Bentley’s strategic shift from electric vehicles to a £400,000 petrol-powered supersports car illustrates the complexities of executive decision-making.

Confronted with slower-than-expected EV adoption, CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser opted to delay electrification, prioritising brand heritage and long-term positioning over short-term trends.

This episode explores Walliser’s approach - interpreting market signals, safeguarding Bentley’s identity, and demonstrating leadership grounded in conviction rather than hype.

Part of the CEO and Founder Daily playlist, daily 5-minute episodes spotlighting how CEOs and founder are Taking Care of Business in real time. From bold decisions to crisis control, discover how today’s leaders are shaping tomorrow’s headlines.

Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf confirms there’s no rush for mergers or acquisitions despite the sector’s consolidation trend. This episode explores Scharf’s strategy to double down on internal performance - streamlining operations, strengthening compliance, and investing in digital transformation to rebuild trust and drive organic growth.

Part of the CEO and Founder Daily playlist, daily 5-minute episodes spotlighting how CEOs and founder are Taking Care of Business in real time. From bold decisions to crisis control, discover how today’s leaders are shaping tomorrow’s headlines.

With Marks & Spencer CEO Stuart Machin warning that consumer confidence is weakening ahead of Christmas as tax uncertainty looms, this episode shares how he’s taking care of business by accelerating growth during a critical trading period. Part of the CEO and Founder Daily playlist, daily 5-minute episodes spotlighting how CEOs and founder are Taking Care of Business in real time. From bold decisions to crisis control, discover how today’s leaders are shaping tomorrow’s headlines.

Elle Fanning steps beyond the spotlight, expanding her influence as a producer and entrepreneur through Lewellen Pictures. From Hollywood stardom to strategic ownership, discover how she’s building a business empire - and why this echoes the Olsen twins’ billion-dollar playbook.

Part of the CEO and Founder Daily playlist, daily 5-minute episodes spotlighting how CEOs and founder are Taking Care of Business in real time. From bold decisions to crisis control, discover how today’s leaders are shaping tomorrow’s headlines.

Today's episode explores the strategic shift in the consumer health industry as Kimberly-Clark acquires Kenvue for over $40 billion.

Discover how this bold move led by Shu positions the company against giants like Procter & Gamble, and what it means for the future of health and wellness.

Part of the CEO and Founder Daily playlist, daily 5-minute episodes spotlighting how CEOs and founder are Taking Care of Business in real time. From bold decisions to crisis control, discover how today’s leaders are shaping tomorrow’s headlines.

David Baszucki - CEO and co-founder of Roblox, a gaming platform (and digital playground) - is revolutionising online safety for children. Discover his innovative strategies and leadership that blend tech innovation with social responsibility. 

Part of the CEO Daily playlist, daily 5-minute episodes spotlighting how CEOs are Taking Care of Business in real time. From bold decisions to crisis control, discover how today’s leaders are shaping tomorrow’s headlines.

This episode features Jamie Darkin, founder of Cornerstone Property Group and CEO of JD Enterprises, sharing his journey from university "dropout" to building a multi-million-pound revenue business in the social housing sector.

Jamie discusses the realities of scaling a company that works closely with local authorities across South East England, highlighting the importance of time management, relationship building, and maintaining a balance between profitability and social impact.

Jamie also talks about strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses to accelerate growth, provides tips for professional development, and reveals details of his new podcast series, Driven Podcast.

