In this inspiring episode of the Wheels Up podcast, hosts Troy Claydon and Ben Hosking of Panoptic Solutions engage with celebrated entrepreneur Mark Wright, winner The Apprentice UK in 2014, who went on to be UK Entrepreneur of the year 2018 and listed in Forbes 30 under 30.

The conversation explores Mark’s path from small-town Australia to building a digital marketing empire in the UK, highlighting crucial lessons in entrepreneurship, adaptability, mentorship, and the power of staying authentic even under the spotlight.

Mark’s experiences and candid advice offer valuable insights into business success, personal growth, and navigating the evolving world of digital marketing.

00:00 – 05:00 – Introduction Troy and Ben welcome listeners back after a brief hiatus. Introduction of Mark Wright, highlighting his entrepreneurial journey.

05:01 – 15:00 – Mark Wright's Background and Achievements (Challenges and Success in Business) Discussion on Mark's experience winning The Apprentice UK in 2014. Insights into founding Climb Online, a digital marketing agency backed by Lord Alan Sugar.

15:01 – 30:00 – Entrepreneurial Challenges and Mentorship Mark shares experiences dealing with the pressures of starting and scaling a business. He discusses the importance of mentorship and having a board of advisors for business growth. Emphasis on the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in entrepreneurship and also the role of mentors in accelerating business success in providing valuable insights.

30:01 – 45:00 – Sales Techniques and Customer Relationships plus Digital Marketing Insights

45:01 – 50:00 – Closing Thoughts Final insights from Mark on the future of digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Emphasizing the importance of mentorship, goal-setting, and continuous improvement. Hosts thank Mark for his contributions and preview upcoming episodes.

Mark Wright is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and digital marketing expert, best known for winning The Apprentice UK and being named UK Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018. Featured on Forbes 30 Under 30, Mark grew his business from a share house startup to a multi-million-dollar enterprise. Originally from Australia, he has become a prominent figure in British business through strategic leadership, calculated risk-taking, and a relentless drive for growth.

The episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs at any stage — from startup to scale-up. You can connect with Mark on the links below. But in the meantime throw on the headphones, click the Wheels Up Podcast Link below and enjoy! Don’t forget to subscribe and give us a 5 star rating on your favourite podcast platform!

Guest: Michael Byrom – CEO, The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation

In this episode, we speak with Michael Byrom, a legal expert and philanthropist dedicated to making a difference through The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation. With a career spanning over 40 years in commercial law, corporate governance, and contract negotiation, Michael shares his journey from the legal world to leading one of Australia’s most impactful cycling-based fundraising initiatives.

Listeners will gain insight into the intersection of business, philanthropy, and endurance challenges, as Michael discusses how The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation has raised over $44 million for children’s charities and continues to build a legacy of executive networking through high-performance cycling events.

🔹 Transforming Passion into Purpose – How Chain Reaction uses endurance cycling to drive fundraising and executive engagement.

Michael Byrom is a highly regarded legal consultant with over four decades of experience in commercial, corporate governance, and real estate law. A director of The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation and Southern Cross Soloists Ltd, Michael brings his expertise and leadership to organizations that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Since its founding in 2007, Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation has raised over $44 million for children's charities, supporting more than 50 organizations across Australia. The foundation continues to connect business leaders with meaningful philanthropy through high-endurance cycling events, fostering a culture of giving, leadership, and community impact.

Discover how Michael Byrom and Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation are redefining corporate philanthropy through endurance cycling. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your network!

🌐 Website: www.panopticsolutions.com

#Philanthropy #CorporateLeadership #EnduranceCycling #Fundraising #ChainReactionChallenge #ExecutiveNetworking #Resilience

Guest: Steve Bernard, CFE - LinkedIn

Advisor / Board Appointments: International SOS, Metro One, Prescient

Formerly the Executive Vice President for Protection at Sony Pictures Entertainment.

In this episode, Stevan Bernard, a globally recognized security expert with nearly five decades of experience, shares his incredible journey from leading global security operations at Sony Pictures Entertainment to establishing Bernard Global, LLC. Stevan reflects on his personal health challenges, his commitment to mentoring the next generation, and the wisdom he has gained through navigating security risks across the globe.

