‘What It's Taken’ by David and Jenny Harkin

David and Jenny Harkin

‘What It's Taken’ will seek to understand the common traits from exceptional leaders from across industries. David and Jenny Harkin, two entrepreneurs, co-founders and husband and wife have been so lucky to meet and work with amazing people over the decades, so this will be an opportunity to share their stories with the world and look to see if they can study and learn what common traits exist to get to the top of a variety of fields.

Episodes

  1. 008 What It's Taken: Jeroen van de Waal, CEO & Founder BlueBeat Group – 'Work-Life Flow'

    18 JUL

    008 What It's Taken: Jeroen van de Waal, CEO & Founder BlueBeat Group – 'Work-Life Flow'

    🎙️What It's Taken – Episode 008: Jeroen van de Waal – 'Work-Life Flow' In this episode of What It s Taken, we’re joined by Jeroen van de Waal – mechanical engineer turned global CEO, and now a passionate ocean conservationist, educator, and CEO and founder of the BlueBeat Group. After a decade leading multinational companies in Asia, Jeroen took a bold step away from conventional success to focus on what matters most: protecting our oceans and inspiring the next generation to take action. Now, through his ventures including OrcaNation and The Reef Company, he’s building a global movement around sustainability, innovation, and the transformative potential of the blue economy. From boardrooms to coral reefs, Jeroen brings together world leaders, businesses, and young people to create lasting impact – proving that profit and planet can thrive together. Whether you’re interested in sustainability, education, or bold leadership, this episode will challenge your thinking and stir your sense of purpose. Tune in to discover: How a career pivot led to a planet-first missionWhy educating young people is key to real changeWhat it really takes to drive sustainable innovation at scale

    1h 4m
  2. 007 What It's Taken: Hugo Mitchell-Heggs MBE – 'Normalising The Extraordinary '

    4 JUL

    007 What It's Taken: Hugo Mitchell-Heggs MBE – 'Normalising The Extraordinary '

    In this episode of What It's Taken, we’re joined by Hugo Mitchell-Heggs MBE, Royal Navy Marine Engineering Officer, submariner, and founder of HMS Oardacious – the fastest serving military team to row across the Atlantic Ocean. With 15 years spent operating nuclear reactors and ship systems on submarines in some of the world’s most extreme environments, Hugo’s story is one of extraordinary endurance. Twice rowing the Atlantic Ocean—facing towering waves, capsizes, salt sores, and sleep deprivation—he’s pushed physical and mental limits to new heights. Beyond his adventures, Hugo is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing in the Defence community. He chairs the HMS Oardacious Submariner Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund and serves as Head of Human Performance for the Royal Navy, focusing on building resilience and helping personnel thrive under pressure. Whether you’re inspired by tales of adventure, leadership, or mental toughness, this episode delivers powerful insights on overcoming adversity and driving cultural change. Tune in to discover: The mindset required to endure extreme physical and psychological challengesHow Hugo’s ocean rowing campaigns are transforming mental health supportWhat it really takes to lead and inspire in high-pressure environments

    1h 6m
  3. 006 What It's Taken : Tom Whittle, Founder of Mission – ' Becoming Incredibly Comfortable With Failure '

    27 JUN

    006 What It's Taken : Tom Whittle, Founder of Mission – ' Becoming Incredibly Comfortable With Failure '

    🎙️ What It's Taken – Episode 006: Tom Whittle, Founder of Mission – 'Becoming Incredibly Comfortable With Failure ' In this episode of What It's Taken, we’re joined by Tom Whittle, the record-breaking adventurer and founder of Mission – the natural energy drinks brand fuelling everyone from Premier League clubs to Formula One drivers. Tom’s story is far from ordinary. He left a Magic Circle law career behind to cycle the length of South America (12,500km in 300 days), followed by 17 marathons in 10 days – a journey that led to a Guinness World Record and the discovery that would spark Mission’s creation. From testing performance teas during a brutal crossing of Iceland, to building a business that’s now sold over 10 million units and is redefining how we fuel our bodies – Tom’s journey is packed with grit, purpose, and ambition.  Whether you’re into sport, entrepreneurship, or simply love stories of pushing the limits – this is not one to miss. Tune in to discover: The mindset behind leaving corporate life to chase adventureHow Mission is tackling the global caffeine and sugar crisisWhat it really takes to build a performance-led brand from scratch

    58 min
  4. 005 What It's Taken: Chris & Jess, Co-Founders of Vizzy – ‘Polite Persistence’

