Conversations at the Summit

Forget everything you thought you knew about learning. It’s not just something you figure out in school, it’s a science. And Dave Tucker, founder and CEO of Genio, has built an entire organisation around that truth.

In this episode, Tanya and Gordon dive into the messy, brilliant, deeply human side of learning. From the classroom moments that convinced Dave he “wasn’t a maths kid” to the entrepreneurial leaps that proved he absolutely was, this conversation unpacks how environment, confidence, and culture shape what we believe we’re capable of and how Genio is rewriting the rules so every learner can thrive.

Expect insights on creativity, systems, failure, resilience, and the communities that make big ideas possible.

What you’ll learn:

· Why early learning experiences define confidence more than ability

· How bad teaching can make smart people feel stupid and how good teaching flips the script

· Why entrepreneurship is 50% courage, 50% falling on your face and trying again

· How Genio scaled from one idea to a multi-product learning platform

· Why cracking new markets always comes down to people, networks, and culture

· The role community plays in building both confidence and capability

· Why every learner deserves tools designed for their needs not the system’s

If you’ve ever questioned your own learning abilities, wondered how education could evolve, or wanted an honest look at the entrepreneurial grind behind a purpose-led tech company, this episode is your roadmap.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dntucker/ https://genio.co/ https://www.climb-uk.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim...

Instagram: @Climb__UK

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

Think your money can’t make a difference? Think again. In a world drowning in climate crises, social inequality, and geopolitical upheaval, the question isn’t why change matters, it’s how we fund it. Enter impact investing: the movement turning capital into a catalyst for real-world solutions.

In this episode of Conversations at the Summit, Tanya and Gordon sit down with global impact-investing pioneer Cliff Prior to unpack the myths, mechanics, and magic behind purposeful capital. From a surprising start in biochemistry to leading global investment initiatives, Cliff shares the human stories and hard-won lessons that reveal why impact investing isn’t just finance, it’s a force for good.

What you’ll learn:

· Why Cliff traded lab science for human-centred impact work

· How empathy and crisis counselling shaped his investment philosophy

· The hidden “poverty premium” trapping low-income communities, and how to dismantle it

· Why storytelling beats policy PDFs in driving global change

· How blended finance is rewriting the rules for social enterprise sustainability

· What investors, governments, and innovators can learn from each other worldwide

If you’ve ever wondered how money can move the needle on climate, inequality, and social progress, this conversation is your blueprint for investing with purpose, and making every pound count.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-prior/

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

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

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

Disclaimer: This live recording includes explicit language and very open discussion from the start.

Creating “WOW” moments isn’t just about design - it’s about emotion, storytelling, and the art of making people feel like they belong.

That’s something Steve Edge has spent a lifetime perfecting. From working on Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark to founding his own acclaimed design studio, Steve’s career has been a masterclass in imagination, style, and substance.

In this special live stage session at Climb25 this past July, Tanya Arnold sits down with Steve to explore what it really takes to build brands that people don’t just recognise, but love. He shares his journey from a North London childhood filled with animals and art, to designing for world-class names like Cartier, Fortnum & Mason, Dior, and Marks & Spencer.

Steve also dives into the importance of storytelling in design, the value of staying true to your creative vision, and why embracing your individuality might be the ultimate secret to success.

In this episode, we discover:

• How storytelling transforms brands into experiences
• Why creativity is rooted in authenticity and curiosity
• The power of standing out in a world that values sameness
• How early opportunities shaped Steve’s bold approach to design
• Why making people feel part of “something special” is the heart of WOW

Looking to ignite your creativity or redefine your brand? Steve’s story will leave you inspired to dream bigger, design braver, and always add a little WOW.

Tickets for our next festival Climb26 are live and prices go up this November! Secure yours now https://www.climb-uk.com/shop to meet guests like Steve!

LINKS

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

https://www.steve-edge.com/

https://uk.linkedin.com/company/climbuk

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

Everyone talks about “levelling up” investment in the UK, but when it comes to startups, too much money still flows south to London. Meanwhile, the North is buzzing with untapped talent, ambitious founders, and a tech ecosystem ready to explode.

In this episode, Tanya and Gordon sit down with seasoned investor Martin Sutton to unpack what’s really happening on the ground in the North of England and why smart investors should be paying attention.

From leaving corporate life behind to backing ambitious founders outside the capital, Martin shares candid insights on what investors actually value, the myths holding northern startups back, and how trust, networks, and cultural attitudes shape the journey to success.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

· What really convinces an investor beyond the pitch deck

· The biggest hurdles Northern founders face - and how to overcome them

· Why gut instinct still plays a role in smart investment decisions

· How to spot the difference between good and bad advice

· Why the North could be the UK’s next breakout startup hotspot

If you’ve ever wondered where the next wave of UK startup success stories will come from - this conversation makes the case for looking North.

LINKS https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-sutton-7a7809/ https://rivercapitaluk.com/ https://www.climb-uk.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim...

Instagram: @Climb__UK

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

Making the leap from one industry to another is never easy - but with the right network, a spirit of curiosity, and the courage to bet on yourself, it can be transformative.

That’s exactly what happened with Dan Nord, whose career spans giants like Amazon, EA, and Maxar. From designing games on a pocket calculator to navigating the business world, Dan has carried forward lessons in innovation, collaboration, and the art of building the right teams.

In this episode of Conversations at the Summit, Tanya and Gordon sit down with Dan to unpack:

• Why real networking is about authentic connections, not just numbers
• How unexpected opportunities come from trusted relationships
• The role of passion in shaping a meaningful career path
• Why diverse teams drive creativity and success
• How collaboration accelerates both productivity and innovation

You’ll also hear how Dan’s business school experience shaped his approach to leadership, how he thinks about hiring, and why saying yes to new opportunities can fast-track growth.

If you’re looking to break through in your career or make your mark in a new space, Dan’s story is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom to help spark your next leap.

LINKS

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

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

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

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