The Business Takeaway Podcast, Leadership & Business Advice

Building Culture and Trust in Business with Dave Coull - In this episode, we explore the essential elements of cultivating a strong organisational culture and leading with authenticity. Dave Coull, CEO of Stage Electrics Group, shares his insights on how culture drives success, the importance of humility, and strategies for building trust at scale—especially during challenging times like a pandemi...

In this episode, Ryan Metcalfe, founder and CEO of Preevue, shares candid insights on the evolution of digital twins, the significance of failure, and how technology is reshaping theatre and entertainment industries. His journey demonstrates how strategic engineering, embracing errors, and an eye for innovation can disrupt even the most traditional sectors. This is a true lesson in business disrup...

In this episode, Mats Karlsson shares his journey from starting in stage lighting to developing innovative power distribution systems, navigating supply chain challenges, and the importance of brand and relationships in the entertainment tech industry. His experience highlights how resilience and strategic pivots can propel growth even during turbulent times and how any business in a small market...

In this episode of the Business Takeaway podcast, Erin Teter, a seasoned fractional CHRO, shares invaluable insights on how HR can be a strategic partner in scaling and managing modern businesses, guiding and helping leadership especially in the era of remote work and rapid growth. Her experience across private equity, tech, and startups offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of HR's role bey...

In this episode, we explore how principles from professional sports, especially baseball, can transform business culture and individual mindset. Joshua Lifrak shares insights from his decades of experience in sport psychology, illustrating how mental resilience, defining organisational identity, strong leadership skills, leadership development and daily habits can lead to consistent success. Key T...

In this episode, Matt Turner shares his candid journey from founding Clownfish Events to discovering new ways to lead and develop organisational culture. His insights highlight the importance of authentic leadership, self-awareness, and creating workplaces that foster joy, growth, and purpose. Whether you're scaling a team or contemplating your next move, Matt’s lessons underscore the power of int...

In this episode, Tom Chapman shares his inspiring journey from a hairdresser to mental health advocate, highlighting how everyday conversations—especially in workplaces—can significantly impact mental well-being. Discover practical insights into fostering supportive environments, recognising early signs of struggle, and breaking down the stigma around mental health. This isn't about business strat...

In this episode, Derek Fredrickson, founder and CEO of The CEO Solution, dives deep into the strategic role of fractional CEOs and COOs during scaling. Discover what traits to look for in leadership teams, how to overcome common scaling pitfalls, and the mindset shifts needed for sustainable growth. Derek provides true day to day Business advice, and the leadership challenges that go with that. Ma...

In this episode, Brad Nelms, founder of TekX, shares his journey from a 20-year career in entertainment behind the scenes to launching his own consulting business. He discusses the real challenges and lessons learned along the way, including managing business operations, leadership challenges, adapting to industry shifts post-Covid, start up sales and leveraging technology like AI. Main Topics Cov...

Building a Lighting Business: 20 Years of Growth, Ceo insights, Leadership Skills, and business culture with Sam Tamplin In this episode, Sam Tamplin shares insights from building TSL from a small lighting rental start-up to a nearly 100-employee company with international ambitions. Discover how strategic focus, investing in people and systems, and fostering a strong culture have driven his succe...

Explore the unique insights from a retired firefighter and paramedic on leadership skills, decision-making, and team trust under extreme stress. Discover how core principles from emergency service leadership translate into effective business advice. In this episode: Mark shares his journey from firefighting to writing a leadership book, highlighting the transferable lessons between fire service an...

Mastering the Art of Presentation and Authentic Communication with Salvatore Manzi. In this episode, Salvatore Manzi shares invaluable insights into public speaking, leadership communication, and how to show up authentically. Whether you're an introvert, a leader, or looking to improve your presentation skills, this episode offers practical tips to enhance your impact and connect more genuinely. M...

