Event Matters

Kershaw Partners
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Welcome to the Event Matters Podcast, a new podcast from Kershaw Partners about the realities of running, growing and scaling event businesses today.  Hosted by David Watt, each episode keeps things open, honest and practical so you walk away with ideas you can use the same week.   Expect straight-talking updates on the market, candid conversations with expert leaders from across venues, agencies, caterers and suppliers and the wider industry, plus valuable insights and advice you can implement within your own business.

  1. Leading with Positivity and Purpose with Lisa James

    1 DAY AGO

    Leading with Positivity and Purpose with Lisa James

    Lisa James, founder of the Wentworth Collective is known for her 30 years in hospitality, high-end event creation, and her candid insights on leadership, wellbeing, and cultural transformation. In this episode, Lisa shares her inspiring journey from a travel-obsessed airline baby to a leader who champions positivity, strong values, and authentic relationships in the events industry. Discover how her early experiences shaped her approach to leadership, client service, and supporting her team, alongside her honest insights on motherhood, menopause, and mental wellbeing. We discuss: How growing up as an airline child influenced Lisa's passion for hospitality and service excellenceThe pivotal shift from doing to leading when stepping into her CEO roleBuilding a culture based on values like kindness, loyalty, and excellenceThe importance of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability in leadershipLisa’s insights on mentoring, giving back, and the power of positive conversationsNavigating motherhood, menopause, and health challenges in the workplaceThe role of trust, communication, and creating safe environments for teams and clientsHow her experience with travel, languages, and cultural exposure enriches her event creationFuture ambitions, including consulting, public speaking, and mentoring Whether you’re scaling a business or seeking a fresh perspective on how positivity and relationships fuel success, Lisa’s powerful stories and expert advice are your blueprint for making an impact both personally and professionally.

    1hr 6min
  2. Unlocking Cutting-Edge Event Speakers with Deborah Rey-Burns

    26 MAR

    Unlocking Cutting-Edge Event Speakers with Deborah Rey-Burns

    Deborah Rey-Burns' unique journey from finance to art to founding Propeller showcases a radical approach to sourcing and shaping speakers who cut through the noise. She’s built an industry niche, representing future-facing thinkers in technology, creativity, and culture, by challenging industry norms and emphasising genuine impact over mere presentation. In this conversation, we learn how Deborah cultivates extraordinary speaker briefs, challenges assumptions about what makes a compelling talk, and leverages unconventional expertise to create sessions that truly land: from a World Champion shooter sleeping in firing ranges to a cyborg artist seeing sound.  Key Takeaways: - Diversity as a Strategic Asset in Speaker Selection  - Systems Thinking as a Differentiator in an Opaque Industry - The Power of Authentic Storytelling in Event Impact - De-Risking Through Curated Expertise and Selectivity - The Hidden Value of Active, Multichannel Relationship Building - Intentionally Designing Overwhelm to Build Buyer Trust  - The Future of Event Content Lies in Precision and Tangible Takeaways

    57 min
  3. From Hospitality to Global Events: Cindy Eisenhuth’s Journey

    4 MAR

    From Hospitality to Global Events: Cindy Eisenhuth’s Journey

    In this episode, Cindy Eisenhuth shares her extraordinary transition from London's high-end restaurant scene to managing some of the world's most prestigious air shows and events. After moving across the world from Australia to the UK, she joined London at the height of a culinary boom. Having opened multiple restaurants, worked under the leadership of Gordon Ramsay, and soaked up every bit of the premium hospitality sector, Cindy went on to establish her own company, CLE, delivering events across the globe. In this episode, she reveals how her meticulous hospitality background has fuelled success in the demanding world of international event management. Expect insights on: The influence of high-end hospitality standards on event deliveryBuilding and maintaining long-term client relationships through meticulous planning and trustLeadership, team culture, and the importance of attitude in event executionAdapting systems and frameworks for global, diverse venuesTraining, onboarding, and fostering passion among young industry professionalsLessons learned from working at iconic restaurants with legendary chefsThe significance of consistent communication and boundary-setting with clientsThe role of storytelling, body language, and guest experience in creating memorable eventsThis episode is packed with lessons on leadership, quality, and passion from a true industry stalwart. Cindy’s stories are the ultimate examples of excellence and resilience.

    52 min
  4. The Power of Food in Reclaiming Corporate Culture with Jason Mulhall

    18 FEB

    The Power of Food in Reclaiming Corporate Culture with Jason Mulhall

    In this engaging conversation, Jason Mulhall, founder of Karnival, shares his unique journey from law to banking and consultancy to the vibrant world of street food and events. He discusses the important role that consultancy skills have played in running a successful business, the logistics of managing street food events, and the significance of food in corporate culture. Jason also reflects on the future growth of Karnival, the challenges and opportunities in the food landscape, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.  Jason shares his perspective on getting into entrepreneurship young: the value of having fewer responsibilities and the importance of seizing the opportunity to try while you can. In the current landscape, he outlines why even a brief time spent taking risks and exploring entrepreneurship will benefit your future career, wherever you might end up. Expect a true peek behind the curtain at running an events business, topped off with our signature rapid-fire round. Key Takeaways: The importance of following a passion, even if it takes you an unconventional routeWhy consultancy skills, such as attention to detail and presentation, are crucial in businessHaving a thorough selection process and onboarding when establishing partnerships is essential for successThe significant role food plays in enhancing corporate culture and employee satisfactionThe struggles of rising costs and reduced consumer spending in the food industryWhy it is so important to take risks in entrepreneurship while you have fewer personal responsibilities

