How do you go from selling drugs on the streets to building a business that saves lives?

In this powerful episode, I speak with Craig Brown, founder of Rage Fitness Wellbeing Group, about his journey from addiction and homelessness in Liverpool to leading a thriving health and wellness enterprise.

Craig shares raw insights on how personal pain became the foundation for building a business focused on purpose, community and long-term change. His leadership is shaped by lived experience and it shows in how he empowers others to break cycles and find meaning.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How Craig turned his lowest point into a mission to help others
2. Why building trust and giving up control are critical to scaling impact
3. How to grow a business from nothing - with resilience as your fuel
4. Why leadership starts with self-awareness and service
5. How community and belief can change the course of a life and a business

Key topics:

• Recovery and entrepreneurship
• Leadership shaped by adversity
• Community-driven business models
• Wellness, purpose and giving back

Craig’s story is not just inspiring, it’s a blueprint for how anyone can turn personal struggle into meaningful leadership and social impact.

📣 If this episode moved you, hit like, share your takeaway in the comments, and subscribe for more real stories of resilience, leadership and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

• Connect with Craig Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-brown-wellbeing/

• Write to Craig Brown: [email protected]

• Check Craig’s website: https://www.ragefitnesscompany.com/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:40 - Meet Craig Brown: Passionate About Improving Health

00:04:47 - Survival Mechanisms and Lack of Role Models

00:07:32 - Realizing ADHD and Its Impact

00:11:02 - Craig's Troubled Youth and Drug Involvement

00:14:46 - Turning Points in Craig's Life

00:22:10 - The Gambia Trip and Charlotte's Influence

00:24:25 - Starting Rage Fitness Wellbeing Group

00:34:39 - Rage Fitness Wellbeing Group's Current Success

00:37:32 - Key Leadership Lessons

00:38:45 - Contact Information for Craig Brown

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Can clean energy scale without sacrificing speed, precision or profit?

In this episode, I speak with Stephan Röß, CEO of AI Charge Technologies, about his transition from corporate leadership in global automotive firms to building a clean-tech startup focused on intelligent EV charging infrastructure.

With 25+ years in automotive and electronics (including roles at companies like BMW and Siemens) Stephan shares how his engineering mindset, passion for sustainability and leadership evolution are shaping the future of electric mobility.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How early experiences shaped Stephan’s leadership mindset
2. Why perfectionism can hinder innovation and how to overcome it
3. How to balance long-term sustainability with commercial viability
4. What it takes to leave corporate life and lead in a startup environment
5. Tools for time management, clear communication and scaling clean tech

Key topics:

• EV infrastructure and the future of sustainable transportation
• Startup leadership vs. corporate management
• Engineering mindset in business strategy
• Building green innovation with real-world application

Stephan’s story is a practical roadmap for anyone curious about leadership at the intersection of technology, climate impact and entrepreneurship.

📣 If this conversation sparked ideas, hit like, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway and subscribe for more real-world insights from leaders driving innovation in tech and sustainability.

• Connect with Stephan Röß on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-r%C3%B6%C3%9F-6732b08a/

• Write to Stephan Röß: [email protected]

• Check Stephan’s website: https://www.ai-charge.com/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:39 - Introduction to Stephan Röß and AI Charge Technologies

00:05:44 - Childhood influences on leadership style

00:14:07 - Balancing perfectionism and practicality

00:22:10 - Strategies for sustainable leadership

00:26:25 - Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship

00:31:02 - Future vision and legacy

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What happens when your startup fails - after you’ve given it everything?

In this episode, I speak with Yohann Abittan, founder of NewMail AI, about how a major professional setback became the catalyst for a more grounded, purpose-driven approach to leadership and entrepreneurship.

Yohann opens up about imposter syndrome, family expectations and the emotional toll of building in high-stakes environments. From growing up as the youngest in a family of entrepreneurs to leading cross-functional teams in AI, his story is a powerful look at what it really takes to rebuild after burnout and start again with clarity.

