In this week's episode Nick talks to friend of the show Hugh Hendry.

Nick and Hugh talk through Hugh’s thoughts on the outlook for 2024 and go on a macro Acid Capitalist trip along the way.

They discuss when will the Fed cut interest rates, the 1970s and Hugh's white paper on the parallels between the monetary landscape and the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, suggesting that attempts by central banks to control economic temperature may lead to unintended consequences. They also cover Hugh’s view of Japan, Greyscale, Bitcoin and the price of Gold. Hugh also discusses arguing with his 'AI version of himself'.

 
Nick's book suggestion is The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

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This week, Nick speaks to Mark Mills, Entrepreneur and Advisor.

Mark is an Advisor who has built and sold businesses throughout his career. Mark set out to build and exit Cardpoint plc which he grew from a start-up in 2000 to revenues of £100m annually in 2006 with resulting EBITDA of £19.8m in that financial year. Mark’s expertise is derived from his own experiences and since 2007, Mark has been applying his unique process to other businesses and helping the owners to exit.

Recognizing common denominators of successful businesses, Mark emphasizes the importance of great customers, suppliers, teams, and stakeholders. With an entrepreneurial spirit deeply rooted in his DNA, Mark has served as the Founder and Chairman of www.mark.co.uk since August 2013.

In this episode, Nick and Mark discuss how Mark started in business, his journey, his business principles and how he aids business owners in preparing for sale and maximizing capital value upon exit.

Mark's book choice was Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki.

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week, Nick speaks to Graeme Carling, Chairman & Co-Founder of The Carling Group.

Graeme is a notable entrepreneur, with a reputation for successfully negotiating deals in his own inimitable style: bold, direct, and uncompromising. He has decades of experience in bringing together fragmented markets and successfully negotiating high-value deals.  In 2019 Graeme, as CEO of investment company United Capital, began acquiring multiple businesses in the UK building services sector, growing group turnover to £40 million. With Graeme leading his expert team, United Capital continues to make significant acquisitions, with a potential acquisition pipeline value of over £1 billion.

Nick and Graeme discuss Graeme’s business journey, The Carling Group’s portfolio at present and some of the sectors that interest Graeme.

Graeme's book choices were - Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki and three books by Steven Pressfield - Do The Work, Turning Pro and War of Art.

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week, Nick speaks to Edwin Brenninkmeyer, CEO of Oriens Aviation.

Edwin is founder and CEO of Oriens Aviation, an exclusive distributor for Pilatus and Tecnam aircraft in the British Isles. The company, as the Authorized Centre for Pilatus and Tecnam aircraft, is dedicated to providing a comprehensive suite of services for private aircraft owners and operators.

Edwin comes from a family business background, holding an MBA from Oxford University, where he specialized in business aviation and airport operating models. Edwin leverages this knowledge, coupled with his aviation venture capital experience, to form a consultancy focused on advising on the commercial aspects of aviation in Europe. His continued investments span both aviation and non-aviation businesses.

In their conversation, Nick and Edwin delve into the intricacies of Oriens, exploring the private aircraft sector and the dynamics of running an aviation business with an ethical value chain. Edwin shares insights on how he envisions new technologies shaping the future of aviation and covers all you need to know in chartering or owning an aircraft.

Edwin book choice was Reach for the Sky by Paul Brickhill.

Find out more about Oriens Aviation here. 
https://www.oriensaviation.com/zeus/

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week, Nick speaks to Swen Lorenz, CEO & Founder of Sarnia Asset Management, a fund manager based in Guernsey, Channel Islands. 

Sarnia Asset Management is in the process of launching several high-performing niche funds in public equity. Swen has a 25-year track record start-ups, turnarounds, fund management and also runs an investment website and blog, Undervalued Shares.

Nick and Swen discuss Swen’s background, becoming editor-in-chief of a well-respected German investment publication at only twenty one, travel, philanthropic ventures, and the evolution of Undervalued Shares.

