, Neil explains how working harder than everyone else in the room formed the basis for his chemistry with Kevin Keegan, the transferable skills learned from football that he applied to talent management, and learning to take a step backwards to make the right kind of progress.
Lee and Neil discuss:
- Becoming Managing Director of Fulham at a young age
- Aligning goals of manager, owner, and back-end staff
- The volatile nature of running a football club
- Fulfilling your potential for growth
- Surrounding yourself with with right people
- Doing the right thing for the business, not just financially
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
Amassing a wealth of life experiences is important to equip you with the tools to face the next challenge that life throws at you. Having achieved feats that most will never consider attempting, few people know this better than "The Adventure Psychologist" Paula Reid.
From camping in India among tigers at the mere age of 15 to completing the 1000km trek to the South Pole, with every challenge Paula faces she continues to live her life to the full. In this truly awesome episode of Extrology, Paula joins Lee Cooper to recall some of her most gruelling expeditions, how they taught her to live her life to the fullest, and what to expect from her next philanthropic endeavour.
Lee and Paula discuss:
- Learning cultural differences on international travels
- The difference between surviving, coping, and thriving
- How pressure brings the best out of us
- Preparing for an unknown challenge
- Advice for people wanting to achieve something incredible
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
Sue Anstiss has been championing change for over 30 years, as CEO of Fearless Women, Founding Trustee of the Women’s Sport Trust and Podcast Host of The Game Changers, even earning an MBE in 2018 for her services to grassroots and women’s sport.
She now helps other brands and organisations to help drive change in women’s sport with engaging content, communications, campaigns and consultancy working with sports governing bodies, teams, charities, major events and brands.
In episode 8 of Extrology, Sue joins Lee Cooper to consider the current status of women’s sport, the support being channeled into creating more opportunities for women, and the lessons she’s learned from sport which have bestowed her with the confidence to thrive in the business world.
Lee and Sue discuss:
- Sue’s childhood heroes
- Being awarded an MBE
- The lessons translated from sport into business
- Learning confidence and bravery
- Investment in women’s sport at grassroots level
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
With streaming services increasing their viewership by 71% this year, the likes of BBC iPlayer and DAZN have kept viewers around the world entertained through some particularly trying times. Who better to offer insight into the world of online video content than the creator of iPlayer and Chief Product Officer at DAZN - Ben Lavender.
Having changed the way that most of us consume our online media, Ben gives us a look behind the curtain on how TV streaming was born, the resistance he had to overcome along the way, and what it’s like to be at the forefront of sports streaming at DAZN. All this and more on episode 7 of Extrology.
Lee and Ben discuss:
- Overcoming resistance to a novel idea
- The early days of content piracy
- Balancing thorough testing with gut feelings
- Sports fans’ passion
- Generating ideas from boredom
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
With an annual revenue of $280bn last year, it’s fair to say Amazon is a permanent fixture in the business world, and it’s here to stay. Navigating the marketplace as a customer is simple, but as a seller it presents a daunting challenge. Paul Adams aims to help navigate this gauntlet, as CEO of Amazon Marketplace Services platform Tambo.
His experience on the digital teams for the likes of BA and many others has positioned him perfectly to understand the steps businesses should take to find success on digital platforms. Paul shares the unique developments he’s made in the world of online sales, and the lessons learned from playing competitive tennis at a young age which carry over to his business.
Lee and Paul discuss:
- The biggest challenges in starting the business
- Being at the forefront of digital developments
- Retaining a business’ core DNA when upscaling
- Changing long-established business models
- Past and present digital ‘eras’
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
With the recent defence of his Commonwealth cruiserweight boxing title, Chris Billam-Smith is a man who has known both the ecstatic highs that come from mastering his craft, and the pain of defeat on the long road to the top. His incredible professional boxing record is a testament to the resilience he’s built through complete commitment to the sport, and the mental strength required to overcome injury and losses at amateur level.
In this insightful episode of Extrology, Lee Cooper discovers Chris’ ethos when it comes to the psychology of sport, training the body right, and the importance of failure in achieving success at the highest level.
Lee and Chris discuss:
- Overcoming injuries and setbacks
- Maximising the chance of success
- Using failure as a motivation
- Consistency and constant improvement
- The importance of incremental goal-setting
- Dealing with the fear of failure
- The role of mental strength in a highly physical sport
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
Having launched beauty products for brands including Crabtree & Evelyn, M&S, Harvey Nichols, Boots and Body Shop, Janet Milner-Walker is an expert in the global beauty industry. Now Founder & Director of Bespoke Advantage, Janet works with clients to develop purposeful brands that have a positive impact on people’s health, beauty and wellbeing on an international scale.
