Fireside with Founders & Leaders

In this episode of "Fireside with Founders & Leaders," host Rupert McSheehy sits down with David Burns, the CTO of TLC Worldwide. David shares his extensive journey through the technology landscape, from his early days as a developer on PlayStation games to advising private equity and venture capital firms on transformative technology strategies. With a rich background spanning Europe, the US,...

In this episode of Fireside with Founders and Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy sits down with Chris Storey, the Technology Director at Travelopia, to discuss the transformative journey of the company in the realm of artificial intelligence. With over 11 years of experience at Travelopia, Chris shares insights into how AI has revolutionized their operations and enhanced customer experiences. The conve...

In this insightful episode of "Fireside with Founders and Leaders," host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Punit Goyal, the Technology Director at a prominent private equity firm. Punit shares his impressive journey from starting as a software engineer to holding a pivotal role in technology due diligence and transformation within the private equity landscape. With over two decades of experience in technol...

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes James Ferguson, affectionately known as Fergo, Director of Experience Design at OVO Energy. With over two decades of experience in design leadership roles across various industries, Fergo shares his insights on the evolution of design, the impact of AI on the industry, and the essential skills designers need in...

In this episode of Fireside with Founders and Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Carlos Granda, an experienced operating advisor with a remarkable career spanning over three decades in the technology sector. Carlos shares his journey from being a chief customer officer at leading companies like Google, Salesforce, and SAP to transitioning into an advisory role within the private equity (PE) la...

In this engaging episode, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Buzz Pearce, a seasoned leader in the design industry with nearly three decades of experience. Buzz reflects on his journey from a young, curious child inspired by his architect father to his current role as a design leader at TEM. He shares valuable insights into the evolution of design, the importance of leadership, and the shift from being...

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Rafe Blandford, a seasoned technology leader with a rich background in mobile strategy and product innovation. Rafe shares his journey from the telco industry to leading teams at prominent agencies, shedding light on the importance of diversity and inclusion in building effective teams. The conversation delves i...

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert sits down with Sammie from Gains App to explore his remarkable journey from struggling with debt to becoming a prominent voice in financial education. Sammie shares how he transformed his passion for finance into a successful content creation and tech business, aiming to bridge the information gap in personal finance. Tune in to...

Summary: In this episode of "Fireside with Founders and Leaders," host Rupert speaks with Anthee Merichovitis, Chief Business Transformation & Operations Officer at a private equity-backed firm. Anthee shares her unique career journey, the challenges of private equity, and the importance of empathy in leadership.  Chapters: 0:09 Introduction to Fireside with Founders and Leaders 0:23 Welcoming...

Summary: In this engaging podcast episode, Gemma McCarthy-Maidment shares her career journey from product management to leading digital transformations in B2B data sales. She discusses the complexities of digital transformation, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the challenges of balancing sustainability with business needs. Gemma also emphasizes the significance of mentorship and advoc...

Summary: In this episode, Rupert and Joel Gill explore the multifaceted journey of design, leadership, and the importance of community in the design industry. Joel shares his unique path from engineering to design, emphasizing the need for solid leadership and craft legacy in nurturing future designers. They discuss the significance of localization, the role of design tools, and the challenges of...

Summary: In this episode, Tom discusses his journey from engineering to co-founding Innerworks, a startup focused on identity and authentication in the digital age. He shares insights on the importance of understanding customer needs, the challenges of bot detection, and the evolving landscape of online safety. Tom also reflects on the fundraising process, the significance of diverse skill sets in...

Summary: In this podcast episode, Ryan Lawrence discusses his journey from a young entrepreneur to the co-founder of Betmate, a social betting platform that innovates the traditional sports betting experience. He shares insights into the startup process, the importance of timing and relationships in fundraising, and how Betmate aims to engage younger audiences through peer-to-peer gaming. The conv...

Summary: In this conversation, Bobby Idogho shares his journey from a multicultural upbringing in Nigeria and Ireland to becoming a successful entrepreneur and CEO of The RAD Consulting Group. He discusses the importance of risk-taking in entrepreneurship, the significance of building a people-first culture, and the challenges of navigating co-founder dynamics. Bobby emphasizes the need for divers...

Summary: In this episode, Phill shares his journey from a legal career to becoming co-CEO of Otto Car, discussing the importance of risk tolerance, the dynamics of co-leadership, and the lessons learned from his time at Bloom & Wild. He emphasizes the significance of brand building, sustainability, and the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, while also providing insights for those considering...

Summary: In this conversation, Guy shares his journey as an entrepreneur, detailing his experiences with Atheon Analytics, the challenges of early failures, and the pivotal moments that led to the company's success in visual analytics. He discusses the importance of decision-making, the evolution of his business, and the recent acquisition that has reinvigorated his passion for the industry. Throu...

Summary: In this conversation, Madelin Snyder shares her journey into product management, discussing her background in the arts and how she transitioned into tech. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and asking questions in product roles, as well as the challenges and experiences of being a woman in the tech industry. The discussion also covers the evolution of design systems, the significa...

Summary: In this conversation, David Sharp shares his journey from engineering to founding Kaikaku, a company that integrates AI and robotics into the restaurant industry. He discusses his experiences at Ocado, the concept of 10x innovation, and the balance between technology and hospitality in dining. David also highlights the role of 3D printing in their operations and the future of AI in enhanc...

Summary: In this podcast episode, Leon Hurst shares his journey from the tech industry to the insurance sector, discussing his experiences at Nokia and Jaguar Land Rover. He highlights the potential for disruption in the insurance industry, particularly in commercial motor insurance, and how Flock is leveraging data and technology to enhance safety and efficiency. He concludes with insights on fut...

Summary: In this conversation, Mark Anand, Chief Creative and Executive Officer of Blueprint Partners, shares his journey from aspiring Hollywood director to leading a successful marketing and events agency. He discusses the importance of storytelling and engagement in both entertainment and corporate sectors, the value of building strong client relationships, and the significance of a values-driv...

Summary: In this podcast, Richard discusses his career journey in product management, detailing his transition from product manager to Chief Product Officer at Mondaq. He shares insights on navigating organizational changes, the importance of understanding business models, and the future direction of Mondaq, particularly in leveraging data analytics. Richard also emphasizes the significance of ret...

Summary: In this podcast episode, Emilia De Stasio discusses her unique journey from finance to the art world, highlighting the intersection of technology and art investment through her company, Artscapy. She emphasizes the importance of understanding art as an asset class, the challenges of forecasting in business, and the innovative solutions Artscapy provides for collectors. The conversation al...

Summary: In this conversation, Kieron shares his journey through the design and product landscape, discussing his transition to contracting, the importance of UX, and the dynamics of leadership within design teams. He emphasizes the intrinsic link between design and product management, the value of mentorship, and the necessity of clear objectives for career growth. Kieron also highlights the role...

Summary: Bryan Charter discusses his journey in founding SuSy, a company focused on improving energy efficiency in homes. He shares insights on the barriers to sustainable housing, the importance of return on investment, and the role of technology in facilitating energy efficiency. Bryan emphasizes the significance of a diverse founding team and the impact of awards on business recognition. He als...

Summary: In this episode, David Vilf shares his journey from Germany to London and now to Google, discussing his experiences in product management across various companies. He emphasizes the importance of passion in career choices, the diverse roles of product managers, and the significance of understanding both technical and business aspects. David also delves into his current role at Google, the...