James Reed: all about business

Reed Global
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James Reed: all about business

'James Reed: all about business' puts you at the heart of fun, dynamic, candid conversation with business leaders, philanthropists and charitable celebrities as they use their journeys to give clear, actionable advice. Hosted by James Reed CBE, the Chairman and CEO of Reed Group, you’ll hear the highs and lows of what it means to be a true business leader to empower you to implement smarter, more meaningful strategy in your business or career.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    36. How to get users on your app from day one | Michelle Kennedy

    Nearly 10,000 apps are uploaded to the app store every week, and most of them are ignored. So how do you launch one that becomes a movement? In this episode of All About Business, we’re joined by Michelle Kennedy, founder and CEO of Peanut; the social networking app that has transformed how women connect and help each other through every stage of motherhood. What does it take to walk away from a top executive role and start from scratch? From pitching with nothing but a deck, to raising over $23 million, to building one of the most trusted platforms for women online, listen to Michelle's story and find out. We dive into her strategy for building a matchmaking app that attracts millions of users, how to validate your idea before you build it, and the biggest lessons she’s learned as a female founder. Michelle also opens up about the hardest parts of fundraising, how she built traction without a product, and why not every business should take venture capital. 01:42 Introduction - Michelle Kennedy 01:54 Peanut - Social Media App 09:09 Raising Money 11:34 Advice on Deck, Pitch, Value Proposition 15:56 Not Every Business Needs the Venture Capital Path 20:04 I Wouldn't Have Done It If I Knew ... 24:25 Achieving Critical Mass - The Network Effect 27:40 Start Without Building The App 33:34 Peanut Start Her Fund for Women 36:48 Advice to Family Women on Starting a Business 46:59 Curiosity Spawns New Ideas 50:10 Why A Book In The Digital Age? 54:57 Reed Interview Round - What Gets You Up Monday Morning? 56:39 Where Michelle Sees Herself in Five Years Links Check out Peanuts’s website:   Follow Peanut on LinkedIn:  Download Peanut app from Google Play:  Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    58 min

  2. 7 JUL

    35. Cargo without borders: How airships are about to connect the unreachable | Mark Dorey

    Did you know that nearly half the planet still isn’t connected? In many places, getting essential supplies like medicine and food is not only costly, it’s nearly impossible. But what if we were standing on the edge of a breakthrough that could change all of that? On this episode of All About Business, we're joined by Mark Dorey, co-founder and CEO of Straightline Aviation. A pioneering company building hybrid airships designed to deliver cargo to the most remote corners of the world. No roads, no airports - no problems. It’s a bold mission with the power to reshape global logistics and unlock new possibilities for connection, commerce, and care. Mark shares how he turned an ambitious idea into a real business, what to look for in the right business partner, and some of the great lessons he learned when working alongside Richard Branson. 01:42   Introduction 04:04 How Does an Airship Work? 06:55 Why the Early Popularity of Airships? 12:04   The Customer Benefits of Airships 19:06  Mark's Early Career 24:15   Changing Business Models 29:51   Future Scale 32:07  Learning from Richard Branson 34:35  Delegation and Accountability 44:49 Pros and Cons of Business Partners 47:17   Negotiating and Establishing Business Relationships 51:10    Business Opportunity Check List 52:43  Establishing Shared Vision and Trust Links Check out Straightline Aviation’s website: Follow StraightlineAviation on LinkedIn:   Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at www.reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    58 min