Expect actionable insights from a self-made entrepreneur with a track record of success and a vision for expansion across regions and sectors.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(01:20) - What drives Jamie to keep building, scaling, and investing in businesses

(02:30) – The reason Jamie quit university and the life lessons he learnt form that decision

(07:16) - Why Jamie founded a social housing company

(09:58) - The reason the 'apprenticeship' stage doesn't need repeating

(10:55) - The business model behind Cornerstone Property Group

(12: 00) - How to win contracts with Local Governments

(12:45) - How to win and retain business

(14:55) - How Jamie financed Cornerstone in its early stages and how he overcame financial challenges

(17:15) - How to scale a multi-million-pound business

(21:20) - How to find target companies to acquire

(23:25) - Strategies for integrating acquisitions into the main business

(25:20) - The type of people and businesses Jamie gravitates towards

(27:15) - How to hire genuine people

(29:00) – Professional development and building and expanding a network

(31:00) - Benefits of a mentor and business coach

(32:50) - How to maximise and manage time

(32:35) - Building meaningful relationships

(37:20) - How an introvert can walk into a room and speak to anyone

(38:50) - Karis' Helping Hand

(40:30) - What people should know about Jamie Darkin – the man behind the business

(41:25) - How to take care of business

Links

Cornerstone Property Group website

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn

Taking Care of Business YouTube Channel

Support Karis' Helping Hand

This episode of Taking Care of Business features Ziad Ali.

Ziad is the founder and CEO of The Law Magazine - Egypt’s first English-language law publication, and The LAW - a platform dedicated to the sustainable development of the legal industry and profession in the MENA region. Ziad is also the founder of Talent Partner - a specialist in legal talent acquisition and retention, and CEO of BD Partner - the only business development agency exclusively serving the legal sector in the MENA region.

Throughout the episode, Ziad provides insights on empowering legal professionals and driving meaningful change across the region and explains how he defines success, leadership, and purpose in the legal industry.

Expect a direct and engaging conversation filled with valuable lessons for all levels of legal professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction

(03:21) - What interests Ziad most about the rule of law and legal developments

(05:20) - Why and how Ziad created the first English-language law-focused publication in Egypt and the Middle East

(06:50) - How the magazine evolved into THE LAW, and the challenges and breakthroughs in turning it into a full-fledged platform for legal development

(09:05) - What guides Ziad's sense of what's right

(12:12) - THE LAW's impact on the legal profession, and how Ziad measures its success

(17:48) - The reason Ziad decided to focus on business development and marketing for law firms, rather than continuing his career as a practicing lawyer

(22:13) - Common branding and business development pitfalls

(26:20) - Common recruitment challenges faced by law firms, and how Talent Partners help address them

(29:20) - Advice to young legal professionals and entrepreneurs looking to make an impact

(30:50) - What is means for Ziad to take care of business

Links:

• Visit The LAW website ⁠ ⁠

• Connect with Ziad on LinkedIn 
• Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn
• Visit Taking Care of Business's YouTube Channel

In this episode of Taking Care of Business, Stephanie Anais sits down with Susan Dunn, a pioneer in the litigation funding industry, for a candid and insightful conversation that explores the intersection of finance, law, and human connection.

Susan shares reflections on her life and career, revealing how personal experiences have shaped her professional judgment and success. From 'selling money' to building lasting bonds, she discusses the delicate balance between commercial decision-making and meaningful relationships in high-stakes legal environments.

Driven by data but grounded in intuition, Susan offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a leader who’s always searching for the quickest way to the answer without compromising on integrity or empathy.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the nuanced world of litigation funding and the vital role of human relationships within it.

Links

• Visit Harbour's ⁠⁠website⁠ ⁠

• Connect with Susan on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠
• Connect with Stephanie on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠
• Visit Taking Care of Business's ⁠⁠YouTube⁠

This episode of Taking Care of Business explores the inspiring journey of Charles Jeffery, founder and managing director of Jeffery Capital.

Charles shares the experiences and insights gained while establishing a leading portfolio and fund management firm. Discover the strategies that propelled him from a career in litigation funding to founding his own company, and learn about the unique approach that sets Jeffery Capital apart in the competitive world of finance.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Charles's story offers valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and innovation.

Charles' wine recommendations:

• Chateau Palmer 2005
• Dom Pérignon P2 2002
• Beckstoffer by B Cellars 2019

Links

• Visit Jeffery Capital's ⁠website ⁠

• Connect with Charles on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• Connect with Stephanie on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• Visit Taking Care of Business's ⁠YouTube⁠