    1hr 2min
  5. From Performer to Entrepreneur: Joanna Andrews’ Journey

    4 FEB

    From Performer to Entrepreneur: Joanna Andrews’ Journey

    In this episode of Event Matters, Joanna Andrews shares her journey from a successful performing artist to the founder of Charm Productions, an event business that specialises in unique entertainment experiences. After an injury put an end to her career as a professional dancer, Joanna decided to create the company she needed: an entertainment business providing work to performers between contracts.  In this discussion, Joanna shares the challenges she faced, the importance of adaptability in both performance and business, and how asking for help allowed her to build a loyal team around her. She emphasises the significance of personal connections and testimonials as a business tool, and shares her thoughts on the role of AI in the creative industry. Joanna's story is one of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of passion in business. Expect key insights about: The importance of adaptability in performance and business.Why building a loyal team is crucial for success.The importance of business processes and systems, and why a simple solution is enough.The power of marketing through personal connections, human stories and testimonials.Why AI may be useful as a business assistant, but cannot replace the human touch in creativity.The importance of asking for help.

    52 min
  6. Harnessing the Power of ADHD in Business

    28 JAN

    Harnessing the Power of ADHD in Business

    In this episode of the Event Matters podcast, Jason Brown, Founder and CEO of Technical Solutions, shares his unconventional journey into the events industry. He discusses the impact of ADHD on his career, the importance of a client-first business model, and the evolution from a hands-on operator to a CEO.  Navigating a unique trajectory from the military to freelancing to running a business, Jason has learned first-hand the value of strong communication within a team. He emphasises the significance of workplace culture, mentorship, and the need to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. David and Jason’s conversation also touches on the challenges of generational differences in the workplace, and the strategies that have helped overcome them. Jason speaks candidly about his battle to achieve work-life balance, and the challenges of being a dad while scaling a business. His supportive team, mentors and openness to adopting new technology has been instrumental in this. As a CEO with both ADHD and dyslexia, Jason shares how AI and project management tools have leveled up organisation, client communications and tender applications, allowing for enhanced accuracy and efficiency across the business. Key takeaways include: How ADHD can be a secret weapon when pursuing passionsThe power of a customer-first approach over a profit-first oneThe mindset shift required to transition from operator to CEOWhy building a strong team culture is essential for business successTailored communication as a solution to generational differences in the workplaceThe benefits of mentorship and mastermind groups for personal and business growthWhy we should be inspiring young people to pursue entrepreneurship

    1hr 8min

  7. 21 JAN

    The Importance of Investing in People for Event Business Owners

    In this January edition of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Kershaw Partners, Mike Kershaw and Richard Dean, for an honest but optimistic conversation about what the coming year will bring for the events industry. 2025 marked a challenging year for events, and a noticeable strain has been felt across the sector. Despite this, Kershaw Partners are excited for what's to come. In this discussion they tackle some of the challenges facing events businesses, what 2026 will bring for the industry, and how business owners can best use the quieter months to prepare for busy periods later in the year. They dig into the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI adoption, reminding business leaders of the need to invest in upskilling their people, even with shiny new technology available. The trio reflects on different use cases for AI and asks the question – what does an increasingly online and AI-powered world mean for the future of events?   With a new year upon us, this episode offers a practical and insightful look at the current event landscape, and offers actionable ideas for business leaders to make the best of 2026.  Expect key takeaways about: How to use the quieter months of the year to prepare for busy periodsThe pros and cons of AI adoptionNot neglecting your people when investing in new technologyHow teams and all levels benefit from mentoring and the experience of othersWhy defining a clear business vision is key to successThe importance of surrounding yourself with good people

    33 min
  8. Why Continuous Innovation Is Essential For Growth with Andrew Charlton

    14 JAN

    Why Continuous Innovation Is Essential For Growth with Andrew Charlton

    In this episode of Events Matters, David Watt speaks with Andrew Charlton, Founder and CEO of Hashtag Events, exploring his unique journey from the legal profession to becoming a prominent figure in the events industry.  Andrew reflects candidly on the challenges of the 2007 financial crash and reality of losing key clients overnight. Following this experience, and having identified a need for informal but focused networking spaces, he went on to organise the North East's first business expo.  Andrew emphasises the importance of networking, community building, and leveraging technology in the events space. He talks openly about the growth of his business, the balance between work and personal life, and his vision for the future, including the integration of AI and innovative solutions for small businesses. Expect insights on: How community engagement drives event successWhy surrounding yourself with better people is essential for growthThe importance of learning from failures and mistakesWhy building a strong brand identity is vital for successWhy continuous innovation is necessary to stay relevantThis is a grounded conversation about the reality of entrepreneurship in the events industry – the highs, lows, and the eureka moments that make it so worthwhile. Andrew's story is full of inspiring takeaways for event founders looking ahead to the future.

    1 hr
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About

Welcome to the Event Matters Podcast, a new podcast from Kershaw Partners about the realities of running, growing and scaling event businesses today.  Hosted by David Watt, each episode keeps things open, honest and practical so you walk away with ideas you can use the same week.   Expect straight-talking updates on the market, candid conversations with expert leaders from across venues, agencies, caterers and suppliers and the wider industry, plus valuable insights and advice you can implement within your own business.

Information

  • Creator
    Kershaw Partners
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Event Matters
  • Show Website
    Event Matters