As the CEO of Travel Counsellors, Steve Byrne is one of the UK’s most popular and highly-regarded business leaders.

Under his leadership, Travel Counsellors has just hit the milestone of £1bn in sales for the first time – and plans to hit £2bn in five years.

In a far-reaching interview, Byrne discusses leading an MBO; securing a secondary buyout; his approach to acquisition; and how he navigated the company through the challenge of Covid.

He also talks about his decision never to use the word ‘survival’ during the pandemic and why ‘caring and kindness’ is crucial in today’s business world.

In a deeply moving interview Byrne also talks about something his late father taught him and why he continues to draw inspiration from Rob Burrow’s approach to his illness.

In the second half of the show, Jonathan answers your questions around private equity.