The Boardroom with Richard Farleigh

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  Are Dragons' Den Valuations Making Any Sense? | My View on the Latest Episode 10.08.2026 41мин

  What happens when I watch modern-day Dragons' Den and start questioning some of the valuations and investment decisions? In this episode of The Boardroom: Dragons' Den Watchalong, I’m joined by entrepreneur Jon O'Donnell as we revisit the Den and analyse a series of very different pitches. From a pre-revenue parenting app to an established baking business and an AI-powered cat flap, we discuss the questions I would be asking as an investor and why I think some of the valuations and decisions in the Den don't always add up. I share my thoughts on valuations, revenue multiples, profit, due diligence, patents and what entrepreneurs really need to prove before asking someone to invest. We also discuss whether the Dragons are sometimes too influenced by presentation, personality and their own areas of expertise. And, of course, I couldn't resist getting involved when we reached the final pitch… What should these businesses really be worth? Would I have invested? And what can entrepreneurs learn from watching the Dragons make their decisions? #theboardroom #dragonsden #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 – Watching the latest Dragons' Den 00:41 – My first thoughts on Cubby 02:22 – Why I question the valuation 04:05 – Should they leave their jobs? 06:28 – Why I think it’s a massive commitment 09:26 – The Dragons start making offers 10:00 – Where are the numbers? 11:36 – Have Dragons' Den pitches become too polished? 13:06 – My reaction to Craft & Crumb 15:16 – The numbers finally come out 16:57 – Why I don’t understand the Dragons’ decisions 19:09 – My take on the Portaloo business 21:17 – What I learned about patents 23:50 – Why I think this is the best pitch so far 25:24 – The £100k offer for 20% 27:05 – Why the entrepreneurs reject the deal 28:16 – My reaction to OnlyCat 30:00 – £750k in pre-orders changes everything 31:42 – When the Dragons lose the plot 33:45 – Why I would invest 35:05 – I make an offer 36:52 – The deal is done 38:31 – My biggest takeaways from the episode 39:45 – How I value a business 41:00 – My final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  How to Spot Million-Pound Business Ideas | Thea Green on Building a Global Beauty Business 27.07.2026 41мин

  How do you build one of Britain's best-known beauty brands from scratch? In this episode of The Boardroom, I sit down with Thea Green, founder of Nails Inc, to explore the entrepreneurial journey behind one of the UK's biggest beauty success stories. Starting as a fashion journalist, Thea spotted a simple idea in New York that didn't exist in Britain. Rather than reinventing the wheel, she adapted an already successful concept, built a powerful consumer brand around it, and transformed the way millions of people think about nail care. Whether you're launching a startup, scaling a business, investing in founders or simply fascinated by great entrepreneurial stories, this episode is packed with practical insights. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business.#Entrepreneurship #Business #StartupFounder #beauty #NailsInc Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:26 The Nails Inc origin story 01:20 Spotting an opportunity from the US 03:20 Leaving journalism to start a business 05:05 Why journalists become great entrepreneurs 06:10 How to predict the next big trend 08:15 Why every business should obsess over the customer 09:05 Why nail bars didn't exist in Britain 10:30 Turning an idea into a business plan 11:20 Testing ideas before spending money 12:50 Raising the first investment 15:00 Building the Nails Inc brand 20:30 Scaling through retail 27:00 Innovation in the beauty industry 33:30 The future of beauty brands 37:30 My failed beauty startup 39:10 Why Thea decided to sell Nails Inc 39:40 Final lessons for entrepreneurs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Is AI Creating a Bubble? | Alan Trefler on How AI Will Change Jobs 13.07.2026 39мин

