In this powerful episode, we sit down with marine industry icon Ken Clinton for an in-depth conversation about leadership, passion, and what’s next as he takes the helm as CEO of Rec Boat Holdings, part of Groupe Beneteau.

Ken isn't your typical "corner office" executive — he's a boots-on-the-ground leader who has spent his entire career shoulder-to-shoulder with his teams, customers, and craftsmen. Known for his hands-on approach at Intrepid Powerboats, Ken talks about why being present, getting his hands dirty, and truly loving the process has been key to his success - and why for him, it’s never felt like hard work as he loves what he does so much!

Now, as he steps into his exciting new role with RBH, Ken shares his vision for strengthening American brands, accelerating innovation, and building even stronger bridges between Sales, Marketing, Development, and Production. He opens up about the thrill of stepping into new challenges, the humility of continuous learning, and his drive to stay close to the people and products that make the marine industry so special.

We dive deep into leadership lessons, the art of building boats that resonate with real people, the future of American boatbuilding, and what it really takes to stay passionate and inspired over decades of success.

If you want a masterclass in authentic leadership - from someone who lives and breathes the marine industry - this episode is one you don't want to miss.

Behind the scenes of Boot Düsseldorf!

Ever wondered what it takes to pull off one of the best boat shows in the world? In this episode, we’re chatting with the man behind Boot Düsseldorf—Petros Michelidakis! He’s the mastermind making sure this incredible event runs smoothly, from coordinating thousands of exhibitors to keeping up with the latest marine trends.

Lets chat prep, the buzz, and some behind-the-scenes secrets of what really goes into creating such an epic show. Petros shares some stories, and how Boot Düsseldorf stays at the top of the game.

Jouku Huju, a leader from IFBSO, the global organization dedicated to ensuring boat shows' success joins Hollie to ahead of the European boat show season!  

We discus the essential role IFBSO plays in supporting exhibitions, uniting the boating industry, and sharing best practices across five key areas: sales and marketing, communication, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and IT technology.

We explore the challenges boat shows face, from economic cycles to the impact of global events like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Jouku shares insights into how the industry is adapting, with visitor numbers starting to grow and sales picking up, especially for larger boats.

Tune in to hear Jouku's proudest moment—advocating against an unfair boat tax in Finland—and how this victory shaped their approach to leadership. We’ll also discuss the future of boat shows, with a focus on sustainability and the importance of environmental responsibility.

To cap it all off, we ask Jouku a fun question: What quote inspires them? Their answer, a George Bernard Shaw classic, will inspire you too:

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

Whether you're in the marine industry or just curious about the world of boat shows, this episode is sure to offer valuable insights and inspiration.

Wow - the likeness is crazy, Tony Lewis, one of the world's most acclaimed Robbie Williams tribute artists joins Hollie on episode 45 of Achieving Excellence.

Tony’s resemblance to Robbie Williams is so good it once even fooled Liam Gallagher!

From his beginnings as a plumber to becoming a full-time tribute artist, Tony shares his incredible journey. We explore how he masterfully imitates Robbie's voice, mannerisms, and persona, and how he balances his demanding career with family life. 

Tony also reflects on the personal connections he shares with Robbie, the challenges of life on the road, and the tattoos that celebrate his unique twist on the pop icon's inkings. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that reveals Tony Lewis as more than just a tribute artist—he's an artist in his own right.

"You can’t add days to your life so add life to your days instead"

I have personally had the pleasure of leadership training with Graham and it was truly inspiring. I am so excited to share a small part of the value he offers with his leadership insights in this thought-provoking conversation.

We discuss what it means to be a healthy leader and  a leader worth following. Join us as we explore the essential qualities and habits that set exemplary leaders apart. We'll discuss the importance of physical and mental well-being, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams.

Our guest, a renowned leadership coach, shares actionable insights and practical tips for developing a holistic approach to leadership. We’ll cover topics such as feedback, communication, aligning expectations, fostering a positive organisational culture, and the critical role of self-awareness in leadership.

This episode will provide you with valuable strategies to enhance your leadership style and build a legacy that others will want to follow.

When designing a yacht, the importance of acoustics and sound systems cannot be overstated. A yacht is not just a means of transportation; it is a mobile sanctuary, an entertainment hub, and a luxurious retreat. The quality of the acoustic environment plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience of being on board. Properly designed acoustics ensure that conversations can be held comfortably without the intrusion of engine noise, the sound of waves, or other ambient distractions. This creates a serene and pleasant atmosphere, essential for relaxation and enjoyment.