Discover how Laura White transitioned from a career on stage to leading creative solutions in the events industry, leveraging her performance background to excel in business development and project management. This episode offers insights into the value of resilience, business advice, business strategy in challenging markets creativity, and adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. Main Topics...

In this episode, Jay Jacobson shares invaluable leadership skills and leadership challenges in high-stakes, emotionally charged environments like funeral homes and crisis situations, including a notable aircraft disaster. Discover how effective communication, emotional resilience, and integrity are crucial in guiding teams and families through difficult times. Main Topics: The essence of legendary...

Discover how Hannah Eakins has transformed entry into the entertainment production industry through her initiative, Production Futures. In this episode, we explore the evolution of industry careers, business strategy, innovations during COVID, and how diversity and social media are shaping the next generation. Key Topics: The inception and mission of Production Futures: promoting visibility and cr...

In this in-depth interview, Greg shares his journey from music retail to founding Headline Audio, discussing how the industry has evolved post-COVID, the importance of personal relationships in sales, and strategies for adapting to market changes. Gain insights into navigating challenges, building a brand, business strategy and maintaining a passion for music and business at the same time whilst l...

In this podcast episode, Ben Payne interviews Marcel Fairbairn, the CEO and founder of GearNet Holdings, discussing the evolution of the entertainment industry, the importance of data analytics, business strategy, CEO Insights and the role of AI in transforming business practices. They explore the challenges faced during COVID-19 and how the industry adapted, emphasising the need for innovation an...

In this episode of the Business Takeaway podcast, Fran shares her nonlinear journey to becoming the Commercial Director for Mondial Technology Media, discussing her experiences in the live events industry, the evolution of print media in a digital world, and the challenges of managing large-scale events. She emphasises the importance of passion in the industry, the coexistence of print and digital...

The podcast is making a comeback in 2026 with a lineup of great guests and a focus on discussing business challenges in the post-pandemic world, the evolution of technology, and the of course those all important take away's that we want to learn from! Want to be on the show? Drop us a line: pod@thebusinesstakeawaypodcast.com

Today’s guest is Sharon Livermore. Sharon is the owner and director of Kameo recruitment. Sharon talks to us today about the world o recruitment, the challenges of recruiting in and out of COVID and also the new expectations of staff in the post covid world. It’s really interesting to hear how things have changed in such times and trying to understand what the new “norms” will be Sharon also talks...

Today’s guest is Rich Alderton. Rich runs a business call High Performance Change here in Cambridge. Rich is a change specialist. Now before today you might not know what a change specialist is - but I hope you get a better take on this after today’s podcast and why people are perhaps so reluctant to change. Personally love change - and “keeping the status quo” isn’t something that I believe in, s...

Today’s guest is Lee Dennison. Lee is Head of Relationships for a business in the entertainment industry as well as being heavily involved in our industries charity. Lee talks to us today about his journey as starting technician working on shows in the west end to today dealing with clients and customers on large scale projects. It’s a great listen! Today he talks through about stripping a lot of...

Today’s guest is Daniel Colaianni a tech entrepreneur who’s working in the Extended Reality world. I met him as a young lad who was helping businesses with bits of marketing content. However it was very clear to see that what ever he turned his hand to was quite brilliant and you could sense that he was going to go far. He’s talks to us today about the world of Extended reality. Now to you or I at...

We're joined today by Ian Mather CEO of Cambridge United Football Club. Now I have to be honest here - I’m a big fan of the football club and a Season ticket holder. Ian talks to us today about his journey as starting as a lawyer before migrating to the role of CEO. The football business is like no other and has been hard hit like a lot of businesses during covid and it’s an interesting listen to...

Welcome to the first full episode of the Business Take-Away Podcast featuring Ben Bowles from CEG. Ben talks about his business that provides lighting to the entertainment industry, how it was affected by the pandemic, and how despite all the challenges that it's come out the other side in a better place. It's a frank conversation where he could have lost his whole business if the banks hadn't sup...