Better Under Pressure

#25 - Ben Ryan - Find the Trampolines

In this episode, I have an engaging conversation with Ben Ryan, the Director of Elite Performance at Brentford FC. With a background in teaching, professional rugby, and being the most successful men's rugby sevens coach in the world, Ben has a wealth of experience in handling pressure. 

His book, Sevens Heaven, recounts his incredible journey coaching the under-resourced Fiji 7s team to their first-ever Olympic Gold in 2016. This achievement led to numerous accolades, including his face being featured on Fijian banknotes and coins, as well as being named a Fijian tribal chief.

During our discussion, Ben shares valuable insights on:

• Recognising when others are feeling the pressure
• The concept of "finding the trampolines" and what it means
• How he had to make a life-changing decision in just 20 minutes

#24 - Rachel Osborne - Be Decisive

In this episode, I’m talking to Rachel Osborne, CEO of Ted Baker. Rachel was appointed to that role just as Covid hit the UK, and prior to that she had been CFO at Debenhams Retail Limited.

Having originally studied veterinary medicine at Cambridge, Rachel chose instead to qualify as a chartered accountant at KPMG. She now has over 30 years of financial experience with consumer-facing brands like Domino’s Pizza, Vodafone, and John Lewis. She has also previously held senior positions with Sodexo, Kingfisher and PepsiCo.

 In this conversation Rachel shares:

• What she‘s learnt from leading businesses in distress
• The advantages of a board that’s positively challenging
• And why she’s become grateful for ships in the night

#23 - Tacita Small - Know Your Superpower

In this episode, I’m in conversation with Tacita Small – founder of The Small HR Company, an HR Consultancy that supports businesses in the creative and entertainment industries with all aspects of HR and People needs.

As a senior HR leader, Tacita worked in-house for over two decades with many instantly recognisable brands such as Westfield, Ralph & Russo, Apple, Ministry of Sound, Freemantle and BBC Worldwide to name a few.

In our conversation Tacita shares:

1.   Why she’s happy answering emails on the beach
2.   The uncomfortable pressure of not being herself
3.   And what her son said that ignited her desire to set up her business.

#22 - David Shelley - The Power of Looking Back

In this episode, I’m talking to David Shelley, a trailblazer in the world of publishing. With over two decades of experience, David has worked with some of the biggest names in literature, including J.K. Rowling, Dennis Lehane, and Mitch Albom. Starting out at Allison & Busby, he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the CEO of Hachette UK, the second-largest consumer publisher in the UK.

David's expertise in the industry is unparalleled, having overseen the publication of countless crime and thriller novels, as well as ebooks and audiobooks. He's a visionary leader, driving innovation and growth in an ever-changing landscape. 

During our conversation, David shares: 

- How he makes work not feel like work 

- How he uses storytelling in times of pressure 

- And, what he does to pull back from strong feelings

#21 - Myriam Coupard - Listen to Your Body

In this episode, I’m talking to Myriam Coupard, who has worked all over the world leading and shaping creative businesses. A customer-centric entrepreneur at heart, she’s launched, run, reshaped and grown successful companies in France, the UK, China and Singapore. Myriam trained as a professional dancer in Contemporary Dance in Paris, specialising in the Martha Graham technique until that career was cut short following unsuccessful knee surgery.

Following that, she dedicated many years to Ascential PLC and more specifically to Cannes Lions, the organisation behind the renowned film festival, where she worked across a breadth of Executive roles leading teams through organizational transformation and change. She is currently Managing Director of the UK and EMEA for The Marketing Academy. She is a tireless champion of creativity and its ability to change people, organisations and the world.

In this conversation, she shares:

• The power of detangling emotions from facts
• Her non-negotiables when it comes to putting herself first
• And, why her body decided to take her out of the exciting promotion awaiting her in Singapore

#20 - Matt Chavlovich - What would happen if…?

In this episode, I’m talking to Matt Chavlovich, a former prolific goalkeeper and captain in professional football (soccer) in the US, he is now a speaker, advisor, and transformation coach. In his 30-year career, Matt has been a leader in the world of sports and the world of business. He has held leadership positions in organisations ranging from the MLS and Hasbro to Adidas and the American Cancer Society. 

In our conversation, Matt shares:

• The transferrable skills of sport in business,
• Why he has no time for regrets,
• And how the 14-year-old Matt dealt with adults telling him not to come home if he’d lost a match.