  3. 30 JUN

    34. The importance of being idle: A serious case for doing less | Tom Hodgkinson

    We've long been taught that hard work is beneficial for both body and mind, but is that truly the case? Could there be inherent value in slowing down, embracing rest, and allowing ourselves the space to simply be idle? Today on 'All About Business', we meet Tom Hodgkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of The Idler Magazine, a publication that teaches its readers the value of slowing down. In this episode, we learn about the philosophy of idling, challenge traditional beliefs that hard work is inherently good, and explore the idea that true fulfilment, in both life and business, can be found in activities that restore the soul, body, and mind. Tom Hodgkinson founded The Idler Magazine in 1993 together with his friend Gavin Pretor-Pinney. Tom has worked over 20 years in editing and advertising, while also writing several books on the philosophy of idling and its benefits. 00:35 The Puritan work ethic 08:03 Tom Hodgkinson's journey 12:03 Starting the Idler magazine 14:41 The Idler Academy  25:10 Modern work ethic and AI predictions 33:30 The bookshop dilemma 38:26 Challenges of running a business 47:20 The digital pivot 50:43 Idler Retreats and experiences 52:47 The philosophy of idling Links Check out The Idler’s website Follow The Idler on LinkedIn Buy Business for Bohemians, by Tom Hodgkinson Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    58 min

  4. 23 JUN

    33. Surfers Against Sewage: Are we sitting on a public health time bomb? | Giles Bristow

    The UK is ranked last in Europe for bathing water quality. With a small team and limited resources, how have a ‘bunch of surfers from Cornwall’ got parliament to listen and launch a commission on England’s chemical cocktail of stinking sewage? Today’s guest on All About Business is Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, a water reform charity that’s been around for over three decades. In this episode, we discuss the dangers of not taking sustainability seriously, how to get the government to sit up and listen, and why community lies at the heart of every charitable brand. Giles Bristow is the CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, a marine conservation charity. Founded in 1990 by a group of surfers in Cornwall, SAS is a powerful environmental movement that addresses a range of ocean-related issues. Giles joined SAS in 2023 and has over 20 years of experience in environmental advocacy.   01:31 Introduction 02:22 What are the problems with the UK's oceans? 08:32 Recent environmental changes 10:41 Why can't water companies solve this? 13:38 Time for systemic change 16:45 Voters Against Floaters 31:31 Giles' advice for effective campaigning 36:42 Circular economies 38:53 Plastic - it's everywhere 40:40 How to lobby - transparency and connections 45:52 Just Stop Oil – Are they effective? 50:22 Helping businesses become more sustainable 53:55 Community and brand 59:19 Interview round Links Check out SAS’s website Follow Giles on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes. This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    1h 2m

  5. 16 JUN

    32. What a venture capitalist is REALLY looking for when deciding to invest in your business | Sasha Kaletsky

    What should you do if you have a brilliant business idea but don’t have the funds to bring it to life?  In today’s episode of All About Business, I'm joined by venture capitalist Sasha Kaletsky. Sasha is the co-founder of investment firm Creator Ventures which he started with his cousin Caspar Lee. They have injected millions of dollars into digital tech companies in six short years.   In this episode, we explore how to craft the perfect pitch, how social media is shaping our economy, and how you can use simple AI tools to scale your business quickly. Sasha Kaletsky is the co-founder and Managing Partner at Creator Ventures, a firm that invests in technologies shaping the digital landscape.  Before founding Creator Ventures, Sasha gained extensive experience in private equity, technology, and consulting. He started at Bridgepoint in private equity, contributed to the launch and expansion of Uber, and worked as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group. Timestamps 01:58 Introduction 02:31 Creator Ventures 17:37 Setting up in the United States 18:48 CEOs becoming creators 20:35 Building companies with AI 25:51 The future social landscape 29:28 Uber 31:12 The network effect 34:04 The secret behind a 5-Star passenger rating 35:09 What makes a good pitch 39:18 How Sasha determines future markets 41:12 Presenting to VCs 42:39 Due diligence 43:20 How to pitch to Sasha 43:53 Working with family 47:06 When due diligence fails 49:15 How companies can make better use of AI 54:53 Interview round Links Send Sasha your pitch  Check out Creator Ventures Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk.

