In this episode of Conversations at the Summit, we explore what it really means to lead, on the field, in business, and everywhere in between.

If you’ve ever wondered how lessons from elite sport translate into building thriving teams in the workplace, this conversation is for you.

Tanya Arnold welcomes Tony Smith, legendary rugby league coach turned business mentor, who shares what it takes to unlock potential, nurture culture, and build teams that go the distance.

Tony opens up about his journey from rugby league to the banking world and beyond, showing how leadership is less about titles and more about trust, accountability, and continuous learning, even if you’re losing.

Together, they explore why the best leaders are lifelong students, how culture can make or break performance, and why creating space for respect and honest disagreement is key to progress.

This episode is a reminder that great teams don’t just happen - they’re coached, cared for, and built with intent.

What you’ll find out in this episode:

• How lessons from banking informed Tony’s approach to leadership.

• Why the best teams care about each other’s success.

• Why accountability starts at the top.

• How training and support build tomorrow’s leaders.

• Why leadership is always a journey, never a finished product.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-smith-513590101/

https://www.climb-uk.com/

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

What does it take to grow a business at speed - without compromising your values?

Richard Flint has lived the answer. As former CEO of Sky Betting & Gaming, he helped transform the business from a lean, ambitious team, into one of the UK’s leading tech-driven betting brands - all while staying grounded in culture and conscience.

In this candid conversation with Tanya Arnold and Gordon Bateman, Richard reflects on what he learned during Sky Bet’s rapid rise, and how he’s now using that experience to invest in the next generation of Northern entrepreneurs.

You’ll hear Richard’s insights on:

• Sky Bet’s journey from a tight-knit team to a tech powerhouse
• How to scale without sacrificing agility or identity
• Building a culture that top talent actually wants to join - and stay in
• Addressing gambling harm and prioritising player protection
• Why social mobility matters - and how he’s giving back through founder support in Leeds

Whether you're building a startup, leading at scale, or just curious about values-driven leadership, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and authentic reflection.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-flint-803762/

https://rydestudios.com/

https://www.leedsangels.co.uk/

https://www.climb-uk.com/

Instagram: @Climb__UK X: @Climb_UK Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

What does it really mean to lead with purpose in your career, your company, and your community?

Annabel Tonge has been answering that question for years. As a Director at Q5, she’s helped businesses across the globe sharpen their purpose and boost their organisational health. But her own journey has been just as intentional.

Annabel joins Tanya Arnold and Gordon Bateman to unpack:

· Why purpose isn’t a destination, it’s a lifelong evolution

· How Q5 pivoted fast during COVID-19, and why some of those changes stuck

· The cultural nuances that quietly shape how businesses operate

· Why organisations with strong purpose retain talent better

· How a new foundation is helping charities, and Q5’s own people, to thrive

· Why authenticity beats buzzwords when it comes to impact

Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or simply figuring out what drives you, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and heart.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabel-tonge/

https://www.q5partners.com/ https://www.climb-uk.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim...

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

Being a founder often isn’t a choice, it’s a drive. Just ask Rishi Kapoor, whose journey from the film industry to the startup world is anything but ordinary.

In this episode Rishi shares the story behind his leap into entrepreneurship, the challenges of securing funding, and the emotional rollercoaster of building, and selling, a business. Now leading North AI, Rishi is at the cutting edge, blending artificial intelligence with neuroscience to revolutionise content creation.

With insights into the founder mindset and a growing passion for the North’s startup ecosystem, Rishi brings experience, energy, and vision to the table.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why being a founder isn’t always a choice it’s who you are
• How Rishi transitioned from film to tech (and what he learned)
• The emotional highs and lows of selling a company
• Why non-technical founders must build a strong technical team
• How AI is unlocking new levels of creativity and opportunity
• Why the Northern Powerhouse is one to watch in the startup space

Curious how AI, creativity, and a founder’s instinct come together? Hit play now.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishikapoor2/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-ai/

https://north-ai.com/

https://www.climb-uk.com/ Visit for tickets to Climb Dubai and Climb26

This is a very special edition of Conversations at the Summit – Live from the Summit stage at Climb25 with Tanya and Gordon!

This episode has an exclusive and HUGE announcement from two of the biggest funds in the north, Par Equity and Praetura Ventures. This is massive news for anyone looking for investment, hit play now to find out how it’s going to benefit you! Giles Moore from Par Equity and Ben Davies from Praetura Ventures tell us all about it.

Professional Sport Watcher Peter Hutton talks about the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.

Barry Downes, from Sure Valley Ventures, explores the impact of AI agents on customer service, what can they bring to your business?

And Andy Gray from eBay talks about the significance of Web3 technology, and the concept of digital product passports – could they be the future in ensuring trust and authenticity in transactions?

In this special episode, we learn about:

• How the merger of Pertura and Par Equity aims to enhance investment in the north.
• Founders can now access a wider range of funding options without relocating.
• Community support is crucial for early-stage founders in the North.
• Sports broadcasting is evolving with digital consumption trends.
• AI agents are transforming customer service and operational efficiency.
• Web3 technology is redefining trust in online transactions.
• Building strong communities can drive product development and brand loyalty.

