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. The Power of Culture, Consistency and Customer Experience with Shea McNelis

    5d ago

    The Power of Culture, Consistency and Customer Experience with Shea McNelis

    In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Shea McNelis, Co-Founder of Integrity Security, one of Ireland’s fastest-growing event security businesses. What began as a bold decision to launch a new company in the middle of the Covid shutdown has grown into a business trusted to secure some of Ireland’s largest public events, including St Patrick’s Festival, major sporting fixtures and large-scale music festivals. But this conversation is about much more than security. Shea shares how his background in event promotion shaped his belief that security should be customer-focused, welcoming and built on trust rather than intimidation. He explains why culture and values have been central to Integrity’s rapid growth, how the business has prioritised staff retention in an industry known for high turnover, and why familiar faces and consistent service matter so much to event organisers. The discussion also explores what happened when Shea stepped away from the business for more than two months to travel with his family, the lessons he learned about trust, delegation and founder dependency, and how the experience changed his perspective on leadership and growth. Away from the events industry, Shea reveals his long-standing passion for music, from managing chart-topping artists to launching a new music development label focused on nurturing emerging talent. Expect insights on: • Building a values-led business in a highly demanding industry • Why customer experience starts with the first person attendees meet • Creating a culture of trust, accountability and professionalism • The importance of staff retention and career development in events • Managing risk, crowd safety and large-scale public events • Letting go as a founder and building a business that can operate without you • Why work-life balance matters, even during periods of rapid growth • Following passions outside the day job and the lessons creativity can teach business leaders This episode is a fascinating conversation about leadership, trust and building a business with purpose. Shea’s story offers a refreshing reminder that sustainable growth starts with people, culture and having the confidence to step back and let others succeed. Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners Guest: Shea McNelis, Co-Founder, Integrity Security

    38 min
  2. A Personal Journey Through Events, Leadership and Identity with Craig Mathie

    Jun 17

    A Personal Journey Through Events, Leadership and Identity with Craig Mathie

    In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Craig Mathie, Co-Founder of Project 30 – an event production and project management business delivering work across some of the UK’s biggest sporting, cultural and brand-led events. Craig’s route into the industry began at Bournemouth Sevens, where he worked his way from the bottom of the ladder to Managing Director under the mentorship of entrepreneur Dodge Woodall. That experience shaped not only his understanding of events, leadership and commercial delivery, but also his belief in culture, teamwork and backing young talent. But this conversation goes far deeper than operations and production. Craig speaks openly about the personal journey that led to the creation of Project 30, including his struggles with sexuality, mental health and the counselling process that ultimately changed his life. What emerged from that period was not only a new sense of self, but also a business built around authenticity, people and purpose. The discussion explores the realities of scaling a modern events business, why small teams can outperform much larger organisations and how Project 30 has built a reputation for delivering major projects across events including Glastonbury, the Ryder Cup, Henley Royal Regatta and the Champions League Final. Craig also shares his thoughts on leadership, culture and the future of the events industry, particularly the importance of creating environments where younger generations genuinely want to work and grow. Expect insights on: Why authenticity has become one of the most valuable assets in modern businessThe lessons learned from growing up professionally at Bournemouth SevensHow counselling and self-development shaped the creation of Project 30Why culture and team dynamics matter so much in high-pressure event environmentsThe importance of balancing commercial thinking with operational deliveryHow small teams can outperform much larger agencies when trust and accountability are rightWhy live events will become even more important in an increasingly digital worldThe challenges and realities of scaling an independent events businessCreating a workplace culture that supports wellbeing, family life and long-term growthWhy enjoying the process matters just as much as achieving the outcomeThis episode is an honest and thoughtful conversation about leadership, identity, resilience and what it really takes to build a business people want to be part of. Craig’s openness, ambition and belief in the power of people make this one of the most personal and insightful conversations on Event Matters so far. Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners Guest: Craig Mathie, Co-Founder, Project 30

    49 min
  3. Building an Event Ecosystem, Not Just an Agency with Gavin Farley

    Jun 10

    Building an Event Ecosystem, Not Just an Agency with Gavin Farley

    In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Gavin Farley, Founder and CEO of asembl.group – a fast-growing events ecosystem built on entrepreneurial instinct, resilience and a relentless drive to challenge the traditional agency model. Gavin shares his journey from promoting nightclub events on the South Coast in the 1990s to building a business that now spans event agencies, venue sourcing, logistics, storage and international expansion. What began with hustle, flyers and a passion for bringing people together has evolved into one of the most ambitious integrated event groups in the UK. The conversation explores how Gavin’s early experiences in incentive travel shaped his understanding of events, why he always knew he wanted to build something of his own, and how a health scare in his twenties became the catalyst for starting his first business. David and Gavin also discuss the lessons learned through COVID, why the pandemic became a moment of reinvention rather than survival, and how asembl.group was created from a desire to rethink what an event business could become. Expect insights on: • Why entrepreneurial instinct and self-belief matter more than having a perfect plan  • How COVID became the catalyst for reinventing the business model  • The thinking behind building an event ecosystem instead of a standalone agency  • Spotting opportunities by solving operational frustrations for clients  • Why live events remain one of the most powerful forms of human connection  • Scaling businesses while maintaining founder energy and ambition  • The realities of risk, resilience and building something from nothing Gavin’s story is one of ambition, adaptability and constantly looking beyond the traditional boundaries of the events industry. His perspective offers a fascinating look at what modern event businesses could become when growth, innovation and ecosystem thinking all come together. Host: David Watt, Partner at Kershaw Partners Guest: Gavin Farley, Founder and CEO of asembl.group

    31 min
  4. Embracing Intuitive Leadership with Taran O’Doherty

    Apr 22

    Embracing Intuitive Leadership with Taran O’Doherty

    Taran O’Doherty’s journey from teenage dreamer to thriving business owner proves success is built on adaptability, grit, and clear values.  In this candid conversation, Taran shares how he and his partner Ben transformed a small furniture hire startup into a multi-million-pound operation without external funding or experience, relying instead on street smarts, relentless reinvestment, and a refusal to accept “no” as an answer. In this episode, we break down their bold strategies, including opening 7 days a week, negotiating everything from van rentals to contracts, and prioritising relationships over purely transactional dealings.  Taran shares the importance of intuition, trust, and staying true to core values in a rapidly changing industry, plus how AI’s emerging role can streamline operations and unlock new opportunities. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply looking for motivation to keep going, this episode is a blueprint for resilient, meaningful success.  Key Takeaways: The power of unstructured intuition over formal experienceBuilding a business around relationships, not transactionsEmbracing constant change as a strategic advantagePrioritising company culture and core values in scalingOperating with lean capital by reinvesting and avoiding external debtLong-term thinking as a driver of sustained innovation and differentiationThe importance of personal well-being and authenticity in leadership For more information about Club Altura, the new community for event business leaders, click here - https://kershawpartners.co.uk/club-altura/

    59 min
  5. Leading with Positivity and Purpose with Lisa James

    Apr 8

    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.

    1h 6m
  6. Unlocking Cutting-Edge Event Speakers with Deborah Rey-Burns

    Mar 26

    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
  7. From Hospitality to Global Events: Cindy Eisenhuth’s Journey

    Mar 4

    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
  8. The Power of Food in Reclaiming Corporate Culture with Jason Mulhall

    Feb 18

    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

    1h 2m
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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
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Event Matters
  • Show Website
    Event Matters