Fireside with Founders & Leaders

Summary:

In this interim episode, Rupert reflects on 2025 and thanks listeners and guests for a year of insightful conversations across the tech landscape. He shares optimism about renewed growth in the market and looks ahead to 2026, outlining deeper dives into larger organisations and fresh perspectives in the next series. Rupert wraps up by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

https://www.rmgdigital.io/

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

Summary:

In this engaging podcast episode, Gemma McCarthy-Maidment shares her career journey from product management to leading digital transformations in B2B data sales. She discusses the complexities of digital transformation, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the challenges of balancing sustainability with business needs.

Gemma also emphasizes the significance of mentorship and advocacy for women in tech, highlighting the need for frameworks that support gender equality in the workplace. The conversation concludes with insights on preparing for the future of product management in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

06:12 Navigating the Job Market and Career Shifts

08:22 Digital Transformation Challenges

13:31 Leading with Empathy in Leadership

16:34 Creating an Empowering Environment

19:44 Frameworks in Product Management

22:50 The Personal Journey to Sustainability

25:58 Balancing Sustainability and Business Needs

29:31 Mentorship and Advocacy for Women in Tech

33:44 Inspiring Future Generations

35:33 Challenges in Supporting Women in the Workplace

37:49 Navigating Maternity and Career Ambitions

45:23 Aligning International Teams

51:54 Preparing for the Future of Product Leadership

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

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

Summary:

In this episode, Rupert and Joel Gill explore the multifaceted journey of design, leadership, and the importance of community in the design industry. Joel shares his unique path from engineering to design, emphasizing the need for solid leadership and craft legacy in nurturing future designers. They discuss the significance of localization, the role of design tools, and the challenges of managing global teams. Joel concludes with his personal framework for success, emphasizing the need for continuous growth in experience, expertise, and enthusiasm.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:13 Journey into Design and Engineering

09:08 Transitioning to Design and Career Challenges

11:56 Design in Finance and Building Capabilities

14:20 Establishing a CX Community at Shell

17:38 Bridging the Gap in Design Education

22:29 Craft Legacy and Leadership in Design

27:19 The Role of AI in Design

30:43 Elevating Design through Tool Access

31:34 Navigating Pushback and Justifying Design Investments

34:38 The Role of Design in Organizational Structure

36:17 Design Maturity and Digital Ecosystems

39:46 Managing Global Teams and Collaboration

42:48 Creating Community and Culture in Design

47:07 Career Pathways and Professional Development

49:16 The Importance of Leadership in Design

51:08 The Value of Experience in Design

54:57 Business Design and Organizational Change

57:49 Personal Frameworks for Professional Growth

www.joelgill.com/

www.linkedin.com/in/joelgillfrsa/

Summary:

In this episode, Tom discusses his journey from engineering to co-founding Innerworks, a startup focused on identity and authentication in the digital age. He shares insights on the importance of understanding customer needs, the challenges of bot detection, and the evolving landscape of online safety. Tom also reflects on the fundraising process, the significance of diverse skill sets in a startup, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

10:34 Innerworks: The Vision and Product Overview

18:36 Technical Approaches to Bot Detection

21:58 The Future of AI in Cybersecurity

27:50 Data Privacy and Compliance Challenges

30:39 Fundraising and Business Growth Insights

36:11 Key Lessons for Aspiring Founders

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-ryan-6a481b205/

https://www.innerworks.me/

Summary:

In this podcast episode, Ryan Lawrence discusses his journey from a young entrepreneur to the co-founder of Betmate, a social betting platform that innovates the traditional sports betting experience. He shares insights into the startup process, the importance of timing and relationships in fundraising, and how Betmate aims to engage younger audiences through peer-to-peer gaming. The conversation also touches on the B2B arm of the business, Engage, and the strategies for monetization while maintaining a fun and interactive environment for users.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:35 The Birth of Betmate

12:08 Innovating in Sports Betting

18:41 Monetization and Business Model

23:54 Fundraising and Growth Strategies

28:20 Advisory Networks and Future Plans

www.linkedin.com/in/rl1997/betmate.app

Summary:

In this conversation, Bobby Idogho shares his journey from a multicultural upbringing in Nigeria and Ireland to becoming a successful entrepreneur and CEO of The RAD Consulting Group. He discusses the importance of risk-taking in entrepreneurship, the significance of building a people-first culture, and the challenges of navigating co-founder dynamics. Bobby emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and shares insights on coping with stress in high-pressure environments. His experiences highlight the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the value of mentorship in achieving success.

