Conversations at the Summit

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

Leadership isn’t just about titles, corner offices, or climbing the corporate ladder - it’s about impact. And according to Chris Roebuck, too many leaders make it to the top… without ever learning how to truly lead.

In this episode of Conversations at the Summit, host Tanya Arnold and side-kick Gordon Bateman sit down with Chris Roebuck, former military officer and founder of Simply Success, who’s spent over 35 years transforming founders, CEOs, and senior leaders into high-impact decision-makers.

Chris doesn’t teach theory. He delivers battle-tested leadership strategies forged in military operations and refined in global boardrooms.

You’ll learn: • Why delegation is the secret weapon of every great leader • How entrepreneurial leadership drives real results (even in big business) • Why passion beats technical skills when you're scaling • What most executives get wrong about culture, change, and people • How Chris’s military mindset built the foundations of Simply Success

If you’re a founder scaling up, a leader who wants to sharpen their edge, or someone ready to break out of “default management mode” – this is your playbook.

Don’t miss it – your leadership might just depend on it.

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/chris-roebuck-70b1283/ https://chrisroebuck.live/

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

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

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

From the lab to the marketplace, science and innovation shape our everyday lives. This episode explores how deeptech founders can navigate the complex path of turning bold ideas into thriving businesses.

Meet Victoria Garcia – molecular designer, entrepreneur, and relentless innovator – who’s created a game-changing biodegradable glue that can transform everything from your kitchen table to your takeout packaging.

But this isn’t just a story about science. It’s about resilience, risk, and reinvention. Victoria takes us on her journey across Europe, through academic obstacles, crushing setbacks, and a comeback story powered by purpose.

Alongside Tanya Arnold and Gordon Bateman, Victoria shares:

• How a master's in Molecular Design sparked a materials revolution
• The secrets to unlocking grant funding as a deeptech founder
• Why her eco-friendly glue could upend multiple industries
• How one professor nearly derailed her dreams – and how she fought back
• Why the UK became her launchpad for success

If you’re taking ideas from the lab bench to the boardroom, especially in the world of deeptech, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

If you’re a founder and especially work in the deeptech sector, this episode is for you!

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/victoria-garcia-b84093275/

https://www.bindethics.com/

quicklabs.co.uk

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

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

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X: @Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

Sometimes, one person’s decision to care can change everything.

Andy Howarth isn’t in it for recognition or profit. After careers in the police and the legal world, he chose a different path, one rooted in compassion. Through setting up the Howarth Foundation, Andy helps people facing homelessness find stable work, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with society.

There are no shortcuts, no easy answers. But what the Foundation does offer is something powerful: a real chance.

In this episode, we also meet Carl Hedley, who knows exactly what that chance means. Once struggling with addiction and life on the streets, Carl is now not only back on his feet, he’s working alongside Andy to help others do the same.

This is a story about purpose, resilience, and what’s possible when someone believes in you.

In this episode, presented by Tanya Arnold, we discover:

· The life-changing encounter in Covent Garden that sparked the Foundation

· How Carl beat the odds, and why he now gives back

· Why there’s no quick fix, but real change is possible

· What businesses gain when they give someone a shot

Raw, real, and deeply personal, this is a story of second chances, social impact, and the power of work to change lives.

LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-howarth-4566a8156/

https://howarthfoundation.org.uk/

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/climbuk/posts/?feedView=all

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X:@Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social

Getting investment into your idea and making it a success is hard. So how do you actually get investors on board, scale smart, and make noise in a crowded market?

This week, Tanya and Gordon sit down with James Sutherland, the visionary founder & CEO of Autonomo Technologies, the AI-powered game-changer shaking up retail. Autonomo’s cutting-edge system allows stores to run without staff, unlocking high-tech convenience in places traditional retail just couldn’t go.

From his early days at Mars Inc. to building multimillion-dollar food factories, and now leading a great retail tech startup, James brings sharp insight and straight talk.

In this episode, we uncover:

• James’ tips on how to prepare for those crucial investment meetings
• How Autonomo stores operate and mitigate things like theft
• The real deal on being an entrepreneur (spoiler: it’s not all yachts and TED Talks)
• Why investors say yes, and how to make sure they hear about you
• How a corporate background can be your secret startup weapon

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/j-sutherland/

https://www.autonomo.tech

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, Tanya and Gordon sit down with Andrew Jenkins, coach, speaker, and former contestant on BBC’s The Traitors, to talk about the long and often difficult path to self-understanding.

Buckle up for an unforgettable conversation with Andrew Jenkins, coach, mentor, speaker, and star of BBC’s The Traitors, whose journey from rock bottom to radical self-love will leave you inspired and energised.

As a young man, Andrew survived a devastating car crash that set off a life-altering chain reaction: a career in insurance, a decades-long battle with mental health, national TV fame, and ultimately, the creation of his company, Strength In You.

Now, he’s on a mission to break the stigma surrounding vulnerability, failure, and mental wellbeing—one raw, real conversation at a time.

In this deeply honest and empowering episode, Andrew joins Tanya and Gordon to dive into:

• The crash that changed everything, and the resilience that brought him back
• His raw journey from self-loathing to self-love
• Why we all need to stop believing everything we see on social media
• Breaking the mold: challenging generational beliefs and building your own path
• The true business value of prioritising mental wellbeing

If you’re ready to rethink resilience, rewrite your story, and rediscover what really matters, this episode is for you.

LINKS

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

https://andrewjenkins.co/

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/climbuk/posts/?feedView=all

Instagram: @Climb__UK

X:@Climb_UK

Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social