    3 JUN

    005 What It's Taken: Chris & Jess, Co-Founders of Vizzy – ‘Polite Persistence’

    🎙️ What It's Taken – Episode 005: Chris & Jess Woodward-Jones, Co-Founders of Vizzy – ‘Polite Persistence’ In this episode of What It's Taken, we’re joined by Chris and Jess Woodward-Jones, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Vizzy – a platform transforming the way early career talent is seen and hired. With backgrounds in consultancy, marketing, and change management, Chris and Jess share the story of how they built Vizzy to bring the CV into the 21st century – helping people express who they really are, and enabling businesses to hire based on potential, not just experience. From the importance of energy in leadership to the personal and professional challenges they’ve overcome, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to launch a business with purpose and stay grounded while doing it. Whether you’re passionate about innovation, people, or building something from scratch, this one’s for you. 💭 Tune in to discover: How Vizzy is giving diverse talent a platform to shineWhy energy matters just as much as strategyWhat lifelong learning looks like for modern founders

    1h 7m
  5. 004 What It's Taken : Sir Clive Woodward – 'Passion for Knowledge'

    16 MAY

    004 What It's Taken : Sir Clive Woodward – 'Passion for Knowledge'

    What It's Taken – Episode 004: Sir Clive Woodward – 'Passion for Knowledge' In this episode of What It's Taken, we sit down with Sir Clive Woodward, the visionary coach who led England to their historic 2003 Rugby World Cup victory. A former international player turned pioneering leader, Sir Clive shares insights into the mindset, preparation, and innovation that propelled his team to the pinnacle of world rugby. Beyond the pitch, Sir Clive has applied his principles of high performance to roles such as Director of Sport for Team GB and as a consultant in business and leadership. His unwavering “passion for knowledge” underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in achieving excellence.  ✨Whether you’re in sport, business, or any field striving for high performance, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of success.

    1h 6m
  6. 003 What It's Taken : Dr. Sherylle Calder, Sports Scientist - 'Maintain Forever Learning'

    2 MAY

    003 What It's Taken : Dr. Sherylle Calder, Sports Scientist - 'Maintain Forever Learning'

    🎙️ What It's Taken – Episode 003: Dr Sherylle Calder, Sports Scientist – “Maintain Forever Learning” In this episode of What It's Taken, we speak with Dr Sherylle Calder, renowned sports scientist and creator of EyeGym – a groundbreaking programme that trains visual and cognitive performance for athletes and professionals alike. A former international hockey player with a PhD in visual performance, Dr Calder has worked with elite teams across rugby, cricket, golf,Formula 1. She's the only woman to have worked with the All Blacks, South Africa, and English rugby team, helping the latter two win World Cups in 2003 and 2007. Known as “The Eye Lady”, she shares how training the eyes and brain can unlock faster decisions, sharper focus, and better results – both on and off the field. Rooted in her belief to “Maintain Forever Learning”, this conversation explores the mindset and methods behind sustained high performance.  ✨Whether you’re in sport, business or education – this is a fresh take on reaching your full potential.

    55 min
  7. 002 What It's Taken: Baroness Nicky Morgan - 'It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint'

    23 APR

    002 What It's Taken: Baroness Nicky Morgan - 'It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint'

    🎙️ In this episode of What It's Taken, we're joined by The Right Honourable the Baroness Morgan of Cotes (Nicky Morgan) – a former Cabinet Minister, trailblazing MP, and now a member of the House of Lords with a portfolio career spanning the public and private sectors. 🚀 Baroness Morgan brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. She served in the Cabinets of both David Cameron and Boris Johnson, holding positions as Education Secretary, Minister for Women & Equalities, and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Notably, she was the first woman to chair the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee, and represented Loughborough as MP from 2010 to 2019. In this powerful discussion, she reflects on the challenges of political life, how to stay grounded through public scrutiny, and the evolving role of leadership in uncertain times. ✨ Whether you’re interested in politics, inspired by strong leadership, or curious about what happens behind the scenes in government – this is a must-listen.

    51 min
  8. 001 What It's Taken : Emma Watkinson, CEO Silkfred - ‘The Power of Silence’

    3 APR

    001 What It's Taken : Emma Watkinson, CEO Silkfred - ‘The Power of Silence’

    🎙 Welcome to What It's Taken! If you're passionate about uncovering the key traits that define extraordinary leaders, you're in the right place! 🚀 In our very first episode, we’re joined by Emma Watkinson, the powerhouse behind a global fashion brand SilkFred that has shipped over 300 million items to 85+ countries. Emma takes us through her incredible journey—navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, overcoming the challenges of Covid, and even welcoming twins along the way! Get ready to be inspired. Enjoy the episode!

    1 hr
  • 8 Episodes

About

‘What It's Taken’ will seek to understand the common traits from exceptional leaders from across industries. David and Jenny Harkin, two entrepreneurs, co-founders and husband and wife have been so lucky to meet and work with amazing people over the decades, so this will be an opportunity to share their stories with the world and look to see if they can study and learn what common traits exist to get to the top of a variety of fields.

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