You’ll learn:

1. How failure taught Yohann to lead without ego
2. Why imposter syndrome can be a hidden driver and how to outgrow it
3. How to reconnect with your purpose after burnout
4. Why listening, self-awareness and "soft power" matter in leadership
5. What he’s doing differently now as a founder in the AI space

Key themes:

• Sustainable leadership in fast-growth tech
• Emotional resilience in startup culture
• Finding your unique leadership style
• Redefining productivity and success in the AI era

Whether you're a founder, a team leader or navigating your own reinvention, this is a must-watch conversation about what it takes to build something that actually matters - starting from the inside out.

📣 If this episode hit home, hit like, share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with leaders shaping the future of work and technology.

• Connect with Yohann Abittan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yohann-abittan/

• Write to Yohann Abittan: [email protected]

• Check Yohann’s website: https://www.newmail.ai/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:39 - Introduction to Yohann Abittan and his entrepreneurial background

00:05:44 - Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing unique leadership styles

00:14:07 - Turning personal challenges into triumphs

00:22:10 - Strategies for sustainable leadership in the age of AI

00:28:56 - Empowering entrepreneurs through coaching and support

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Can vulnerability and scientific leadership coexist in biotech?

In this episode, I sit down with Stanley Lewis, physician, biotech entrepreneur, and CEO of A28 Therapeutics, to explore how compassion, self-awareness and lived experience have shaped his approach to leading innovation in cancer drug development.

From growing up in rural Texas with undiagnosed dyslexia to developing one of the most well-tolerated HIV therapies on the market, Stanley shares how personal challenges, fatherhood and a deep respect for patient experience fuel his mission today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why leading with vulnerability builds trust and psychological safety
2. How to maintain core values in high-stakes environments like biotech
3. The role of deep listening and reflection in building high-performing teams
4. What it means to prioritize safety and simplicity in drug development
5. How personal setbacks can spark meaningful innovation and leadership growth

Key topics:

• Compassionate leadership in science and healthcare
• Founding a values-based biotech startup
• Navigating failure, internal misalignment, and professional pivots
• Aligning career purpose with lived experience

Stanley’s story is a powerful example of what leadership looks like when it's guided by humanity and why that matters in life sciences and beyond.

📣If this conversation challenged how you think about leadership, hit like, drop a comment and subscribe for more real stories from leaders who are changing the game through purpose and principle.

• Connect with Stanley Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanley-t-lewis-md-mph-4552183/

• Write to Stanley Lewis: [email protected]

• Check Stanley’s website: https://a28therapeutics.com/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:02 - Introduction to Stanley Lewis: Biotech CEO and Physician

00:03:28 - Personal Life and Interests

00:05:53 - Childhood and Early Career Influences

00:14:31 - Leadership Philosophy and Approach

00:27:27 - Career Setbacks and Founding A28 Therapeutics

00:29:48 - Legacy and Future Goals

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when ambition meets self-awareness in leadership?

In this episode, I speak with Nick Harley, Managing Director of Euromaster UK, about his evolution from a results-focused professional to a people-first leader who values connection, culture and long-term impact.

With more than 20 years of experience across sectors - from property to automotive - Nick shares how early career lessons, cross-cultural leadership and time spent on the front lines shaped his leadership philosophy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How early work experiences built resilience and drive
2. What it takes to shift from doing the work to leading others
3. How new environments accelerate leadership development
4. Why engaging directly with frontline teams improves culture and trust
5. How to balance executive pressure with personal fulfillment

Key topics:

• Leadership transformation through experience
• Work-life integration in demanding roles
• Cross-cultural team dynamics and stakeholder communication
• Building strong organizational cultures from the ground up

Nick’s story is a grounded and honest look at the real work behind sustainable leadership and how staying connected to people is what drives performance.

📣If this episode gave you new ideas or perspective, hit like, drop your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping culture through clarity and purpose.

• Connect with Nick Harley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickharley/

• Write to Nick Harley: [email protected]

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:39 - Introduction and early career experiences

00:05:44 - Transition to corporate environment and leadership challenges

00:14:07 - Lessons from rapid business growth and expansion

00:22:10 - Developing cross-cultural leadership skills

00:28:56 - The importance of connecting with frontline employees

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can ambition and well-being coexist in high-stakes leadership?

