What does it take to build a business that people remember? In this episode, Jonathan Straight shares the story of building a sustainability business from scratch and taking it all the way to a listing on the London Stock Exchange. We talk about the power of being different, why standing out matters in business, and the lessons that come from building something your own way. Jonathan also takes us beyond business and into his passion for photography, exploring how looking at the world through a different lens has shaped the way he sees people, creativity and life.

What separates a memorable brand from a forgettable one?

In this episode, Doug Main shares insights on branding, logo design, typography, storytelling, creative careers, hiring designers, and the tools shaping modern design.Whether you're a designer, marketer, founder, or business leader, this conversation offers practical perspectives on building brands that connect with people and stand the test of time.

Topics covered:

• Branding and brand strategy

• Logo design and visual identity

• Typography fundamentals

• Storytelling in marketing

• Design software and tools

• Hiring and developing creative talent

• Building brands that people remember

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Website: https://www.mindthebusinessgap.com/

From royal gardens to building a multi-brand business 🌱In Episode 9 of Mind the Business Gap, we sit down with Dean Bolton-Grant, the mind behind Grant Horticulture, Urban Grow UK, and the Northern School of Gardening.What started as a deep-rooted connection to plants and nature has evolved into an award-winning design practice and a growing business ecosystem across design, retail, and training.In this episode, we get into:• Securing career-defining opportunities and why luck favours the prepared• Leading teams of 200+ across unfamiliar geographies and cultures• Planning for contingency in a business shaped by nature’s unpredictability• Building and scaling a global vision for Urban GrowThis isn’t just about gardening. It’s about building your craft into a multi-brand business.Mind the Business Gap Episode 9, streaming now on:Apple Podcasts : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mind-the-business-gap/id1885994440Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/mindthebusinessgap/website : www.mindthebusinessgap.com

Most organisations think they’re inclusive.Very few actually are.Episode 8 of Mind the Business Gap challenges a simple but uncomfortable question: Are the DEI policies in your workplace impactful, or just performative?In this conversation with Tanya M., Director at Lennox Learning and Development, we unpack why so much of DEI today looks like progress, but doesn’t translate into real impact, the difference between equity and equality, and how building systems and success metrics can create real change. A key insight that will stay with you:Inclusion isn’t what’s written in policies.It’s how people feel when they walk into a room.Do they speak freely?Do they feel heard?Do they feel like they belong?🎙️ Mind the Business Gap Episode 8, streaming now on:YouTube : https://lnkd.in/ewBiPQ4RSpotify : https://lnkd.in/eiSqZ6CpApple Podcasts : https://lnkd.in/eGbqUgUKInstagram : https://lnkd.in/eSKPtM7h#MindTheBusinessGap #Leadership #DEI #WorkplaceCulture #Inclusion #Diversity #EquityvsEquality[DEI, EDI, Workplace culture, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity vs Equality, learning, qoutes of the day]

In this episode, we dive into the transformation stories behind some of the world's most iconic brands (Caffè Nero, IHG, Disney & British Airways), uncover the key traits our guest looks for when hiring exceptional talent, and reveal the two productive habits you need in your life to perform at the absolute best level.About the guest : A highly experienced senior executive with over 30 years of leadership across some of the world's most iconic consumer brands. He began his career at British Airways, before going on to hold senior roles at Walt Disney in Paris, where he helped launch Walt Disney Studios and reposition Disneyland Resort. He then brought his operational expertise to IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), leading UK & Ireland's managed hotel portfolio before heading global operations. Most recently, he has served as CEO of Caffè Nero, overseeing circa 650 UK stores and 6,000 people, whilst also advising on the growth of Greater Manchester's largest EV charging network.#mindthebusinessgap #caffenero #businesspodcast #transformation #insights #productivehabits #hiring #hospitality

Vinyl is making a comeback, sustainability is becoming part of the music conversation, and building a business across industries often reveals more similarities than we think.In this episode of Mind the Business Gap, Karen Emanuel shares her journey through the music industry, including confronting misogyny early in her career and mentoring women in a field where they are still underrepresented. She speaks about the importance of building strong teams, creating meaningful networks, and developing resilience for long term success.Karen also reflects on entrepreneurship beyond music, including the experience of building a hotel on an island. Her story offers a powerful perspective on leadership, creativity, and building ventures in very different industries.She also shares an important perspective on how men can become better allies to women in business.Episode streaming now:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rMo2o5rSjgSER0ask25RhInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindthebusinessgap/#MindTheBusinessGap #PodcastEpisode #MusicIndustry #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Geldart, Director General of the Institute of Directors, to unpack what modern leadership really looks like at the highest level.We discuss: What a day in the life of the Director General of the IoD actually look like– What makes a great leader in today’s world? – The importance of networks and community in career progression – Authenticity in senior leadership: what does it really mean? – Personal branding: what people say about you when you leave the room – His Journey when he walked to the North Pole. – Leading across cultures & global business insights – Should we be looking East more seriously for opportunity? – Rapid Fire Round 🔥If you're an aspiring leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to grow into senior roles, this episode is packed with practical insights on skills, relationships, timing, values, and mindset.Subscribe for more conversations bridging the gap between ambition and execution.Follow https://www.instagram.com/mindthebusinessgap/Jon's LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongeldartiod/My LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-prasad-070970141/#LeadershipPodcast #JonGeldart #InstituteOfDirectors #BusinessLeadership #Authenticity #GlobalBusiness #CareerGrowth

From the most common CV mistakes to what actually makes recruiters stop, read, and remember you, straight into a rapid fire that gets real, this episode with Ummama Mahmood is insight, honesty, and fun in one unfiltered conversation.

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Ummama's LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ummama-mahmood-212299b2/

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-prasad-070970141/

Nathan Lyken proves discipline isn’t something you talk about, it’s something you do. Sales,startups and showing up even when it burns. That’s the mindset gap we’re closing.Follow us on Instagram :   / mindthebusinessgap  Connect with Nate :   / nathan-lyken-b6120a24a  My Linkedin :   / rohit-prasad-070970141  

Nathan Lyken proves discipline isn’t something you talk about, it’s something you do. Sales,startups and showing up even when it burns. That’s the mindset gap we’re closing. The episode is set to release in January 2026.

Follow : https://www.instagram.com/mindthebusinessgap/ for more updates.

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