  Artificial intelligence is changing business faster than almost any technology we've seen before. But is AI creating another tech bubble? In this episode of The Boardroom, I'm joined by Alan Trefler, Founder and CEO of Pegasystems, the multi-billion-dollar software company he started more than 40 years ago. We discuss why Alan believes today's AI boom is creating unrealistic expectations, how enterprise software is evolving, and why businesses need to think differently about using AI if they want long-term success. We also talk about how AI will transform jobs, why programming is changing forever, the rise of "vibe coding", and what young people should be studying to prepare for the future. Along the way, Alan shares the story of building Pegasystems from three people with an idea into one of the world's leading enterprise software companies, including the lessons he learned from landing some of America's biggest banks as his very first customers. #theboardroom #dragonsden #entrepreneurship #ai #innovation I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 Is AI creating a bubble? 00:24 Meet Alan Trefler, Founder & CEO of Pegasystems 01:42 Chess, computer science and the start of a career 02:44 The idea that became Pegasystems 04:30 Solving enterprise workflows 05:22 Bootstrapping the company 06:38 Winning the first customers 09:06 Landing two of America's biggest banks 09:45 Building products with customer feedback 11:58 Preventing customers from building it themselves 13:31 Why today's software industry is confused 14:50 What everyone is missing about AI 20:24 The hidden cost of AI 22:18 Who will win the AI race? 24:23 Is AI becoming a bubble? 24:45 How AI will transform jobs 26:29 The rise of "vibe coding" 28:15 Smaller teams, faster software 30:22 Can established software companies survive AI? 31:37 The US, China and the AI race 32:19 Cybersecurity and AI risks 35:30 What young people should study for the future 39:00 The skills AI can't replace 42:22 Final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Truth About London's Wildest Trading Floors | Drugs, Insider Trading & Psychopaths 29.06.2026 38мин

  What was life really like inside the City of London during the financial boom? In this episode of The Boardroom, I sit down with former stockbroker, journalist and bestselling author Geraint Anderson, better known as City Boy, to discuss one of the most controversial periods in modern finance. Geraint shares how he went from selling trinkets on beaches in Goa to earning huge bonuses in investment banking before exposing the culture of excess from the inside. We discuss the reality behind the headlines, from insider trading and lavish client entertainment to whether finance really attracts psychopaths. #theboardroom #dragonsden #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurship #cityboy #investmentbanking #finance I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. If you enjoyed this conversation, you can find Geraint's books here: How to Con Friends and Manipulate People, out on 2nd July Geraint's latest satirical book explores the psychology of manipulation, psychopathy and power through the voice of a fictional psychopath. Click Here: https://geni.us/YsMum Chapters 00:00 The Truth About City Life 01:35 From Goa to Investment Banking 05:47 Traders vs Salespeople 08:40 What Really Drives Success? 10:32 The Birth of City Boy 13:16 Footballers, Brokers & Party Culture 15:03 Why Geraint Left Finance 16:03 How to Win in Investment Banking 18:23 "The Hand Deserved To Be Bitten" 19:38 Are There Psychopaths in Finance? 22:07 Richard Takes the Psychopath Test 23:49 Can Psychopathy Be an Advantage? 26:12 The Traits of High Performers 27:46 Richard on Attachment & Success 30:00 The Psychology of Business & Leadership 37:08 Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Why Are All The Dragons Saying Yes? | Are They Investing in Businesses... or Stories? 22.06.2026 36мин

  Are Dragons investing in great businesses, or simply backing great stories? In this episode of The Boardroom: Dragons' Den Watchalong, I sit down with comedian Andrew Maxwell to watch another episode of Dragons' Den and break down the pitches from the perspective of a former Dragon. From sustainable skincare and golf gadgets to fintech startups and food brands, we analyse what separates a compelling pitch from a genuinely investable business. Along the way, I explain how investors think about valuations, why fundraising can sometimes matter more than revenue, the hidden realities of Dragon partnerships, and the questions entrepreneurs should be asking before accepting investment. We also discuss how Dragons' Den has evolved over the years, whether the Dragons have become less ruthless, and why modern founders are often far more polished than those who entered the Den two decades ago. Would the original Dragons have made the same decisions? And are today's investors focusing enough on the numbers behind the story? A fascinating conversation about investing, entrepreneurship and the realities of building a successful business. #theboardroom #dragonsden #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Are Dragons Investing in Businesses or Stories? 00:18 Sustainable Skincare Enters The Den 02:07 The Psychic Medium Twist 03:41 How Dragons Actually Value Businesses 06:28 When Multiple Dragons Want In 08:49 Has Dragons' Den Gone Soft? 11:45 Why Reggae Reggae Sauce Worked 12:55 The Golf Ball Cleaner Pitch 15:18 Can A Niche Product Become A Big Business? 17:10 Do Husband & Wife Founders Have An Advantage? 18:10 The Mortgage App That Caught The Dragons' Attention 21:20 What Investors Really Want To See 23:24 Why Raising Millions Matters 24:15 The Truth About Multi-Dragon Deals 25:38 Another Husband & Wife Team Enters The Den 26:10 Flavour Bomb's Big Opportunity 27:21 When The Numbers Start To Fall Apart 30:00 The Challenge Of Scaling Food Businesses 33:00 Final Verdicts & Key Lessons 35:31 End Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Taking on Uber | Tayfun Keskin & Efkan Altinok on Building a Community-Led Startup, Ride Nuff 16.06.2026 30мин

