Ambitious Minds

Jay Lawrence
  • 5.0 (31)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Podcast for Fellow Ambitious Minds! Welcome to Ambitious Minds, where Jay uncovers the inspiring stories of relatable, ambitious individuals who are all looking to leave a mark in their industry - whether they’re climbing the corporate ladder, launching startups, or reinventing their careers. Each episode covers key topics such as career growth, entrepreneurship, overcoming impostor syndrome, networking, personal branding, business strategy, and the relentless pursuit of success. Expect raw, relatable insights from rising stars and industry disruptors who are turning their passion into progress. If you're an ambitious mind looking for career advice, business inspiration, or motivation to take the next step, I hope this show brings you some inspiration and relatability, and helps you see yourself in aspects of these stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 15/12/2025

    #72 – How Entrepreneurship Almost Broke Me - Jordan Schlipf

    In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Schlipf, someone who’s lived several entrepreneurial lives; building tech startups, investing as a global VC partner, and eventually stepping in as CEO of the well-known beauty brand Cowshed. Jordan talks honestly about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship: the long hours, the sacrifices, and the moments where you’re forced to question what you actually want from your career. We get into how he rebuilt his routines, how he learned to lead bigger teams, and the reality of making tough decisions during a company restructure. This episode is full of practical lessons; whether you’re running a startup, moving into leadership, or trying to figure out your next step. Jordan is refreshingly real about what it takes to grow, evolve, and keep your ambition intact. 00:00 Introduction 01:57 Soul Searching and Career Transition 14:45 The Realities of Entrepreneurship 20:57 The Importance of Health and Routine 26:18 Challenges of Company Restructuring 34:02 The CEO's Evolving Role 34:34 Defining a Good CEO 36:39 The Importance of Recruitment and Culture 38:11 Knowing When to Step Down 41:27 Avoiding Business Pitfalls 45:13 Diverse Business Ventures 49:57 Investment Strategies and Wealth Management 55:22 Reflections on the Finance Industry 01:02:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🔗 Connect with me LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@AmbitiousMindsPodcast Spotfy:https://open.spotify.com/show/6OzMUZkmjs9PHEi6qHU3Qi Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-minds/id1731311239?ls=1 📰 Free newsletter: Fuel Your Ambition Weekly insights on money, investing, career growth, and ambition: 👉 https://fuelyourambition.substack.com/ Website: https://www.ambitiousmindspodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 3m

  2. 05/12/2025

    #71 — SOLO: How to Build Wealth in a System Stacked Against You

    So many ambitious people today feel like they’re doing everything right, getting the degree, working hard, climbing the ladder... and yet still struggling to make real financial progress. It’s not your imagination. The old playbook that worked for previous generations doesn’t work anymore. In this solo episode, I break down the truth behind why so many Millennials and Gen Z feel stuck, frustrated, or left behind… and more importantly, what actually works today. Drawing on over a decade of experience advising clients as an Investment Manager, I explain: • Why housing, wages, degrees and social mobility have completely shifted • How wealth moved from income → ownership (and why that matters for you) • Why your parents’ roadmap no longer applies in today’s economy • The modern playbook for building wealth sustainably and realistically • How to increase your earning power, not just your savings • Why a second income stream is becoming essential, not optional • How your network can accelerate your career more than any qualification • Why redefining your timeline can unlock huge opportunities Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/ Subscribe to my Substack: https://substack.com/@fuelyourambition Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min

  3. 24/10/2025

    #70 – Mastering the Business Exit: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know – Christine Nicholson

    Christine Nicholson is a award-winning business mentor, author, and exit strategist. In this episode we unpack what it really takes to build, scale, and successfully exit your business. With over a hundred business sales under her belt, Christine shares real-world lessons on the three types of exits every founder should understand, how to prepare for due diligence long before you sell, and why financial freedom starts outside your business. From the emotional rollercoaster of letting go to the practical steps that protect your wealth, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom for entrepreneurs who want to create lasting value, and a life beyond the business. 00:00 Introduction 01:54 Preparing for Business Exit 06:44 The Importance of Delegation 13:40 The Psychological Toll of Due Diligence 19:31 The Role of Preparation in Due Diligence 23:16 Personal Entrepreneurial Journey 29:28 The Overlooked Strategy: Acquiring to Exit 30:26 The Reality of Business Dependency 33:59 Preparing for Wealth Outside the Business 34:54 The Pitfalls of Not Planning Ahead 42:07 The Gender Dynamics in Business Ownership 44:57 The Challenges of Selling a Business 47:52 The Importance of Building Business Controls 49:43 The Motivation Behind Helping Others 53:39 The Impact of Upbringing on Success 55:57 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information Contact Christine: https://christinenicholson.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min