Listeners will discover how resilience, integrity, and purpose have shaped his life and career, offering powerful lessons for anyone seeking to lead with impact and navigate challenges with grace.

Key Takeaways

👤 About Stevan Bernard

Currently, as CEO of Bernard Global, LLC, he provides advisory services on corporate security, crisis preparedness, leadership, and risk mitigation. Recognized by esteemed organizations such as the CIA and FBI, Stevan remains a respected thought leader, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of security professionals.

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#ExecutiveProtection #Leadership #CorporateSecurity #Resilience #Mentorship #RiskManagement

In this episode, we sit down with Shane Cavagnino, a former military man to now a farmer in Tassie.

• Shane’s transition from an intense military career to life on a farm in Tasmania.

1. “There’s no cookie-cutter solution for everyone in the military transitioning to civilian life.”

The theme of this episode is resilience, identity, and transformation. Shane’s journey through military life, private security, and personal development highlights how challenges can be confronted head-on with self-reflection, a strong support network, and dedication to mental health. He discusses how to integrate intense life experiences into a balanced, purpose-driven life.

Listeners will gain insights into the mental health struggles faced by veterans and how critical it is to seek support and build a life outside of high-pressure careers. Shane provides a firsthand account of how resilience, self-awareness, and vulnerability are essential not only for military success but for personal well-being in civilian life. This episode encourages others to look beyond identity shaped by careers and to focus on the broader purpose.

Shane's Bio

Shane Cavagnino is a qualified Australian Special forces operator with 18 years of experience in combat operations, counter terrorism and protection of Australia’s high-ranking government and military officials. Shane Cavagnino holds several academic achievements including; Diploma of Security and Risk Management, Diploma of Project Management and various other tertiary certificates.

Shane Cavagnino served with distinction prior to discharging from the Australian Defence Force with almost 18 years’ service. Shane Cavagnino completed Special Forces Selection in 2011 has become qualified and an instructor in a variety of special operations skill-sets including close protection, advanced close quarters combat, tactical driving, combat medicine as an EMT and urban combat operations. Shane Cavagnino transferred to the Active Reserves in 2020 where he still maintains a reserve commitment instructing in various skill sets supporting the special forces training school. 

Shane Cavagnino has conducted training and combat operations both domestically and internationally in countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, United Arabs Emirates, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Jordan, United Stated and has protected high profile clientele including, The Prime Minister of Australia, Chief of Australian Army, Chief of Australian Defence force, Australian Minister of Defence, private families and high profile celebrities. 

Shane Cavagnino has received the following awards and distinctions:

Infantry Combat Badge 

Australian Active Service Medal 

Australian Service Medal 

Australian Operational Service medal middle east 

Counter Terrorism/ Special Recovery Clasp

Australian Defence Medal

Returned from Active Service Badge

Meritorious Unit Citation Special Operations Task Group 

Afghanistan Medal 

In his spare time Shane enjoys training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and spending time outdoors with his wife and three children.

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In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Dye, a seasoned expert in Dignitary and Executive Protection. Kevin's career began as an enlisted Air Force defender, where he honed skills in both defensive and law enforcement missions. His transition to the U.S. Secret Service was natural, as both entities share a dual mission of law enforcement and protection. Kevin served with distinction in the Secret Service for over two decades, including in the elite Presidential Protective Division, safeguarding Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, among other high-profile dignitaries.

Kevin now works as a Senior Manager in private executive protection and serves on the Board of Executive Protection Professionals, helping shape the ANSI standards for executive protection.

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Sponsor Shout-Outs: WheelsUp Whiskey

Welcome back to the Wheels Up Podcast. Today Troy and Ben are joined Rhys Dowden and Clancy Roberts as they talk through there martial arts journeys.

Guest 1: Rhys Dowden (Operator Edge)

• Background: Joined the Australian Army in 1999, initially in the Cavalry. Attempted SAS Selection in 2002. Later, after contracting in Iraq as a private security contractor, rejoined the military, successfully passing Commando selection in 2008 with 4RAR (later 2CDO). Rhys served for 12 years, including two deployments to Afghanistan—one as an assaulter and another as a Special Forces sniper. Now runs Operator Edge, focusing on prepping future SF candidates and offering mindset and physical training.

