Secret Leaders

Nadhim Zahawi uncovers the secrets of working in government as he gives his hot take on Boris Johnson, the pandemic, and his feelings about the Partygate and Matt Hancock scandal!

He also dives into the challenges of navigating Covid-19, sharing candid insights about the highs and lows of decision-making in a crisis.

Zahawi reveals how his experience building a billion-dollar company played a crucial role in scaling the successful vaccine rollout. If you're curious about leadership, resilience, and the inside scoop on government during one of the toughest times in history, this episode is a must-watch!

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Thanks to HP our sponsor for this episode. For 10% off the HP Omnibook UltraFlip with built-in AI, use code 'HPLOVEWORK'.

Valid until 31st January 2025, UK only. T&Cs apply. https://bit.ly/HPOmnibook-SLQ424

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Alright, WTF is Oracle and why is it worth a massive $457 billion? 

In this video, we dive into how Oracle became the backbone of the internet. Spoiler: 97% of companies would crumble without it. From powering your favourite apps to securing your data, Oracle is the silent force keeping the digital world running. But what even is it? Let’s break it down for you. 

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Thanks to HP our sponsor for this episode. For 10% off the HP Omnibook UltraFlip with built-in AI, use code 'HPLOVEWORK'.

Valid until 31st January 2025, UK only. T&Cs apply. https://bit.ly/HPOmnibook-SLQ424

Join Vanta and recieve $1000 off:

http://vanta.com/secretleaders

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Priestley, the guy who knows how to turn ideas into money. He’s dropping his ultimate playbook on how YOU can build a successful business and hit that first $10K – no fluff, just real talk. 

Want to know how to make real money and crush it in the business world? This episode is packed with actionable tips, mindset hacks, and strategies that anyone can apply. Don't miss it!

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Sign up to Wise Business banking:

https://wise.com/gb/business/?utm_sou...

Thanks to HP our sponsor for this episode. For 10% off the HP Omnibook UltraFlip with built-in AI, use code 'HPLOVEWORK'.

Valid until 31st January 2025, UK only. T&Cs apply. https://bit.ly/HPOmnibook-SLQ424

Join Vanta and recieve $1000 off:

http://vanta.com/secretleaders

In this episode, Dan and ​⁠Chris share their rollercoaster 30+ year journey in the world of business. From wild, unexpected moments like making hires over drinks, to unforgettable experiences like meeting the Queen, and landing some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, including Bugatti.

This episode is packed with jaw-dropping stories and valuable insights. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with lessons on resilience, bold decisions, and the ups and downs of building a successful business empire.

________________

Sign up to Wise Business banking:

https://wise.com/gb/business/?utm_sou...

Thanks to HP our sponsor for this episode. For 10% off the HP Omnibook UltraFlip with built-in AI, use code 'HPLOVEWORK'.

Valid until 31st January 2025, UK only. T&Cs apply. https://bit.ly/HPOmnibook-SLQ424

Join Vanta and recieve $1000 off:

http://vanta.com/secretleaders

Discover how entrepreneur Simon Squibb is taking the world by storm with his unique approach to business. With billions of views on TikTok and over a million YouTube subscribers, Simon is breaking all the rules by investing in total strangers, helping them achieve their dreams.

In this episode, we dive into Simon’s inspiring mission, his strategy for generating viral content, and why he believes this is the future of entrepreneurship.

If you’re curious about how to create viral videos, invest in people, and build a purpose-driven business, this is the episode for you. Don’t miss Simon’s incredible insights on the power of generosity, creativity, and community.

________________

Sign up to Wise Business banking:

https://wise.com/gb/business/?utm_sou...

Thanks to HP our sponsor for this episode. For 10% off the HP Omnibook UltraFlip with built-in AI, use code 'HPLOVEWORK'.

Valid until 31st January 2025, UK only. T&Cs apply. https://bit.ly/HPOmnibook-SLQ424

Join Vanta and recieve $1000 off:

http://vanta.com/secretleaders

We’re taking a short production break while we prepare for the next season, but while we’re preparing, we want your feedback on the show and what you want us to cover.

Fill out this form to let us know what you want to hear from us on the next season of Secret Leaders and check us out on YouTube 

Thank you for your suggestions and for listening 

What happens after that coveted exit? What does life look like for a founder who's achieved what so many others are striving for?

Today, we're diving deep into that very question with Timothy Armoo, a serial entrepreneur who sold his influencer marketing company, Fanbytes, in a multi-million pound deal at the age of 27. But this isn't a story about how to build and sell a successful startup - it's about what comes next.

What's truly captivating about Tim’s current chapter is his unconventional approach to business. 

He's not following the typical path of immediately jumping into another venture-backed startup or becoming a full-time investor. Instead, he's crafting a unique strategy that involves everything from funding lithium mines in Africa to investing in avocado imports.

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In the world of entrepreneurship, we dream about the BIG EXIT.  

We talk about mergers, acquisitions and IPOs… 

But there's one exit strategy that's often whispered about

Selling to private equity. 

Today, we're pulling back the curtain on this mysterious world with someone who's not only been through it, but has come out the other side a fan.

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Sponsors

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Dominic McGregor was riding high as the co-founder of Social Chain, a social media agency that exploded from scrappy startup to global player in just a few short years. But as the company grew, so did Dom's drinking problem - until it all came crashing down.

In this conversation, Dom shares the inside story of his battle with addiction, from the red flags he ignored to the moment he hit rock bottom, and the painful but transformative journey of getting sober and rebuilding his life. 

The life of a founder isn’t alway glamorous. From the relentless pressure to perform to the loneliness and isolation that can come with the top job. 

If you've ever wondered how to spot the signs of addiction in yourself or your team or what it really takes to face your demons and come out stronger on the other side, this episode is for you.

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Sponsors

Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders

Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders

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Imagine building a company from the ground up, pouring your heart and soul into it for years, only to reach a point where you realise it's time to step aside as CEO. 

How do you know when it's the right time? How do you navigate that transition while setting the company up for continued success? And what comes next for you as a founder?

These are the crucial questions we're diving into today with Evgeny Shadchnev, a founder who has lived through this very journey.

Evgeny is an author and co-Founder Makers, a coding bootcamp that has trained thousands of software developers. 

After nearly a decade at the helm, he made the difficult decision to step down as CEO in 2020.

In our conversation, we talk about the complex emotions and strategic challenges of this process. 

Evgeny shares how he knew it was time to move on, the importance of planning ahead, and the pitfalls to avoid when hiring and onboarding a successor.

We also discuss the surprising commonality of founder transitions and why they should be seen as a mark of success rather than failure.

Evgeny's story illustrates that sometimes the best thing you can do for your company is to get out of the way - and that new adventures await on the other side.

…

Sponsors

Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders

Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders

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Newsletter

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You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.