Behind the Wheel Life

Having overcome hardship at a young age and being made redundant from your job is no reason why you can't smash it! Lara Nickells is a young, female business owner making her mark in the automotive industry. Having worked for the likes of McLaren Special Operations (MSO) and Porsche Retail Group, Lara possesses a distinct affection for horsepower in all forms.  In 2021, Lara became Director o...

With just a few quid in his back pocket, Colin Tredway arrived in the UK from South Africa and through hard work, determination and perseverance, successfully built a career in the retail industry transforming stores all around the country. Now... He spends considerable time bringing together couples to enjoy lasting memories in opulence, serenity and pure luxury through his Supercar Club. With th...

To what extent are university degrees still relevant today? Join me, as I discuss this very question with Imran Arshad, co-founder of so many businesses including Evolve, Eventuri and 6Sixty. Whilst these are all amazing businesses, what struck me is the huge self belief and determination to succeed that Imran demonstrates. Even in the early days, pursuing what is arguably a safer career route, Im...

Mark Sekula is an international supercar and premium vehicle broker for private and business clients. He is also the UK sole agent for world-renowned Porsche tuner and manufacturer RUF Automobile GmbH.  Having learned the ropes from a young age to establish a successful and long standing business partnership with his father, Richard, Mark is living proof that not only is it possible to do what you...

Mohammed has been creating content since he was 13. An avid QuadBiker and Diver, he loves long road trips and a sweet cup of Karak. A social media sensation, Mohammed has successfully created an online community through his love for cars and phenomenal content - which he considers an art form. His work ethic, drive and passion for ensuring he always delivers the best content for his audience is in...

Ashley Woodman could barely spell his name at school. From overcoming homelessness, an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and no real career prospects to running a hugely successful business and now... racing cars! Ashley is the definition of what it takes to succeed in today's world and is living proof that no matter where you started, you can achieve your dreams. With a garage that would m...

Sick and tired of hearing about these MEN smashing it every single day on the Pod? Yeah me too!! So... I present to you... The one and only... ABIGAYLE ANDRE!!  Capturing the hearts and minds of THOUSANDS of people, (not just women!!), her insightful and informative short videos and social media game is a testament to this very fact...  It don't matter who you are. It don't matter where...

Ashley Woodman could barely spell his name at school. From overcoming homelessness, an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and no real career prospects to running a hugely successful business and now... racing cars! Ashley is the definition of what it takes to succeed in today's world and is living proof that no matter where you started, you can achieve your dreams. With a garage that would m...

Nilesh Parmar is a multi award winning dental surgeon, investor, entrepreneur, racer, and perhaps one of the biggest car nuts in the world! His drive, ambition and relentless work ethic has led to multiple successful businesses and more letters at the end of his name than the entire alphabet! We sit down with the man himself, to talk all things mindset, business, and of course... His love for Ferr...

I am so excited today to speak to a fellow Podcaster!! Dervish is the man behind Full throttle with Dervish which is a weekly automotive podcast. He is a Spacecraft Designer and a Mechanical Engineer by day and podcaster by night. But his story is just incredible. Growing up in an incredibly tough environment both at home and at school, a lot of time in danger, it's crazy to think just how mu...

I am so excited to welcome Mike Turlin to the podcast. His mission is to help save as many lives as possible by getting people to open up and share their fears and worries. His vision is to reduce the number of suicides, get more people to open up and talk, and make sure that everyone gets the help they need. Born out of his attempts to end his own life several times in 2009 after dealing with the...

I am so excited to welcome Ben Hyland to the podcast! Ben is the founder of the incredibly successful want2race, after he had a vision for offering as many people as possible the chance to drive track and race cars with a fantastic prize on offer. Early years saw various concepts and prizes including a race in a Lotus Elise which Ben raced at the time.  In 2013 Ben met Ginetta Chairman Lawrence To...