Guest 2: Clancy Roberts (Way-Finder Field Skills)

• Background: Joined the Army Reserves in 2003 and went full-time with 3RAR in 2005. Deployed to Timor multiple times and passed selection in 2010. Deployed to Afghanistan three times and Iraq twice before discharging in 2016. Currently runs Way-Finder Field Skills, focusing on preparing military and law enforcement personnel in navigation and field skills.

Episode Overview: This episode is part of a series discussing the intersection of martial arts, military service, and the security industry. We are joined by two Australian Special Forces veterans, Rhys Dowden and Clancy Roberts, both of whom have achieved black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). We explore their journeys through martial arts, how it has shaped their careers, and its impact on their lives.

Topics Covered:

1. Military Background:

• Clancy: From Army Reserves to full-time 3RAR and later Special Forces. Multiple deployments to Timor, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Transition into civilian life and launching Way-Finder Field Skills.

Introduction to Martial Arts:

• Martial Arts Journey: Both Rhys and Clancy have trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for years, achieving black belts. Discussion of their progression, challenges, and the benefits martial arts have provided in their military and post-military careers.
  

Impact of Martial Arts on Security Industry:

• Practical Skills: How martial arts, particularly BJJ, has translated into practical skills in the security industry, especially in high-stress environments.

Individual Business Ventures:

• Rhys: Operator Edge focuses on preparing future SF candidates through mindset and physical training. Discussion on the "small wins phenomenon" and how to mentally and physically prepare for high-pressure situations.

Martial Arts and the Future:

• Past, Present, and Future: Reflections on how martial arts have evolved and where Rhys and Clancy see the industry going. Discussion on the importance of continued training and innovation.
  

• Shout Outs and Closing Thoughts:

• Websites: Operator Edge, Way-Finder Field Skills

• Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook

Media: Include relevant images or clips from their training sessions, martial arts events, or previous interviews.

Sponsor Shout-Outs: WheelsUp Whiskey

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Welcome back to the Wheels Up Podcast. Today Troy and Ben are joined with Patrick Kane who is the director of security with a US corporation with operations worldwide. Patrick is heavily focused on developing and implementing mitigation measures to support highly mobile global workforce and multiple traveler's, to include pre-travel risk assessments, coordinating secure transportation and journey management, assessing hotel and transportation options.

Patrick currently serves as the Chair of the ASIS International Santa Barbara Ventura Chapter #21 and is the President of the Corporate Executive Protection Leadership Council (CEPLC).  He recently spearheaded the creation of a Travel Risk Working Group within ASIS International. Patrick is also the past Chair and Chair Emeritus of the OSAC Aviation Security Working Group.  He has over 20 years of experience working in private sector corporate security; most of that time focused on international operations and has personal experience on the ground in more than 70 countries. 

Since 1996 Patrick has been a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) in good standing under the auspices of ASIS International.  He received an International Executive MBA from Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, Spain in 2004.  Prior to entering the private sector, Patrick served as an infantry officer in the US Marine Corps.  He welcomes questions, comments and suggestions and can be reached at [email protected] or via LinkedIn at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickkane2/ 

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Justin Hanson was cleaning up after his child’s second birthday party when he heard what he initially thought was fireworks. But when he looked across the lake bordering his home, he saw an active shooter.

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"Cleared Hot" - The term used by Special Operations Combat Controller Teams to authorise an aircraft to engage an enemy target!

Wheels Up Hosts, Troy Claydon and Ben Hosking sit down with a founding member of Australia's Special Operations Combat Controller capability and former Australian Combat Controller Troy Knight AKA Havoc 06. (podcast link at the bottom of this article.)

They talk about his journey prior to defence, his time in the military across multiple deployments and his journey post discharge including the challenges he faced with his mental health and conversely about the positive culture changes in the ADF.

Troy and Troy talk about their times contracting in Iraq working as Private Security in hostile environments and Troy K stint as a linguist and Maritime Security Operator.

Nowadays Troy Knight is a motivational speaker and entrepreneur selling his Cleared Hot Brand of chilli sauces and alcohol beverages. Get on over to his website https://troyknight.com.au/store/ to purchase them and his amzing book Havoc06

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