If you loved Climb25, join us to keep the conversation going!

LINKS:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-moore-1440672b/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bendaviesmarketing/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-hutton-64755b3/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrydownes/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmgray/

https://www.climb-uk.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim...

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

https://www.investorladder.com/about

Climb25 is only six days away, and we’re so excited for everyone to experience this years’ event.

It’s set to be a year to remember and in this episode Tanya catches up with Climb25’s organisers Gordon Bateman and Pilar Rubio.

We get a real insight into how the festival is put together, how much it means to the team behind it and glimpses of what’s in store.

Do not miss this episode if you want to find out:

• How to get the most out of Climb25
• What’s on offer and how you can get involved
• Why Climb25 has more in common with Glastonbury than any other festival of business
• You’ll come for both days, even if you plan to only come to one
• What drives Gordon and Pilar to always strive for bigger and better

Want to get involved? The time is now - You can still book your ticket here: https://www.climb-uk.com/buy-tickets

LINKS

https://www.climb-uk.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim...

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

https://www.investorladder.com/about

Finding the right investor for your company, or indeed finding the right company to invest in, is full of pitfalls and can be full of frustrations.

This is where Mark Bernstein and his company Diligentsia comes in, think of it like speed dating for investors and start-ups. After a bad experience as an angel investor, he and his co-founder decided there must be a better way.

Diligentsia is a low-cost AI-powered SaaS platform designed to give SMEs easy to use growth tools, making it more straightforward to find funding, grow or to make a successful exit. They can also help with reducing admin burdens and freeing up more time to work on the business.

They also open the door to investors, giving them a quicker route to seeing investment opportunities.

In this episode, Tanya discovers:

• Why doing your due diligence doesn’t have to be boring
• How Mark has learned from almost 40 years of mistakes
• Pitch decks and why what lies behind them is crucial
• How you can meet your perfect investor at this year’s Climb25

Want to hear how you can get in front of your perfect investor or start-up? Hit the play button now!

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbernstein/

www.diligentsia.co.uk

https://www.climb-uk.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim...

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

What does data have to do with diversity, entrepreneurship, and changing the game for underrepresented founders? A lot, if you’re Cecil Adjalo.

Cecil is the Co-Founder and COO of Foundervine, an organisation reshaping how large corporates engage with diverse, early-stage entrepreneurs. His unconventional journey, from aspiring med student to data-driven leader, is fuelled by purpose and determination.

In this candid conversation with Tanya and Gordon, Cecil shares:

• The behind-the-scenes story of building Foundervine
• Why sales is a skill we’re all using (even when we don’t realise it)
• How equity and inclusion fuel his leadership
• The impact of bias, and how he faces it head-on
• How data became his superpower in business

If you’re looking for real talk on purpose, resilience, and breaking through your own limits, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

CLIMB25 is nearly here! 2nd and 3rd July Get inspired, get connected, get your ticket now: https://www.climb-uk.com/buy-tickets/tickets

LINKS:

linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adjalo/?originalSubdomain=uk

Foundervine: https://www.foundervine.com/#

https://www.climb-uk.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim...

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

Startups are fast, messy, and thrilling, and Jodie Miller dove in headfirst. Now, at just 29, she’s an Investment Manager at Beringea, supporting the deployment of c.$900m in venture and growth capital across 60+ companies in the UK and US.

But how do you go from curious intern to decision-maker in the boardroom, before hitting 30?

In this episode, Jodie joins Tanya Arnold and Gordon Bateman to talk about:

· Climbing to the top as the youngest in the room

· Why youth is a strength in investment

· How binge-watching business shows kickstarted her career

· The untapped power of internships in the UK

· Her straight-talking advice for anyone chasing a job in venture capital

If you’re hungry to break into VC or just love real stories of ambition and impact, this one’s for you.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-miller688/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/beringea-limited/

https://www.beringea.com/

https://www.jumpstart-uk.com/

https://www.climb-uk.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim...

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

Is social impact just a nice-to-have or the real foundation of sustainable growth?

In this episode, Tanya Arnold and Gordon Bateman sit down with Paula Chamberlain, Head of Social Impact at ClimbUK, to explore how purpose, people, and pink microphones are reshaping how we define success.

Paula shares why investing in your community isn’t just good ethics - it’s smart strategy. From boosting local talent to embedding impact in every business model, this conversation unpacks how ClimbUK is putting social value front and centre - and why your business should too.

Listen in to discover:

· Why social impact is a growth driver - not a distraction

· What real community investment looks like

· How ClimbUK is walking the talk

· The unexpected ROI of putting people first

· And why you might spot an orange mic at Climb25

This episode is for the curious, the purpose-led, and especially for the sceptics. If you think social impact isn’t for you - this one might just change your mind.

CLIMB25 IS COMING! 2nd and 3rd July Get inspired, get connected, get your ticket now: https://www.climb-uk.com/buy-tickets/tickets

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-chamberlain-a22a11109/

https://www.instagram.com/laylaandpaula?igsh=NHByM3k3cDMzdXMz&utm_source=qr

https://www.climb-uk.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim...

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social