  4. 17/10/2025

    #69 – Sales Coach Explains How To Close More Deals – Colin Campbell

    Colin Campbell is the host of Cambro Conversations and a top-performing sales coach. When Colin was made redundant from his sales director role, he didn’t panic, he pivoted. He used that moment of uncertainty to rebuild his career on his own terms, turning a side project into a full-time coaching business. In this episode, he breaks down how to juggle a side hustle alongside a demanding job, stay financially sharp, and keep moving forward when life throws you off track. We also explore how AI tools can streamline sales, why consistent follow-ups are a game-changer, and how to stay market ready no matter how secure your job feels. If you’re thinking about going out on your own, or just want to build something meaningful on the side, this episode is packed with insights to help you do it the smart way. 00:00 Intro 03:17 Building a Side Hustle and Market Testing 09:30 Financial Realities and Planning for Self-Employment 18:54 Sales Coaching and Structuring Your Business 28:47 The Importance of Follow-Up in Meetings and Podcasts 29:30 Effective Communication and Clear Actions 29:57 Leveraging Guest Introductions and Networking 30:47 Structuring Follow-Ups for Success 34:00 The Role of AI in Sales and Follow-Ups 35:43 Utilizing AI Tools for Efficiency 41:03 Cold Outreach and Client Acquisition 46:28 Tailoring Sales Approaches to Client Needs 51:19 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections Connect with Colin: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/col.cambro/
Email List - https://colcambro.kit.com/30bde23b0c
Email - Colin@colcambro.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  5. 26/09/2025

    #68 – Why I Walked Away From JP Morgan To Start My Own Business – Tom Griffiths

    Tom had everything most people dream of. A top degree. A role at JP Morgan. The kind of career that looks perfect on paper. But behind the prestige, he felt something was missing. In this conversation, Tom opens up about what it’s really like working in one of the world’s biggest investment banks... and why he walked away. From side hustles and consulting to building his own ventures, he reveals the reality of leaving security for the unknown. Now, as a fractional CFO, Tom helps entrepreneurs understand the truth about their finances: the difference between profit and cash flow, why recurring revenue matters, and how to prepare a business for sale. His journey is one of ambition, risk, and redefining success. This isn’t just about money. It’s about identity, growth, and the courage to bet on yourself. 00:00 Introduction: Working at JP Morgan 01:22 University and Internships 03:38 Life at JP Morgan 05:41 Deciding to Leave JP Morgan 08:46 Starting New Ventures and Side Hustles 10:07 Challenges and Realisations in Small Businesses 10:52 Providing Financial Consulting to Small Businesses 14:55 Improving Business Cash Flow and Profit Margins 30:09 Future Business Plans and Advice 30:29 The Value of Recurring Revenue 33:05 Preparing Businesses for Sale 36:28 Building a Personal Brand 42:11 The Importance of Consistency 46:14 Ambition and Personal Growth 51:36 Investing in Yourself 55:21 Conclusion and Contact Information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

  6. 19/09/2025

    #67 – Tom Giles: Thriving in the Business of Sport

    Tom Giles always dreamt of making it in football, and he did when he was hired by AFC Bournemouth, Chelsea FC, MCC and Bath Rugby, before launching his own sports business. In this episode, Tom shares the realities of working in elite sport, the transition to entrepreneurship, and why surrounding yourself with high-performing people matters. He also opens up about his personal journey as a father raising a child with a rare syndrome, and how that challenge fuels his drive, resilience, and ambition. We dive into leadership, personal branding, and the role of AI in business, while exploring the importance of passion, curiosity, and consistency in building long-term success. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Football Beginnings 00:39 Breaking into the Sports Industry 06:03 Chelsea FC & Career Progression 20:28 The Commercial Side of Sports 26:17 Social Media’s Influence 31:18 Balancing Family & Tech 36:17 Vulnerability & Authenticity 39:22 Raising a Child with a Rare Syndrome 44:02 Life as a Business Owner 48:31 Finding Passion & Purpose 01:06:23 Leadership & Team Building 01:09:24 The Startup Mindset 01:13:27 AI in Business 01:16:31 Lessons from Podcasts & Books 01:23:57 Sports x Business Insights 01:31:14 Motivation & Ambition 01:40:03 Why Consistency Wins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 42m