  What happens when you spend years working inside an industry and realise the business model itself is the problem? In this episode I sit down with Tayfun Keskin and Efkan Altinok, the founders of Ride Nuff and former Uber drivers who decided to build a different kind of ride-hailing business. After more than a decade working in the industry, they saw drivers earning less, working longer hours and struggling to cover rising costs. Rather than accepting the status quo, they spent three years developing RideNuff, a subscription-based platform designed to give drivers more control over their earnings while offering customers a fairer alternative. We discuss how they identified the opportunity, raised their first funding from a community of supporters, navigated regulation, launched in London and began attracting attention from drivers and operators around the world. This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, disruption, platform economics, fundraising and what it takes to challenge an established market leader. #theboardroom #dragonsden #entrepreneurship #business #uber I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 "It's possible to drive all day and make a loss" 00:43 What is RideNuff? 01:15 Why we decided to create a fairer alternative 03:02 How ride-hailing commissions impact drivers 04:31 The financial pressures facing drivers today 06:24 The original idea behind RideNuff 07:53 Crowdfunding and raising our first capital 09:10 Building the app and launching operations 11:05 Early traction and customer growth 11:52 Interest from around the world 13:48 Challenging Uber's business model 15:06 How RideNuff drivers increase their earnings 17:01 Competition, barriers and scaling the business 18:45 Algorithms, incentives and platform economics 19:22 Expansion plans and fundraising 21:30 Why belief matters in entrepreneurship 22:31 Creating change through business 24:17 The entrepreneurial journeys behind RideNuff 28:19 Building a business that works for everyone 30:05 Final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Has Dragons' Den Lost Its Edge? | Watching Dragons' Den for the First Time in 20 Years 08.06.2026 29мин

  What happens when an original Dragon watches modern-day Dragons' Den for the first time in over 20 years? In this episode of The Boardroom: Dragons' Den Watchalong, I sit down with entrepreneur Jon O'Donnell to revisit the Den and analyse whether the show still reflects the reality of investing. As they watch a series of pitches unfold, I share behind-the-scenes insights from his own time on Dragons' Den and explains the questions I believe every investor should be asking. Together we discuss valuations, margins, scalability, investor psychology and why great businesses are built on more than compelling personal stories. Has Dragons' Den evolved into better entertainment at the expense of business education? Would the original Dragons have approached these deals differently? And what can entrepreneurs learn from the way investment decisions are made in the real world? A fascinating conversation about investing, entrepreneurship and how one of Britain's most iconic business shows has changed over the last two decades. #theboardroom #dragonsden #entrepreneurship #business I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Watching Dragons' Den with a Dragon 01:45 My first Dragons' Den viewing in 20 years 04:20 The first pitch: What would I ask? 07:15 The importance of margins and paying yourself properly 10:10 Investing in people vs investing in businesses 12:20 The deal I didn't expect 13:40 £2.5 million valuations in the Den 15:00 The £2 million question nobody asked 17:30 Behind-the-scenes Dragons' Den stories 19:45 Analysing the self-defence franchise pitch 21:30 Why are so many deals getting funded? 23:00 Has Dragons' Den become reality TV? 24:30 What entrepreneurs are no longer learning from the show 26:30 How real investors evaluate opportunities 27:05 Dragons' Den then vs now 28:20 Final verdict and what's next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Levi Roots Reveals What REALLY Happened in Dragons' Den 01.06.2026 9мин

