Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds

Ministry of Work
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Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds

‘Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds’ is a podcast that celebrates the region’s most inspiring thinkers, innovators, and leaders. Each episode dives deep into the lives and work of remarkable individuals from a variety of fields who are making a lasting impact both locally and globally. From groundbreaking entrepreneurs to inspiring visionaries, we explore their personal journeys, uncover their ideas, and discuss the future of Greater Manchester. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or keen to learn from the region’s brightest talents, this is your gateway to the minds shaping the future of Manchester and beyond.

Episodes

  1. 16 DEC

    9. Phil Jones MBE - "‘If you looked at me at 16, you'd go, ‘No hope.’"

    In this episode of Greater Manchester's Greatest Minds, we sit down with Phil Jones, the MD of Brother UK, a leading printer company based in Manchester. Phil’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of personality. While he wasn't the top student in school, his passion, drive, and focus on self-improvement set him on a path to success. Phil opens up about how his unconventional journey, shaped by early struggles and challenges, led him to become a key figure in the business world. Tune in to hear how a relentless commitment to greatness can turn setbacks into stepping stones and learn valuable lessons from a true Mancunian success story.

    1h 2m

  2. 9 DEC

    8. Dr Vikas Shah MBE - "People think being a CEO is all glamorous; it’s not!"

    In this episode of Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds, we sit down with Vikas Shah, a true entrepreneurial trailblazer. Starting his business journey in his teens, Vikas went on to purchase his father’s textiles company, transforming it into a thriving business in today’s competitive market. We delve into his early ventures, the challenges of taking over a family business, and how he has navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship while preserving tradition. Vikas shares valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the importance of adaptability in business. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner, or someone looking to learn from the experiences of a seasoned leader, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Tune in for a conversation filled with insight, passion, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to succeed in business.

    1h 8m

  3. 2 DEC

    7. Naomi Timperley - "I got hounded by the BBC to do Dragon’s Den"

    In this episode of Greater Manchester's Greatest Minds, we chat with Naomi Timperley, a tech innovator, mentor, and community builder. From launching Baby Loves Disco to mentoring over 500 entrepreneurs, Naomi shares her journey of resilience and reinvention. We explore her Dragon’s Den experience, founding Tech North Advocates, and her mission to put the North on the global map. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or changemaker, this episode offers insights and inspiration from one of Manchester’s brightest minds. Tune in for advice, stories, and a fresh take on creating lasting impact!

    35 min

  4. 25 NOV

    6. Ash Jones - “I want us to be a flagship for Personal branding”

    In Episode 6 of Greater Manchester's Greatest Minds, we sit down with personal branding trailblazer Ash Jones. As a pioneer in shaping personal brands across the UK - especially in Manchester - building the profiles of names like Gary Neville and Sacha Lord. Join us as Ash shares his journey into the world of personal branding, his experiences working alongside industry giants, and how he’s redefining the game for entrepreneurs and influencers alike. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of the leading voices in personal branding today! ___________________________________________________________________________ Check out our socials! https://www.instagram.com/gmgmpodcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiewhittingham/ Ash’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-jones-85363975/   Produced, Recorded, Edited, and Published from Ministry of Work. https://www.ministryofwork.co.uk

    1 hr

  5. 18 NOV

    5. Will Evans - "I always fantasised about having a brewery one day"

    In this episode, we talk to pioneer of local lager Will Evans— an adopted Manc who had a mission to make a beer that ‘tastes like home’ for Greater Manchester.  Will dreamt of having his own brewery since his first sip of beer as a kid and these days, he’s making his lifelong dreams come true. Owning ‘Manchester Union Lager’, ‘Wandering Palate’ in Monton and soon to open ‘The Trading Route’, a new, pioneering lager house in the heart of Manchester, Will has certainly established himself as a centre of the Manchester Hospitality community.  Listen in to hear about Will’s journey working for industry giants and how he ended up as a serial entrepreneur. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-evans-94658892/ https://manchesterunionbrewery.com/ https://www.wanderingpalate.co.uk/ https://thetradingroute.co.uk/

    46 min

  6. 11 NOV

    4. Helen Hardy - "I feel like every entrepreneur will have a story like this!"

    In episode 4 of Greater Manchester's Greatest Minds, we chat with Helen Hardy, a Geordie entrepreneur who moved Manchester. Helen is the founder of FOUDYS, the leading retailer of women's football merchandise. She shares how she found herself in this business and what she's learnt along the way. Listen to hear about Helen's climb to the top in women's football!

    51 min

  7. 4 NOV

    3. Laura Pomfret - "My Goal Is To Bring Down Klarna!"

    In this episode, we sit down with Manchester-based founder Laura Pomfret, the visionary behind Financielle—a platform empowering women to take control of their finances. Unlike traditional financial advice, Laura’s approach addresses the unique challenges women face, providing resources to help them budget, tackle debt, and build lasting wealth. She shares her journey from spotting a gap in financial education to making Financielle a go-to resource for women striving for financial independence. Laura is redefining financial freedom for women everywhere, making her a leading voice in financial empowerment.

    48 min

  8. 28 OCT

    2. Dan Kelsall - "If I had said the wrong thing, that's it, money gone!"

    In this episode, we talk to Bury-born marketing genius Dan Kelsall—a marketer who’s built and exited his own agency, working with brands like Ladbrokes, Coral, and KFC. Unlike most marketers who stick to safe, predictable moves, Dan specialises in helping startups and small businesses grow from scratch, with a twist. He’s Manchester’s leading brain for help startups stand out and making brands unforgettable.

    54 min

  9. 21 OCT

    1. Dan Sandler - “My life was like a mission impossible movie.”

    In the pilot episode of Greater Manchester's Greatest Minds, we chat with Dan Sandler, a South Manchester-born entrepreneur behind multiple successful businesses, including QR code table service, a car rental company, and 'Damage Control,' an app that tracks existing damage in rental cars.   Dan shares his journey, lessons from the tech world, and insights on solving everyday problems through innovation.   Tune in to hear how Dan is reshaping industries and what drives his entrepreneurial spirit! ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Check out our socials! https://www.instagram.com/gmgmpodcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiewhittingham/   Dan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-sandler/   Produced, Recorded, Edited, and Published from Ministry of Work. https://www.ministryofwork.co.uk

    1h 25m
  • 9 Episodes

About

‘Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds’ is a podcast that celebrates the region’s most inspiring thinkers, innovators, and leaders. Each episode dives deep into the lives and work of remarkable individuals from a variety of fields who are making a lasting impact both locally and globally. From groundbreaking entrepreneurs to inspiring visionaries, we explore their personal journeys, uncover their ideas, and discuss the future of Greater Manchester. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or keen to learn from the region’s brightest talents, this is your gateway to the minds shaping the future of Manchester and beyond.

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