  7. 06/08/2025

    #66 – My Wife and I Built a Business Together – This Is How We Made It Work: Joe Fraher

    Starting a business is hard. Starting one with your spouse? That’s a whole different level of risk. In this episode, I sit down with Joe Fraher, an architect who, alongside his wife Liz, built a boutique design and build firm in Central London, right in the middle of the 2008 financial crisis. Joe shares the real story behind how they made it work: from opposite views on risk, to navigating financial pressure, managing a growing team, and raising a family at the same time. He opens up about going sober, leading through chaos, and the mindset it takes to grow something meaningful without losing your relationship, or yourself. This is an honest conversation about ambition, business, marriage, and the messy parts in between. Giving up alcohol to take control of his life againRedefining success beyond money and titlesTeaching his children about wealth, risk, and responsibilityBalancing love, family, and business without losing eitherAnd why the future of construction lies in digital manufacturing and AI This is a raw and revealing conversation about what it really takes to build something meaningful, and the mindset shifts required to survive it. 00:00 Introduction to Risk-Taking 00:41 Starting the Business Journey 00:57 Architectural Services and Turnkey Solutions 02:08 Challenges and Growth in Architecture 03:29 Navigating Redundancy and Building a Business 07:52 Managing a Growing Team 09:14 The Importance of Risk and Ambition 11:08 The French Alps Project 15:15 Hiring and Team Dynamics 22:25 Education and Career Pathways 29:02 Client Relationships and Long-Term Projects 31:49 Liz's Role in the Business 32:14 The Importance of Listening to Clients 32:44 Emotional Investment in Projects 35:22 Client Profiling and Matching 37:55 Trust and Transparency in Business 38:34 Adapting to Economic Challenges 45:35 Leveraging AI in Business 52:32 Financial Education and Generational Wealth 01:02:55 Leveraging Good Debt 01:03:36 The Pitfalls of Bad Debt 01:05:02 Balancing Risk in Family and Business 01:06:23 Aligning Ambitions with Your Partner 01:09:36 The Future of Work and Personal Goals 01:13:32 Challenges of Entrepreneurship 01:14:44 The Impact of Government Policies on SMEs 01:25:59 Personal Habits for Success 01:30:42 Concluding Thoughts Discover Joe and Fraher Website - https://www.fraher.co/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frahergroup/ LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joseph-fraher Get In Touch LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/ Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 31m

  8. 25/07/2025

    #65 – Burnout in High Achievers: The Hidden Cost of Ambition with Bradley Green

    What does burnout look like for high achievers and ambitious creatives? Celebrity photographer Bradley Green shares his personal story of burnout, mental health, and the cost of relentless ambition. Brad has built a life many dream of, travelling the world as a photographer capturing icons like Matthew McConaughey and Conor Benn. But behind the lens lies a deeper struggle — the mental and physical toll of pushing too hard for too long. In this episode, we discuss: The signs of burnout in high achieversHow to balance ambition with wellbeingThe impact of diet, sleep, and media consumption on performanceWhy even the most successful need to slow downTools to build a sustainable work-life balance This raw and honest conversation pulls back the curtain on the Instagram highlight reel, offering real-world advice for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone navigating the pressure of constant growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 26m
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5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

The Podcast for Fellow Ambitious Minds! Welcome to Ambitious Minds, where Jay uncovers the inspiring stories of relatable, ambitious individuals who are all looking to leave a mark in their industry - whether they’re climbing the corporate ladder, launching startups, or reinventing their careers. Each episode covers key topics such as career growth, entrepreneurship, overcoming impostor syndrome, networking, personal branding, business strategy, and the relentless pursuit of success. Expect raw, relatable insights from rising stars and industry disruptors who are turning their passion into progress. If you're an ambitious mind looking for career advice, business inspiration, or motivation to take the next step, I hope this show brings you some inspiration and relatability, and helps you see yourself in aspects of these stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Jay Lawrence
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jay Lawrence
  • Show Website
    Ambitious Minds

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