Johnston Carmichael

Where Sharp Minds Compete

Business EN ↓ 4 episodes

What does it really take to perform at the top - in sport, in business and under pressure? 'Where Sharp Minds Compete' explores leadership, resilience and high performance through the lens of sport, bringing boardroom thinking together with elite sporting insight. Each episode features influential figures from across the sporting world, from athletes to industry leaders, who share their real journeys, biggest challenges and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Alongside these conversations, the podcast offers practical insight for business leaders navigating growth, change and competitio...

Author

Johnston Carmichael

Episodes

Episode 4: Paul and Sam Blake 06.05.2026 18:05

In episode four of Where Sharp Minds Compete, host Paul Shields , Partner and Head of Johnston Carmichael’s Newcastle office , is joined by Paul Blake, owner of Newcastle Eagles, and Sam Blake, Chief Executive Officer, to explore the story behind the most successful professional basketball club in British history. The conversation unpacks the club’s takeover journey, the role of the local communit...

Episode 3: Shaun Hudson 16.03.2026 21:13

In episode three of Where Sharp Minds Compete, host Paul Shields , Partner and Head of Johnston Carmichael’s Newcastle office , is joined by Shaun Hudson, EFL assistant referee and experienced leader in the sporting and business worlds, to explore leadership, culture and the realities of performing in high-pressure environments. Drawing on his career across elite sport and leadership roles beyond...

Episode 2: Iain Nairn, MBE 16.02.2026 22:09

In episode two of 'Where Sharp Minds Compete', host Paul Shields , Partner and Head of Johnston Carmichael’s Newcastle office , is joined by Iain Nairn MBE, former England Physical Disability cricket captain, to explore leadership, resilience and high performance in the face of sustained challenge. Drawing on his experience captaining England to victory in the first global physical disability cr...

Episode 1: Chris Cook 23.01.2026 19:15

In the opening episode of ‘Where Sharp Minds Compete’, host Paul Shields , Partner and Head of Johnston Carmichael’s Newcastle office , is joined by ex-Olympic swimmer Chris Cook to explore what high performance really looks like beyond medals, titles and results. Drawing on his journey from South Shields to the Olympic stage and into business, Chris reflects on leadership, resilience and identi...