In this episode, I speak with Andy Green, Chief Executive of Chichester College Group, about the personal and professional cost of overachievement and how he transformed his leadership style to prioritize balance, purpose and trust.

With nearly three decades in further education and a background in entrepreneurship, Andy reflects on the pressures that drove him to burnout and the mindset shifts that brought him back into alignment.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How unchecked perfectionism leads to burnout and how to stop it early
2. Why self-awareness is the foundation of sustainable leadership
3. How to let go of external validation and lead from a place of inner security
4. Practical strategies to build a culture of growth, trust and shared ownership
5. How Andy balances multiple ventures while staying true to his values

Key topics:

• Work-life integration in executive roles
• The role of early influences in shaping leadership behavior
• Leading across generations with empathy
• Creating positive cultural change within large organizations

Andy’s story is a powerful case study in what it means to evolve as a leader - moving from control and pressure to clarity, collaboration and calm.

📣If this conversation sparked something for you, hit like, leave a comment with your takeaway and subscribe for more real-world leadership stories from the top.

• Connect with Andrew (Andy) Green on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewgreen1968/

• Write to Andy Green: [email protected]

• Check Andrew’s website: https://www.chigroup.ac.uk/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:40 - Meet Andy Green: CEO of Chichester College Group

00:03:33 - Andy's Personal Interests and Entrepreneurial Spirit

00:05:18 - Early Influences and Career Challenges

00:11:02 - Leadership Lessons and Personal Growth

00:18:22 - Rebuilding After Burnout and Finding Balance

00:23:38 - Challenges in Education Leadership and Work-Life Balance

00:28:19 - Generational Differences in the Workplace

00:31:18 - Future Aspirations and Advice to Younger Self

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your strongest leadership lessons came not from the boardroom - but from your family?

In this episode, I sit down with Prateek Jain, a global supply chain leader turned educator and consultant, to explore how family values, cultural awareness and burnout shaped his approach to leadership.

With 25+ years of experience at companies like GSK and Unilever, Prateek unpacks his evolution from a high-achieving executive to a purpose-driven mentor - sharing insights on building trust, setting boundaries and leading with intention in a global context.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How family support shaped Prateek’s leadership values
2. What it takes to build trust across diverse, cross-cultural teams
3. How to recognize and recover from burnout
4. Why vulnerability and boundaries are critical for long-term leadership success
5. The role of AI and education in creating more conscious leadership

Key topics:

• Authentic leadership rooted in personal values
• Work-life balance and the shift from corporate to education
• Leadership transitions and purpose-driven career pivots
• Building empathy and cultural intelligence in global teams

Prateek’s journey offers grounded, practical wisdom for anyone redefining what success and impact mean - at work and at home.

📣 If this episode resonated with you, hit like, share your reflections in the comments, and subscribe for more leadership conversations grounded in real experience.

• Connect with Prateek Jain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prateekjain01/

• Write to Prateek Jain: [email protected]

• Check Prateek’s website: https://evolvewithusnow.com/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:04:25 - Early Influences and Leadership Lessons

00:11:09 - Balancing Support and Self-Care in Leadership

00:18:22 - Navigating Challenging Leadership Situations

00:28:56 - Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

00:33:52 - The Role of AI in Future Leadership

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to lead in a high-pressure industry, without burning out your people or yourself?

In this episode, I speak with Lucy Darch, CEO of Wave, a major UK water retailer, about how her leadership style evolved from fast-paced individual contributor to culture-focused CEO. With over 20 years in the utilities sector (including early years at Enron) Lucy shares how adaptability, empathy and trust became cornerstones of her leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How childhood influences shaped Lucy’s independence and drive
2. What it takes to transition from autonomy to collaborative leadership
3. Strategies for navigating culture shifts and organizational change
4. How to build a flexible, high-performing workplace that retains top talent
5. Balancing executive demands with family and personal priorities

Key themes:

• Resilience in high-stakes corporate environments
• The shift from control to trust in leadership
• Evolving leadership through personal and industry-wide change
• Redesigning work cultures for sustainability and performance

Lucy’s story is a practical blueprint for leaders navigating transformation - whether in utilities, startups or large organizations. Join us for an engaging discussion that will inspire you to reflect on your own leadership journey and consider new approaches to leading in today's dynamic business landscape.