  In one of the most iconic pitches in Dragons' Den history, Levi Roots walked into the Den with a guitar, a homemade sauce and a dream. What followed became television history. In this special episode of The Boardroom, I sit down with Levi Roots to revisit the Reggae Reggae Sauce pitch that changed both of their lives. Levi shares the untold story behind receiving the invitation to Dragons' Den, why he refused to watch the show before appearing, how he accidentally got his numbers completely wrong in front of the Dragons, and why I ultimately decided to back him anyway. I reveal the moment he realised that Levi himself was the real investment, not just the sauce. Together we explore what happened after the cameras stopped rolling, how a £50,000 investment turned into a national success story, and the Sainsbury's order that transformed Reggae Reggae Sauce from a family recipe into a household brand. This is the definitive behind-the-scenes story of one of Britain's most memorable entrepreneurial journeys. #TheBoardroom #LeviRoots #dragonsden #entrepreneurship #business I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 One of Dragons' Den's Greatest Comebacks 00:07 How Levi Roots Was Invited Onto The Show 01:10 Why Levi Refused To Watch Dragons' Den 02:15 Walking Into The Den With A Guitar 02:55 The Famous Reggae Reggae Sauce Pitch 03:35 The Numbers Mistake That Nearly Killed The Deal 04:08 Dragons Start Pulling Out 04:46 Richard Farleigh Makes His Move 04:58 "You Were The Product, Not The Sauce" 06:05 Levi Accepts The Investment Deal 06:50 What Happened After Dragons' Den 07:20 The Sainsbury's Order That Changed Everything 08:05 Outselling Heinz Ketchup 08:35 Richard Explains The Reality Of Co-Investing 08:55 Levi's Emotional Thank You To Richard 09:14 End Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  90% of Startups Fail… Here’s Why 27.05.2026 9мин

  Everyone talks about startup success. Almost nobody talks honestly about failure. I explain the uncomfortable realities behind why most businesses never make it. From survivorship bias and bad valuations to hidden costs, competition, and the psychology of founders… this is a grounded look at entrepreneurship without the fantasy. If you’re building a business — or thinking about starting one — this episode might save you years of frustration. Entrepreneurship can create extraordinary outcomes. But only when you understand the reality of the game. #entrepreneurship #startups #business #founders #startupadvice I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. 00:00 — The 90% Startup Failure Reality 00:48 — Survivorship Bias & Founder Delusion 01:22 — Why Competition Is Brutal 02:14 — How Big Companies Kill Startups 02:55 — The “Unknown Unknowns” Problem 03:46 — Why Most Ideas Aren’t Valuable 04:33 — Startup Valuations Explained 05:16 — Why Management Beats Intelligence 05:52 — The Real Problem Selling To Corporates 06:17 — Why Billionaire Advice Is Misleading 06:42 — Business Plans vs Reality 07:08 — The Hidden Costs Of Business 07:25 — Why Everything Takes Longer 07:38 — Knowing When To Quit 07:53 — Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Building a Business in Simple Steps | Joanna Jensen on the Childs Farm Journey 18.05.2026 40мин

  What does it really take to build a successful consumer brand from scratch? In this episode of The Boardroom, I speak with Joanna Jensen, founder of Childs Farm, to discuss the unconventional path that took her from property and investment banking to building one of the UK’s best-known family skincare brands. Joanna shares how personal necessity inspired the creation of Childs Farm after struggling to find products that helped her daughter’s eczema-prone skin. She explains the realities of scaling a consumer brand, negotiating with suppliers, getting products into major retailers, and why “no” is never the end of the conversation. I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 – Introducing Joanna Jensen 00:50 – Leaving School & Early Ambition 01:54 – Starting Her First Property Business 05:25 – Entrepreneurs & Adapting to New Technology 06:42 – Taking Risks Young 08:23 – Moving to Hong Kong 09:27 – Entering Finance Without a Maths Background 12:35 – Intellectual Curiosity & Career Changes 13:04 – The Importance of Speed & Attention to Detail 14:20 – Why Closing the Loop Matters in Business 15:20 – Efficiency, Meetings & Respecting Time 15:49 – Negotiation Tactics That Save Thousands 17:30 – Startup Hustle & Managing Cash Flow 18:34 – The Danger of Overspending on Ads 19:38 – Why Most Small Businesses Fail 20:23 – Free Business Research Entrepreneurs Ignore 22:05 – Returning to London & Investment Banking 24:23 – Leaving Finance to Raise Children 26:14 – Financial Crisis & Starting Again 28:14 – The Inspiration Behind Childs Farm 29:16 – Creating Products for Eczema-Prone Skin 31:20 – The Story Behind the Childs Farm Name 32:29 – Helping Children With Sensitive Skin 34:02 – Getting Childs Farm Into Retail Stores 35:12 – Why Receptionists Matter in Business 35:51 – The Viral Facebook Post That Changed Everything 36:54 – Joanna’s Books & Advice for Entrepreneurs 38:11 – Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  From Reselling Trainers to Serving Footballers, Founders & Millionaires | Ed Somner Bogard 11.05.2026 37мин