In episode 4 of the Extrology podcast, Janet joins Lee Cooper in exploring the shift from face-to-face collaboration to the online tools with which we have now become well acquainted, as well as looking at the future of the high street, and the beauty industry’s increasing demand for eco-friendly products.
Lee and Janet discuss:
- Becoming the face of your own business
- Blending online and face-to-face work for efficiency
- The advantages of experiencing multi-cultural business practices
- Accessibility of the current beauty industry
- Shifting attitudes towards sustainability
- Combatting a diminishing necessity for physical stores
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
Dave Ashley is the definition of life experience. He's experienced multiple tours of combat operations, broken his back ejecting mid flight across the desert, transitioned from pilot to flight instructor and made the successful switch to civvy street with his business, the Ashley Property Group that he runs with his wife Heather, specialising in portfolio building, property sourcing, land development and project management.
In episode 3 of Extrology, Lee Cooper interviews Dave, who takes us on his journey from a boy with a dream to flying in F 18, the incredible stress of combat, the transition from military to civilian life, the reality of a life turned upside down by a broken back, and the challenge of starting your own business from scratch.
They discuss:
- Dave’s fear of flying to later becoming a fighter pilot
- Making it in the military, and how you can too
- Adapting to civilian life and business
- Coping with life changing moments and injuries
- How being regimented can help in business
- How never being satisfied is a good thing
- When to give up a long term career
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
Not many successful business owners advise on how not to launch a business, but Roger Woodall openly does.
Financial struggle, sleepless nights and major factors outside of his control, Roger talks honestly about the pressures (as well as the positives) of building the largest sports & music festival in the world.
Beyond festivals, Roger has a wealth of business knowledge; from his early days of selling event tickets at profit within his parent’s London pub, to years later, creating an innovative sportswear brand and now mentoring others.
In episode 2 of Extrology, Lee Cooper interviews Roger about his experiences as a founder, the realities of entrepreneurship and what it really takes to become successful.
Lee & Roger discuss:
- Building a business in a recession
- The fear of the unknown
- Taking action on ideas
- The importance of company culture
- The benefits of uncertainty
- Lessons learned
- Research on your competitors (and the colander theory!)
- A new venture - giving back and helping others build their business
- How you can learn and get into the events world
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
Matt Macri-Waller impacts the lives of millions of people at work every day. He is a global thought leader in the employee experience space, specialising in bridging the gap between a company and it’s employees.
Matt is the CEO of Benefex, part of the advisory board for KPMG’s Global FinTech 100 Business, Barclays entrepreneur ambassador & advisor, had been nominated as a “Business Hero” by The Times and secured a place within the Reward 100 most influential leaders in the industry.
In episode 1 of Extrology, Lee Cooper interviews Matt about his own experiences as a young founder, the realities of entrepreneurship and how the landscape has changed over the past 10-20 years. They also dive into ways to improve your health and productivity as a Founder as well as the future of technology in business with developments such as AI & AR.
They discuss:
- How Benefex launched and experiences from a young founder
- Entrepreneurship expectations verses reality
- The importance of a support network
- Employee performance and wellbeing
- Mental health in modern society and the impact of social media
- Lessons he’s learnt from other businesses as a Barclay’s Entrepreneur Advisor
- Health and organisational tips for improving your performance as a business leader
- Evolving technologies in business including VR & AI
Links and references at: https://www.extrology.com/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners: https://www.progressotalent.com/
Produced by Podcast Labs: https://podcastlabs.co.uk/
Hi I'm Lee Cooper; recruiter, connector, business owner, sport's junkie, coffee snob and best of all, Dad. I'm fascinated by what drives the human spirit, and am fortunate to enjoy a job which for 25 years has afforded me the opportunity to interview literally thousand's of inspiring people, from all walks of life. So rather than keep all the good stuff to myself, I figured, why not share the insight, the education and inspiration that can be gained from listening to those who've defied the odds to achieve the extraordinary. But success is such a subjective concept, the extraordinary even more so. It means different things based on different measures, to different people. The odds vary, as do the circumstances widely. The stories are unique, I wanted to understand what I could learn from those who have overcome their own unique odds, to achieve their own uniquely personal goals and to share that learning with you. That is how Extrology was born. Expect to hear from people across the spectrum, people who have risen to the challenges of life, family, community, education, health, business, sport, the arts, science, I am to ensure as wide of mix of the extraordinary as the 7.5 billion of us on this planet can muster. Come and celebrate the human spirit at https://www.extrology.com/ - I look forward to welcoming you there. Get in touch: lee@extrology.com