📣 If this conversation sparked ideas, hit like, leave a comment with your takeaway and subscribe for more real-world leadership insights from experienced executives.

• Connect with Lucy Darch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-darch-71184413

• Write to Lucy Darch: [email protected]

• Check Lucy’s website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waveutilities/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:39 - Lucy's background and current role

00:03:38 - Childhood experiences shaping leadership style

00:09:20 - Early career and adapting to different corporate cultures

00:17:45 - Navigating personal and professional challenges

00:22:10 - Strategies for sustainable leadership and work-life integration

00:26:25 - Embracing flexible work arrangements and their impact on productivity

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you lead across continents without losing your sense of self?

In this episode, I sit down with Satya Roy, CEO of Habib Bank AG Zurich UK, whose leadership journey spans over 30 years and four countries - from India to Dubai, Kenya and the UK.

Starting from a modest town in India and rising to the top of international banking, Satya shares how he’s navigated global markets, managed through financial crises and balanced career ambition with personal values and family life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How Satya’s early days at Citibank shaped his strategic mindset
2. What it takes to lead teams across diverse cultural and regulatory environments
3. Lessons from navigating the 2008 financial crisis and other global disruptions
4. How to balance career growth with family and well-being
5. Why personal connection still matters in an increasingly digital financial world

Key themes:

• Crisis leadership in global banking
• Cross-cultural management in financial institutions
• Resilience and long-term adaptability
• The human side of executive leadership

Satya’s story is a rare look behind the scenes of international banking - and a reminder that humility, curiosity, and adaptability are key to lasting impact.

📣 If this conversation gave you a new perspective, hit like, leave a comment with your takeaway and subscribe for more insights from global leaders shaping today’s world.

• Connect with Satya Roy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/satyajeet-roy-2620945

• Write to Satya Roy: [email protected]

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:00:00 – Introduction & Current Role

00:03:10 – Childhood & Early Influences

00:09:28 – The Citibank Interview That Changed Everything

00:20:00 – Facing Uncertainty in the UK

00:25:34 – Leading Through Crisis in Dubai

00:32:21 – Becoming CEO & Leading with Perspective

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you be kind and still speak hard truths?

In this episode, I speak with Amy Armstrong, founder of the Center for Family Resolution, about her shift from conflict avoidance to courageous truth-telling - and how that transformation shapes her work as a coach and conflict resolution specialist.

Amy shares how growing up as a peacemaker led her to avoid confrontation and how coaching helped her reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth. Today, she supports families, business partners and individuals in resolving high-stakes disputes through curiosity, empathy and clear boundaries.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How childhood roles shape adult communication and leadership patterns
2. Why emotional intelligence is essential in conflict situations
3. How to stay grounded and curious during tense conversations
4. The role of coaching in uncovering what’s really behind conflict
5. How to lead and live without compromising your values to keep the peace

Topics covered:

• Conflict resolution strategies in family businesses and court systems
• Replacing people-pleasing with clarity, truth and trust
• Using coaching frameworks to support resolution and long-term change
• Authentic leadership through discomfort and disruption

Amy’s story offers a clear path for anyone ready to stop avoiding conflict - and start leading with courage.

📣 If this episode resonated with you, hit like, leave a comment and subscribe for more conversations on real leadership, emotional clarity and transformative coaching.

• Connect with Amy Armstrong on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachamyarmstrong/

• Write to Amy Armstrong: [email protected]

• Check Amy’s website: https://www.thecenterforfamilyresolution.com/

🎬YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewtallents 

📲 X: https://x.com/andrewtallents

📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtallents

🌐 Website: https://www.tallents-partnership.com/

📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZRZH4J

📰 Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/selfcoaching-newsletter

📞 Write me: [email protected]

00:04:40 - Amy's Childhood and Family Dynamics

00:11:20 - Personal Growth and Transformation

00:18:33 - Building a Business and Embracing Authenticity

00:30:54 - Future Dreams and Aspirations

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