Chapters:

00:00 Bobby Idogho's Journey to Entrepreneurship

04:29 The Leap into Entrepreneurship at 25

07:28 Building a People-First Consultancy

13:39 Navigating the Challenges of Consulting

19:21 Championing Diversity and Inclusion

25:27 The Co-Founder Experience and Business Dynamics

31:32 Managing Stress and Maintaining Wellbeing

www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyidogho/

https://wearerad.co.uk

Summary:

In this episode, Phill shares his journey from a legal career to becoming co-CEO of Otto Car, discussing the importance of risk tolerance, the dynamics of co-leadership, and the lessons learned from his time at Bloom & Wild. He emphasizes the significance of brand building, sustainability, and the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, while also providing insights for those considering a transition into the startup world.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Phill's Journey

04:19 Transition from Law to Startups

07:32 Understanding Risk in Startups

10:17 The Importance of Personal Circumstances

13:37 The Role of Intrapreneurship

16:31 Navigating Co-CEO Dynamics

19:24 Lessons from Bloom & Wild

22:43 Adapting to COVID-19 Challenges

25:33 Brand Building and Customer Experience

28:22 Sustainability and Values in Business

31:39 Growth Strategies at Otto Car

34:42 Advice for Aspiring Startup Professionals

www.linkedin.com/in/phillburton/www.ottocar.co.uk

Summary:

In this conversation, Guy shares his journey as an entrepreneur, detailing his experiences with Atheon Analytics, the challenges of early failures, and the pivotal moments that led to the company's success in visual analytics. He discusses the importance of decision-making, the evolution of his business, and the recent acquisition that has reinvigorated his passion for the industry. Throughout the discussion, Guy reflects on the lessons learned from failures, the significance of leadership, and the impact of influential mentors in his career.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:50 The Journey of Atheon Analytics and Early Failures

13:47 Pivoting to Visual Analytics

19:35 Building Scootrack and Market Insights

25:41 Funding Challenges and Growth Strategies

28:33 The Journey of Scaling a SaaS Business

32:05 Navigating Overscaling and Productivity Challenges

36:34 Facing Tough Decisions in Business

39:49 The Acquisition Journey and New Beginnings

46:42 Reflections on Purpose and Influence

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

Summary:

In this conversation, Madelin Snyder shares her journey into product management, discussing her background in the arts and how she transitioned into tech. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and asking questions in product roles, as well as the challenges and experiences of being a woman in the tech industry. The discussion also covers the evolution of design systems, the significance of diversity and inclusion, and the role of automation and AI in shaping the future of product management. Madelin highlights the need for effective team alignment and the importance of understanding user needs to drive product success.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Product Management Journey

04:16 The Evolution of Roles in Product Management

07:06 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Tech

09:38 Understanding Design Systems

12:30 The Role of zeroheight in Design Systems

15:17 Adoption and Implementation of Design Systems

17:41 The Impact of AI on Design Systems

20:36 Aligning Teams in Product Management

23:25 Future Trends in Product and Design

www.linkedin.com/in/madelin-snyder-a6945329

www.zeroheight.com

Summary:

In this conversation, David Sharp shares his journey from engineering to founding Kaikaku, a company that integrates AI and robotics into the restaurant industry. He discusses his experiences at Ocado, the concept of 10x innovation, and the balance between technology and hospitality in dining. David also highlights the role of 3D printing in their operations and the future of AI in enhancing customer experiences.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to David Sharp and His Journey

04:45 The Evolution of Ocado: From Retailer to Tech Innovator

07:36 10x Innovation: Transforming the Restaurant Experience

10:18 Founding Kaikaku: Merging AI and Robotics in Hospitality

13:33 Radical Innovation: The Concept of Kaikaku

16:31 Balancing Technology and Hospitality in Restaurants

19:37 The Role of 3D Printing in Restaurant Innovation

22:35 Embodied AI: The Future of Human-Machine Interaction

25:38 Generative AI: A Tool for Collaboration and Innovation

28:26 The Future of Kaikaku and Scaling the Business

www.linkedin.com/in/davidsharp/

www.kaikaku.ai/