High-quality sound systems are equally important as they transform the yacht into a versatile entertainment venue. Whether it’s for hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or simply listening to music while cruising, a state-of-the-art sound system provides the desired auditory experience. The integration of sophisticated audio technology ensures that sound is evenly distributed throughout the yacht, from the sun deck to the interior cabins. This eliminates dead zones and ensures that every area of the yacht offers a premium auditory experience.

Moreover, the acoustical design of a yacht involves strategic planning to minimize unwanted noise and vibrations, which can be particularly challenging in the confined and dynamic environment of a boat. Effective soundproofing materials and techniques are essential to isolate noise from engines, generators, and other mechanical systems. This not only enhances comfort but also ensures safety by allowing clear communication and reducing the risk of noise-induced fatigue for both crew and passengers.

In conclusion, acoustics and sound systems are integral to the design of a yacht, significantly impacting comfort, enjoyment, and safety. By prioritizing these elements, yacht designers can create an environment that is not only luxurious but also acoustically optimized for the unique challenges of life at sea. This attention to auditory detail ensures that every journey is as enjoyable and immersive as possible, truly embodying the essence of luxury yachting.

ECF x D = S

Extreme customer focus, multiplied by discipline, equals success!

Join Hollie for episode 42 with Marc Hawxhurst, the visionary President and Founder of Nova Luxe Yachts LLC. Established in 2017, Nova Luxe is at the forefront of revolutionizing the yachting industry with sustainable electric solutions.

His story is one of resilience and innovation, starting from humble beginnings in a call center to mastering supply chain management, SQL, and eventually becoming a contractor for major companies like WebMD and Charter.

Marc’s entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in his family, with roots in masonry and granite supply businesses. This background, combined with his data-driven mindset, led him to explore electric propulsion for boats. He explains the pivotal moment when he realized the potential of electric yachts during a planned trip up the Hudson River.

We delve into the technical and business challenges Marc faced, from the high costs of early electric motor systems to the skepticism of major manufacturers. Despite these hurdles, Marc’s determination led to the successful debut of an electric Aquila 44 at the 2020 Miami Boat Show.

Marc also discusses the impact of the pandemic on Nova Luxe’s plans and how he navigated through it by forming strategic partnerships, eventually leading to the development of the Elight 44 with Nova Luxe Manufacturing.

Tune in to hear about Marc’s proudest moments, the current challenges of managing growth, and his vision for the future of electric yachting. We explore how sustainable solutions are transforming the industry and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead with advancements in solar power and autonomous technologies.

"Keep pushing forward"

A business built on a childhood dream!

Harry is the perfect example of playing to your strengths! His clarity in his direction at such a young age is astounding. Its astonishing that this successful business was built by a school boy with a dream.

Harry is committed to professionalism, safety and attention to detail. It was clear from our conversation that this is not a business that cuts any corner. They prepare for every shoot in the most thorough way possible and handle the unpredictable nature of their work with utmost professionalism resulting in end results that are truly faultless.

Harry is passionate about the future of the industry and an advocate for promoting young talent.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist” - Pablo Picasso

If you don’t know  of ‘The Yacht Fella’ then I am not quite sure where you have been. The social media sensation who is known for his enticing writing talent! To some he appears lucky, but beneath the surface this man is incredibly talented, persistent and passionate about everything he does.

Kevin is an award-winning journalist whose work appears in the New York Times, Esquire, GQ, The Wall Street Journal, Men's Journal, Robb Report and numerous marine publications. He is the former executive editor of Yachting magazine, and is one of the world's foremost marine journalists.

Despite his incredible achievements and rise to fame, he is a down to earth, genuinely humble, father of two. His positive personality is addictive.

You will not want this episode to end!

“Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

From Olympic Dreams to Yacht Building Realities

In this episode, Robert joins Hollie as he shares his remarkable journey from the realm of Olympic aspirations to the top end of yacht building. Through a candid conversation with Boatbuilding News, Robert delves into the pivotal decision to transition from
 the pursuit of athletic glory to forging a career in the maritime industry.

Drawing from his Olympic experience, Robert reflects on the invaluable lessons of teamwork and individual contribution that continue to shape his professional ethos. He recounts how these lessons proved instrumental during Heesen's strategic navigation through the turbulent waters of the Covid-19 pandemic, shedding light on the adjustments required to ensure uninterrupted yacht construction.

Amidst discussions of stability and its impact on consumer confidence, Robert underscores Heesen's unwavering commitment to sustainability. Not content with merely producing sustainable end products, he emphasises the shipyard's holistic approach to sustainability,
 encompassing both yacht construction and operational practices.

"Always be positive, and take care of the people around you "