  What starts with selling trainers during COVID can eventually lead to private jets, luxury watches and ultra-high-net-worth clients. In this episode, I sit down with Ed Somner Bogard, founder and director of EMJ Exclusive, to unpack the remarkable journey from sneaker reselling to building a fast-growing luxury concierge business. Ed explains how he scaled a shoe reselling operation buying thousands of pairs each week, pivoted into PlayStations during the global chip shortage, and eventually built relationships with footballers, YouTubers and successful entrepreneurs. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, sales, networking, luxury markets, hiring, AI, trust, customer relationships and why most people overthink starting a business. Ed also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the world of private aviation, sourcing rare watches, luxury travel and managing requests for high-profile clients around the world. I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 From Shoes to Planes 00:27 What EMJ Exclusive Actually Does 01:02 Starting a Business During COVID 02:02 Buying 1,000 Pairs of Shoes a Week 02:53 From PlayStations to Footballers 04:35 The Ethics of Sneaker Reselling 06:33 Building a Business With No Money 09:08 Drifting Into Entrepreneurship 10:17 How PlayStations Opened New Doors 11:40 Flying Rare Cats to Ibiza on a Private Jet 13:04 The Reality of Private Aviation 14:43 Building Relationships With Wealthy Clients 17:26 How EMJ Exclusive Makes Money 19:15 Why Customer Relationships Matter More Than Margins 20:18 Scaling the Team & Business Growth 21:43 Hiring Great People Early 22:33 Trust vs Sales Skills 23:17 Relationship-Based Selling 24:41 Building Through Word of Mouth 25:19 Learning to Manage People 28:26 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 29:08 Why Most Founders Overthink Starting 30:43 Proving a Business Before Raising Money 31:33 AI, CRM Systems & Luxury Concierge Tech 32:40 Handling Online Criticism & UK Business Culture 35:02 Why the UK Needs More Entrepreneurs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  From Apprentice Winner to 8-Figure Business | Lee McQueen on People & Hiring Beyond CVs 04.05.2026 35мин

  What if the way you hire people is fundamentally broken? In this episode of The Boardroom, I sit down with Lee McQueen, winner of The Apprentice UK, who went on to build multiple seven and eight-figure businesses. We break down what actually drives growth in business today: Why hiring based on CVs is outdated What to look for instead (behaviour, mindset, performance) Why most businesses struggle with sales The importance of environment, standards, and execution Lee shares lessons from scaling companies, hiring top talent, and building high-performance teams along with the hard truths most founders avoid. If you’re a business owner, leader, or operator, this is a practical conversation on what it really takes to grow. I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 – “No Revenue = No Business” 00:36 – Winning The Apprentice & Early Career 01:57 – Raising Money & Market Timing 03:28 – The CV Controversy Explained 07:26 – Why Hiring Based on CVs Is Broken 09:32 – How to Actually Assess Talent 11:01 – Standing Out in Job Applications 12:22 – Why Most Candidates Fail 14:17 – From No Money to First House at 18 16:42 – Getting Into Sales & Recruitment 18:20 – Environment & Who You Surround Yourself With 20:07 – Education vs Real-World Performance 22:51 – What Do You Actually Want? 24:24 – Why People Ignore Advice 25:00 – Sales: The Real Business Problem 27:00 – Reframing Sales (Not What You Think) 28:27 – Value vs Price 30:33 – Business as Experimentation 32:26 – Life After The Apprentice 35:03 – Final Advice for Founders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  AI Will Replace Entire Companies? | The Boardroom 27.04.2026 37мин