Sean-Peter Huber is the managing director of Huber Automobile Design. He came to the market with the great idea of personalization design of the car parts, so that everyone could have the style of the automobile of their dreams. This launched his company to big success, which is something he is rightfully proud of. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the Behind the Wheel Podcast. My name is Muhammad Ali Haji, and I am so, so delighted to welcome a man, who is the definition of brain plasticity! His ability to adapt, change and learn new things in response to societal trends and the ever-changing needs of his audience, with a committee and determination to always, always be of service, is just so inspirational. Shahzad AKA Brown Car Guy...

Asad Hamir, perhaps most famous for his appearance on the hit TV series Dragon's Den is the Founder of Nolii, a design-led technology brand, that re-imagines how technology accessories solve the tech frustrations that we all experience through ingeniously smart design that elevates our everyday.  One of the biggest reasons we wanted to speak to him is his truly inspirational story. Currently...

Today, I speak to someone who quite honestly, makes my interest in cars look... Like my passion for washing dishes! He is an absolute car nut. Well, I guess you have to, if you've owned a Pagani!! Adrian Harris set up Opia in 2006, a specialist marketing company and built it up to a massive global business employing 120 staff. In 2015 he sold Opia for £30m! Not bad for someone who left school...

Jesse Harfield believes that supporting the next generation is a collective responsibility and, as a result, he commits considerable time and resources to help both the Prince's Trust and Duke of Edinburgh Award. In addition to this, he runs an active apprenticeship programme that isn’t based on academic achievement, with the aim of developing the best from individuals and growing their caree...

Straight out of university he began a career in recruitment, working in central London. There he learnt sales from the ground up, talking to high calibre individuals on a daily basis, trying to match the high standards that they expected, with great results. He had always been interested in property but always assumed you needed thousands of pounds to get started and that it was way out of reach....

While travelling in 2017, Alastair realised that enjoying each and every day, and having freedom to do as he pleased, while working on something he is passionate about, was his ultimate goal. In pursuit of this goal, he created multiple businesses that give him the monthly cashflow to give himself and his family the freedom to travel the world and experience amazing things. While investing in prop...

Want to know about Sam in 2 minutes? Age 9 to 14 - building and repairing cars everyday with his epic Dad at their house garage Age 14 - swapped his mobile phone for a classic 1979 Mini 1000cc Age 14 - bought 2 Yugo Sanas from his diner lady. You can see where this is going! Age 16 - first car, present from his Dad, a straight six British Racing Green Daimler Sovereign Age 15 to 19 - full Mercedes...

A multi business owner and serial entrepreneur, Jason started working at 14 doing a paper round earning a whopping £5.50 for delivering 180 papers, before working at ASDA stacking shelves and manning the checkouts.  As life progressed, Jason started a career in double glazing and sales, and at the age of 19 he was the number 1 branch manager in the company out of 88 branches. Life was good. Being...

"I was driving home from work last week and this huge lorry (suddenly) came over to my lane, and all I saw was my life flash in front of me. In that moment, I saw me, my wife, and my kids at a car show. And I felt just pure happiness. Just pure happiness. Wife, kids, and a car show." Ciro Ciampi is the Founder of Petrolheadonism - a thriving and lively community that brings petrolheads t...

I am thrilled to be joined today by Stephan Oatway, Managing Director of Oatway Design.  Oatway Design offer mechanical and electrical building design services for new and existing buildings, employing experienced engineers with a wealth of knowledge to ensure clients always receive the best possible service. Stephan is responsible for transforming what was already a successful company, taking it...

I am thrilled to be joined by Steve Deeks. Steve is a Presenter, Trainer, Racer, and Aviator, having spent 9 years professionally racing up to British Formula 3, followed by sportscars and US IMSA prototypes, British GT, then one make saloons which then led to a 17 year career within the British Touring Car Championship.  What makes Steve even more interesting though, is the fact that he’s managed...

When Mark describes the thrill of launching a company that allows young kids to experience the thrill of supercars without having to be linked to some sort of elite club or have parents with deep pockets.... the smile is priceless! I had the phenomenal opportunity to speak to the man whose mission is to allow anyone, regardless of money, to bask, admire and enjoy in the company of some of the worl...