    57 min

  6. 9 JUN

    31. MIND GYM: The work-out that will enhance your brain for ultimate productivity | Octavius Black CBE

    How can you use psychology to quickly go from struggling employee to productivity machine?  Today’s guest on All About Business is Octavius Black CBE, the co-founder of MindGym, a corporate learning company that merges behavioural science with leadership development to turn struggling teams into powerhouses of productivity. In this episode, we discuss the psychology behind high performance, why most leadership programmes are a waste of time, and the psychometric test that can predict your team’s future.  Octavius Black CBE is the founder and executive chair of MindGym, a company that delivers corporate learning and development programmes through 90-minute training sessions known as workouts. Octavius has also co-authored several books that provide actionable insights and techniques to improve mental fitness and overall wellbeing.  In recognition of his contributions to business, Octavius was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2023. Timestamps 00:41 The origin story of MindGym 03:50 The 90-minute learning revolution 07:11 Coaching and performance improvement 13:24 The importance of belonging and inclusion 19:43 HR challenges and innovations 27:42 Addressing workplace stress and wellbeing 30:15 Five conditions for thriving at work 35:39 The role of feedback in the workplace 41:54 The importance of emotional self-regulation 49:06 The future of AI in talent development Links Sign up for MindGym Read Octavius’ book Follow Octavius Black on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn  All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at:  https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    50 min

  7. 2 JUN

    30. How the Princess of Wales’ favourite designer would build a jewellery brand in 2025 | Kiki McDonough

    How would a Jeweller who has become a favourite amongst the royal family start from scratch in 2025? In this episode of All About Business, James interviews Kiki McDonagh, a fifth-generation jeweler renowned for her work with high-profile clients including Princess Diana and the current Princess of Wales. They discuss how she transformed the perception of fine jewellery, making it more accessible and encouraging women to buy for themselves. She shares insights into her design inspiration, the evolution of her brand, and the importance of business strategies such as starting small, maintaining strict financial oversight, and building customer trust.  Celebrating 40 years in the industry, Kiki outlines her future plans, including expansion into the American market.  Timestamps 03:26 Designing with passion and innovation 05:21 Building a brand and customer relationships 14:32 Navigating the luxury market 20:26 The impact of social media and online sales 26:36 Advice for aspiring jewellers 31:53 Building trust and brand identity 38:37 Challenges and opportunities in the jewellery industry 49:18 Expanding into the American market 53:03 Looking forward: Future plans and reflections Links: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed Global Visit Kiki McDonagh here Visit Kiki McDonagh on Instagram This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media

    51 min

  8. 26 MAY

    29. From nail art in Dalston to global beauty-tech icon | Sharmadean Reid MBE

    How do you build a brand that not only speaks to a whole generation of women, but also transforms an entire industry? In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Sharmadean Reid MBE, the trailblazing entrepreneur behind brands such as WAH Nails, Beautystack and The Stack World.  We discuss her experiences navigating the fashion and tech industries, how the pandemic changed her outlook on business, and the inspiration behind her new luxury beauty brand, 39 BC.  Sharmadean Reid MBE is an entrepreneur, creative consultant and advocate for women’s empowerment. Her work focuses on women’s power, equity and ownership.  Sharmadean launched WAH Nails in 2009 as a place for women to hang out, form friendships and build communities while getting creative nail designs. She also founded beauty booking system, Beautystack in 2017, as well as The Stack World in 2021. In recognition of her contributions, Sharmadean received an MBE in 2015 from Queen Elizabeth II. She published her first book, New Methods for Women in 2024, and is currently working on her second book, along with a scripted TV show about female founders. Timestamps 01:30 The birth of WAH Nails 05:54 From nail salon to global brand 10:09 The transition to tech and venture capital 12:08 Building Beautystack 20:10 Challenges and reflections during the pandemic 26:06 The pivot to The Stack World 30:38 Corporate anarchy and women's independence 36:31 Introducing 39 BC 49:25 Future projects and vision Links Check out The Stack World Read Sharmadean Reid’s book Subscribe to Shamadean Reid’s newsletter Follow Sharmadean Reid on LinkedIn Follow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at:  https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

    1h 5m
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4.7
out of 5
76 Ratings

About

'James Reed: all about business' puts you at the heart of fun, dynamic, candid conversation with business leaders, philanthropists and charitable celebrities as they use their journeys to give clear, actionable advice. Hosted by James Reed CBE, the Chairman and CEO of Reed Group, you’ll hear the highs and lows of what it means to be a true business leader to empower you to implement smarter, more meaningful strategy in your business or career.

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