  Artificial intelligence is no longer just hype, it’s reshaping economies, industries, and even national sovereignty. In this episode of The Boardroom, I sit down with AI pioneer and founder of founder of BenevolentAI, Kenneth Mulvany to explore the real impact of AI on jobs, business, and global power. From the rise of one-person billion-dollar companies to the prospect of nations losing control over their own “cognitive infrastructure,” this conversation dives deep into what’s coming next. Ken also shares how BenevolentAI became the first company to develop an FDA-approved drug using AI, and why the future of business may not include humans at all. I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro: AI, Power & the Future 00:40 – Why AI Could Threaten National Sovereignty 03:10 – The Energy Crisis Behind AI Growth 05:20 – How Fast AI Has Really Advanced 07:10 – AI vs Jobs: Who Wins, Who Loses? 10:15 – Why Only 5% of Companies Benefit from AI 13:00 – The Coming Productivity Boom (or Not?) 16:10 – One-Person & “No-Person” Companies Explained 20:30 – AI Running Businesses Without Humans 23:30 – Can AI Replace Innovation & Creativity? 26:00 – Are Fully Autonomous Companies Already Here? 28:30 – BenevolentAI: The First AI-Discovered Drug 31:00 – From Pharma to AI Decision-Making Systems 33:30 – Who Will Win: Big Tech or Startups? 35:00 – Final Advice for Entrepreneurs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  How Stephen Ingham Built a Billion Pound Recruitment Empire! | The Boardroom 20.04.2026 37мин

  In the latest episode of "The Boardroom", I sit down with former PageGroup CEO Stephen Ingham to unpack what it really takes to build a global company and survive life-changing adversity. Stephen shares how he scaled a recruitment firm into a global powerhouse with nearly 10,000 employees, why company culture beats commission-driven models, and how to think long-term when investors demand short-term results. But this episode goes far beyond business. After a devastating skiing accident left him paralysed, Stephen opens up about survival, leadership under pressure, and how the experience made him a more empathetic and effective CEO. This is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone navigating challenges in business or life. I also write a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Stephen Ingham’s Story 00:51 – From Metallurgy to Recruitment CEO 01:50 – Building a Global Business to 10,000 Employees 02:00 – Why People & Culture Matter More Than Commission 04:54 – Creating a Winning Company Culture 06:48 – Do Companies Undervalue Their People? 08:11 – Expanding Internationally (India, China Lessons) 11:07 – Profit vs Long-Term Growth Strategy 14:03 – Europe vs US vs China: Funding & Growth Differences 15:36 – Standing Up to Shareholders 19:04 – Leading Through Crisis (COVID & Tough Decisions) 21:10 – Job Market Advice & Standing Out as a Candidate 24:34 – Business Thinking: Chess Player or Gambler? 25:53 – Luck vs Strategy in Business 26:38 – The Ski Accident That Changed Everything 31:24 – Survival, Hypothermia & Rescue Story 32:41 – Recovery & Returning to Work 32:58 – Becoming a Better Leader After Trauma 35:53 – Vulnerability & Leadership 36:12 – Final Advice: “Get the People Right & Work Hard” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Why Most Entrepreneurs Never Feel Free (Even After Success) | The Boardroom 13.04.2026 37мин

  What if everything you’ve been told about financial freedom is wrong? In this episode of The Boardroom, Richard Farleigh sits down with Jason Graystone to unpack the uncomfortable truth behind success, money, and the illusion of freedom. From meeting ultra-wealthy entrepreneurs on Richard Branson’s private island to building businesses designed for lifestyle over income, this conversation challenges everything you’ve been told about financial freedom. From car washes to contentment, delegation to identity, this is a masterclass in redefining success on your own terms. Richard also writes a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 – What Freedom REALLY Means 00:28 – Why People Chase the Wrong Goal 01:16 – The Trap of Escapism Spending 02:13 – How to Find a Winning Business Idea 03:01 – “Always Free” Explained 04:29 – Lessons from Richard Branson’s Island 05:41 – Why Money Doesn’t Make You Happy 07:12 – The Power of “Enough” 08:33 – The Wealth Hamster Wheel 09:53 – 3 Types of Freedom 12:00 – Designing Your Ideal Life 13:49 – Why Entrepreneurs Feel Trapped 14:00 – Delegation = True Freedom 16:54 – The Car Wash Business Lesson 18:15 – How to Scale Without Burning Out 20:40 – Why Most Startups Fail 21:56 – What Investors REALLY Look For 25:33 – Lessons from Top Entrepreneurs 27:25 – The Dangerous Drive for More Money 29:19 – Purpose vs Pleasure 30:00 – Building a YouTube Business 32:38 – Learning Confidence & Public Speaking 34:52 – Why Discomfort Is Necessary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  How Porsche Was Saved (After Losing 90% of Sales) | The Boardroom 07.04.2026 40мин