They discuss that Swen is in the process of launching a formal offer to buy the Sark real estate portfolio owned by Alistair Barclay, the heir of Sir David Barclay. If a transaction does take place, the Sark Property Company that Swen set up together with the Seigneur of Sark will own 20% of the surface area of Sark with a portfolio of residential, commercial and hotel properties. This company would then also aim to go public in London in 2025.

Swen's book choice was The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz.

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week, Nick talks to Anthony Chow, Co-Founder of Agronomics.

Anthony co-founded Argonomics in 2018 alongside author, entrepreneur and investor, Jim Mellon. Agronomics is the leading London listed company in the field of cellular agriculture. Cellular agriculture is the production of agriculture products directly from cell cultures that would have otherwise been derived from traditional agriculture methods.

Nick and Anthony discuss cellular agriculture, looking at some of Anthony's key investments and discussing what the sector will look like in the next 5-10 years.

Anthony's book choice was Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Future by Ed Conway

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week, Nick talks to Richard Mulholland, Founder of Missing Link.

Richard founded Missing Link in 1997, after a career as a rock n’ roll roadie, operating lights for legendary bands including Def Leppard and Iron Maiden. Richard is an expert in persuasive communication and is a global keynote speaker, talking across the world on subjects such as strategy, leadership and sales.

Richard and Nick discuss the changing world of presentations, human connection and communication, tools to communicate persuasively and how to inspire action. 

Richard has written three books: Legacide, Boredom Slayer, and Be Here Dragons. His other book choices were - Selling the Invisible by Harry Beckwith, Your Business Brickyard: Getting back to the basics by Howard Mann and Profit First by Mike Michalowicz.

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week, Nick talks to Stephen Julius, Entrepreneur & Investor.

Stephen Julius is an entrepreneur and investor focusing on acquiring controlling stakes in bankrupt or distressed, luxury consumer brands, mainly in the power sport industry, and then re-launching the companies. With a love for iconic, product brands, a passion for design, and an interest in fostering craftsmanship within a manufacturing environment.

Stephen has brought the following brands back to life: Chris-Craft Corporation, Riva Yachts and Indian Motorcycle Company. Stephen and Nick discuss Stephen’s background in a Benedictine Monastery and starting out at The Boston Consulting Group. They talk about Stephen’s career, starting with his first investment in Italy, his investment strategy and key lessons learnt throughout his career. 

Stephen's book choices were The Odyssey by Homer and La Serenissima: The Story of Venice by Jonathan Keates

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed, within constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week, Nick talks to Emily Williams, Co-Founder of IW Aviation.

Formerly Board Sales Director at NetJets Europe, Emily has spent a decade advising HNWs and globally recognised corporations on their aviation needs. Her detailed knowledge of the industry includes operations and manufacturers, having built-up vast experience in strategy planning and long-term business analytics for her clients.

Emily and Nick discuss her background and career, starting out in Ogilvy & Mather and joining NetJets shortly after the merger with Marquis Jet Europe. They talk about what it’s like to work with Warren Buffet and other visionary leaders, her ten-year career at NetJets, and the journey of founding and building her business. 

In 2015 Emily joined forces with her former NetJets colleague, Nicolas Imrie, and they founded IW Aviation.

Emily's book choice was Untamed: Stop Pleasing, Start Living by Glennon Doyle.

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

This week, Nick talks to Bob Holt OBE, acclaimed business leader and philanthropist.

Bob Holt, former Director of Mears Group, built the company from a minnow to a market leader. He has since taken his significant experience to several other company boards. Seen as a no-nonsense hands-on achiever with significant experience at Board level, Bob recently turned around Revolution Beauty.

Nick and Bob discuss Bob’s start in Oldham in the family’s greengrocers to being Tottenham Hotspur’s CEO among many other leadership roles in his career. Bob also discusses his philanthropic pursuits as the founder of The Mears Foundation, The Footprints Foundation and The Holt Trust.

Bob’s book recommendations were the works of Tom Bower.

This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.