  What would you do if you walked into a meeting expecting to be fired… and walked out as Managing Director? In this episode of The Boardroom, Richard Farleigh sits down with Kevin Gaskell, the man who turned around Porsche after the company lost 90% of its sales and hit rock bottom in customer satisfaction. From cutting half the workforce to rebuilding culture, reinventing strategy, and personally calling journalists every day for 3 years — this is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and bold decision-making. This is one of the most powerful business turnaround stories you’ll ever hear. Richard also writes a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 00:30 – Becoming Porsche CEO at 32 (by accident) 02:30 – The turnaround plan: simple but powerful 03:00 – Cutting 50% of staff (and the emotional cost) 04:30 – Rebuilding culture and leadership mindset 06:00 – Winning back dealers and the press 08:30 – The genius behind the Porsche 968 Club Sport 10:40 – From worst to #1 in customer satisfaction 12:00 – Culture vs strategy: what really matters 14:00 – Handling resistance and removing leadership 16:00 – Moving fast and making bold decisions 18:30 – BMW: growing a successful business by 80% 21:00 – The power of listening to employees 23:00 – Why small ideas create big cultural change 25:00 – Leadership style: humility vs authority 27:00 – Startup lessons and financial blind spots 29:00 – The danger of unrealistic forecasts 31:00 – Money vs passion: what really drives success 32:30 – Extreme challenges: rowing oceans & climbing poles 34:00 – Business lessons from endurance adventures 37:30 – Why Kevin loves tough challenges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  How to Inspire Children to Love Learning Again | The Boardroom 30.03.2026 29мин

  What happens when the traditional education system fails a child? In this episode of The Boardroom, Richard Farleigh sits down with Stephen Simpson, founder of Forest Schooling UK — a radically different approach to education designed for children who’ve been excluded, misunderstood, or left behind. Instead of rigid classrooms and strict curriculums, Stephen’s schools focus on trust, emotional regulation, and child-led learning — all set in nature. From adopting a child with behavioural challenges to building a full-time school backed by the Department for Education, Stephen’s journey is as powerful as the results he’s seeing. This is more than education... it’s transformation. Richard also writes a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 00:20 – Meet Stephen Simpson & Forest Schooling UK 01:30 – What Is a Forest School? 03:00 – The Children Traditional Schools Can’t Help 03:45 – A Typical Day: Trust Before Teaching 05:20 – Why Their “3 Rs” Are Different 05:45 – The Personal Story That Started It All 08:20 – Turning a Small Club Into a School 10:10 – Opening a Full-Time Forest School 11:10 – Ofsted, Paperwork & Legitimacy 12:00 – Non-Profit Model & Business Reality 13:00 – The Hidden Challenge of Growth 14:20 – Funding, Land & Building the School 15:25 – Measuring Success Without Exams 16:20 – Why GCSEs Aren’t the Priority 17:30 – The Problem With Memorisation in Schools 18:30 – Why Imagination Matters More Than Ever 19:00 – Kids Who Don’t Know How to Play 20:00 – Confidence, Personality & Social Skills 21:20 – Trauma, Care System & Childhood Impact 24:15 – The Power of One Teacher 26:00 – Why This Work Matters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Money Mistakes Keeping You Broke (And How to Fix Them) |The Boardroom 17.03.2026 29мин

  In this episode of The Boardroom, Richard Farleigh sits down with financial educator and entrepreneur Sammie Elled-King, founder of Up The Gains. Sammie shares his powerful journey from spiralling credit card debt and impulsive spending to building a fast-growing financial literacy brand and fintech app designed to help people track spending, save money and earn cashback. The conversation explores UK cost-of-living pressures, wealth inequality, housing affordability, investing psychology and the rise of social media consumption culture. Richard also reveals insights from his career in hedge funds, trading psychology and why optimism can be dangerous in investing. If you want to improve your money habits, understand modern wealth challenges, or learn what it takes to build a fintech startup, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-life lessons. Richard also writes a free weekly newsletter about business, investing and entrepreneurship. You can read it here: https://richardfarleigh.substack.com. 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters: 00:00 – Debt, Money Obsession & The Wake-Up Moment 01:00 – Chess, Discipline & Mindset 02:30 – Spending Beyond Means & Escaping Debt Fast 05:10 – Turning Financial Mistakes into a Business Idea 06:20 – Building “Up The Gains” & Teaching Financial Literacy 07:45 – The #1 Money Mistake People Make 09:10 – Impulse Spending & Smart Buying Hacks 10:30 – Cashback Strategy & How the Gains App Works 13:15 – Cost of Living Crisis & Helping Consumers Save 14:10 – Housing Affordability & Wealth Inequality Debate 19:50 – Investing vs Owning Property 20:30 – Hedge Funds, Markets & Trading Psychology 25:40 – Personal Finance Advice Everyone Needs 26:40 – Social Media, Status & Conspicuous Consumption 27:30 – Final Lessons & Future of Gains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Stand-Up Comedian: Why Most Creators Fail, Social Media Rewards Anger & Talent Isn’t Enough 09.03.2026 28мин

  What does stand-up comedy teach us about business, risk, and success? In this episode of The Boardroom, I sit down with comedian Andrew Maxwell to explore the surprising overlap between comedy, entrepreneurship, and performance psychology. With 35 years in stand-up, Andrew reveals how comedians develop “gold” material, read audiences instantly, and climb the comedy circuit from unpaid five-minute sets to headlining shows. The conversation also dives into how the internet, podcasts, YouTube, and TikTok have completely transformed the comedy industry. If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or performer, this episode reveals the mindset behind success on stage and in business. 🎧 Watch the full Boardroom podcast episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfmbTQbt_fhnjH2kzrWiKf5uwQV2MPkY- 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Meeting Andrew Maxwell 01:25 Why comedians must stay intellectually curious 03:00 The “alchemy” of what makes someone funny 04:30 Nerves and performing on stage 05:10 What comedians call “gold” material 06:00 Reading the room before a performance 08:00 Climbing the comedy circuit 09:10 Andrew Maxwell’s early career 11:20 The truth about cancel culture in comedy 12:30 Social media algorithms and outrage 14:00 How technology changed the comedy industry 15:40 From comedy circuit to creator economy 17:00 The personal cost of pursuing comedy 19:10 The “sad clown” myth 20:40 Why execution beats ideas in business 22:30 What makes a great comedian 23:50 American vs British comedy styles 25:40 Where to see Andrew Maxwell live Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Brutal Truth About Entrepreneurship & Business Success | Sabrina Chevannes-Denman 02.03.2026 28мин

  Entrepreneurship is often glamorised, but the reality is far tougher. In this episode of "The Boardroom", I sit down with portfolio entrepreneur and founder of No Bullshit (NOBS), Sabrina Shivanes-Denman, to break down what it really takes to succeed in business. We cut through startup myths, fake gurus, and hustle culture to explore the real drivers of long-term business success, from risk management and hard work to positioning, marketing fundamentals, and why there are no lazy successful entrepreneurs. We discuss why most entrepreneurs fail, the truth about first-mover advantage, why marketing can’t fix bad positioning, how email marketing still outperforms social media, and what actually builds sustainable businesses. This episode is essential listening for founders, business owners, investors, and anyone thinking about starting a business. 🎧 Watch the full Boardroom podcast episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfmbTQbt_fhnjH2kzrWiKf5uwQV2MPkY- 📲 Follow Richard Farleigh: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/richardfarleigh/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-farleigh-7a0a1616/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@richardfarleighhq 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on entrepreneurship, investing, strategy, and the real side of business. Chapters 00:00 Entrepreneurship Has Been Romanticised 01:10 There Are No Lazy Successful Entrepreneurs 02:55 First Mover Advantage vs Second Mover Advantage 04:45 Business Lessons from Chess & Strategy 06:00 Why Marketing Can’t Fix Bad Positioning 07:30 How Marketing Has Changed Over Time 09:05 Why Email Marketing Beats Social Media 10:40 Building an Email List That Actually Converts 12:10 Event Marketing & Hidden Growth Opportunities 14:15 Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs 15:30 The Dark Reality of Startup Life 17:55 Intuition vs Calculation in Business 18:45 Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made? 20:00 Risk, Failure & Learning the Hard Way 22:30 Portfolio Entrepreneurship Explained 24:15 Productivity, Systems & Saying No 25:00 The Biggest Lies in Entrepreneurship Culture 26:35 Final Thoughts & Lessons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices