Who's Your Captain?

Mark Francis
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Business

Who's Your Captain explores the leadership lessons hidden in the stories of sports' greatest captains. Hosted by Mark Francis, this podcast dives deep into what separates good leaders from legendary ones—on the field, in the locker room, and beyond. Each episode features conversations with elite athletes, coaches, and sports professionals who've experienced world-class leadership firsthand. From the mental resilience required to lead under pressure to the communication strategies that unite divided teams, Mark unpacks the principles that make exceptional captains unforgettable. Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, or navigating your own personal challenges, the insights from sports captains translate directly to everyday leadership. These aren't just sports stories—they're blueprints for building trust, inspiring performance, and leading with integrity. Mark Francis brings his passion for sports and leadership together to deliver authentic, actionable conversations that inspire listeners to step up and lead in their own lives. New episodes drop weekly, bringing you closer to understanding what it truly means to captain your own ship. Subscribe to join a community of leaders who believe the best lessons come from those who've done it at the highest level.

  1. Oct 9

    SE01E35 Judo Thinking for Leaders I Ben Almond

    In this episode of the ActionCOACH Business Spotlight Podcast, Mark Francis sits down with Ben Almond, author of Judo Thinking, to explore how the principles of judo can transform leadership, teamwork, business decision-making and personal development. Ben Almond shares how more than 50 years of experience in judo, combined with his career in investment banking, real estate and international leadership, shaped the ideas behind Judo Thinking. They discuss how judo can teach business leaders to embrace complexity, become comfortable with conflict, build trust and use failure as a measure of progress. The conversation explores the five key Judo Thinking mindsets, including attraction to complexity, comfortable conflict, pursuit of imperfection, constant personal improvement and mutual support. Ben also explains the importance of yielding, inclusion and trust, and how these principles can help teams move away from avoidance and passive aggression toward productive conflict and better decisions. Mark and Ben also discuss Ben's experience as a parent and judo coach, including the powerful story of his daughter Emma's first international competition and how preparation, purposeful practice and learning from setbacks can build confidence. Ben explains how his Judo Thinking workshops bring these principles into the workplace through experiential leadership exercises and business simulations, helping teams develop stronger communication, collaboration and decision-making skills. Key topics covered:• Judo Thinking and business leadership• Judo principles for personal development• Leadership and team development• Comfortable conflict and conflict with care• Building trust and inclusion• Embracing complexity in business• Learning from failure and setbacks• Pursuit of imperfection• Mutual support and collaboration• Yielding as a leadership strength• Purposeful practice and preparation• Experiential leadership training• Judo-inspired business workshops• The connection between sport, leadership and business Learn more about Ben Almond and Judo Thinking: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judothinker #JudoThinking #Leadership #BusinessLeadership #Teamwork #PersonalDevelopment #ConflictManagement #Judo #BusinessPodcast I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.comPreview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

  2. Sep 18

    SE01E34 Enfinium and beyond I Mike Maudsley

    Mark Francis visits one of enfinium’s major operating sites for a fascinating conversation with Mike Maudsley, Chief Executive Officer of enfinium, on leadership, operational excellence, waste-to-energy, decarbonisation, carbon capture, innovation, and the future of energy infrastructure. In this episode of Who’s Your Captain?, Mike Maudsley takes Mark behind the scenes at Ferrybridge to explore how unrecyclable waste is transformed into energy for homes, communities, and businesses. He shares his journey from being told he was “thick” at school because of dyslexia to becoming a CEO, and explains how judo, discipline, persistence, and finding his strengths shaped his approach to leadership. Mike also discusses enfinium’s three horizons for growth: operational excellence today, major construction projects for the future, and innovation through carbon capture, energy networks, and opportunities to support data centres and AI infrastructure. The conversation covers:• Mike Maudsley’s leadership journey and lessons from dyslexia• How judo helped build confidence, discipline, and resilience• How energy from waste supports communities• Operational excellence and infrastructure management• Carbon capture and decarbonisation• The potential for energy from waste to support data centres and AI• Developing employees through apprenticeships and leadership exposure• Health, wellbeing, and creating a supportive workplace• Succession planning and developing future leaders• Working with shareholders, government, and other stakeholders• Mike’s approach to strategic thinking and innovation• The future vision for enfinium and its role in UK energy infrastructure Mike’s leadership philosophy is simple: care about the people, care about the industry, keep improving, and make sure everyone understands where the business is going. Watch the full conversation to hear Captain Mike Maudsley share his story, leadership lessons, and vision for the future of enfinium. Connect with Mike Maudsley on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-maudsley-5480a417/ I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.comPreview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

  3. Sep 11

    SE01E33 Why Great Leaders Must Lead Themselves First I Cheryl Smith

    In this thought-provoking episode, Mark Francis sits down with Cheryl Smith, Owner of The Self-Led Leader™, to explore what it really means to lead with humanity, authenticity, resilience, and self-awareness. Cheryl shares her powerful leadership journey, including her experience leading a COVID ward during the pandemic and how that extreme environment shaped her understanding of self-leadership. They discuss the connection between leadership development and the human being behind the leader, and why learning to lead yourself is just as important as learning to lead others. The conversation explores the loneliness of leadership, the importance of having a thought partner, authentic leadership under pressure, and why leaders often need a safe space where they can be honest without being judged or fixed. Cheryl also introduces the idea of the Glen Eagles standard, inspired by her experiences at Glen Eagles, and explains how exceptional organizations create a culture where employees feel valued and cared for. She shares why leadership is ultimately about stewardship, legacy, and understanding the impact your leadership has on people long after a conversation or decision has been forgotten. They also discuss resilience, failure, succession planning, developing future leaders, and why humanity may be one of the most important qualities a leader can bring to the workplace. Whether you're an experienced executive, emerging leader, entrepreneur, manager, or someone preparing for a leadership role, this conversation offers practical insights into self-leadership and what it takes to become a more authentic and impactful leader. Topics covered:• Self-leadership and personal growth• Authentic and human leadership• Leadership during COVID• The loneliness of leadership• Leadership resilience• Thought partners and leadership coaching• The Glen Eagles standard• Stewardship and leadership legacy• Humanity in leadership• Learning from failure• Developing future leaders• Leadership succession• Building strong workplace cultures Cheryl Smith is the Owner of The Self-Led Leader™ and the author of Self-Led, a book focused on the human being behind leadership and the importance of understanding yourself in order to lead others effectively. Connect with Cheryl Smith on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-smith-4748b1170/ #Leadership #SelfLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #CherylSmith #TheSelfLedLeader #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipCoaching #HumanLeadership #Resilience I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.comPreview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

  4. Sep 4

    SE01E32 Reviving Community Sport I John Gillespie

    How do you turn around a struggling business, rebuild customer trust, invest in your people, and create a platform for long-term growth? In this episode, Mark Francis sits down with John Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer at Powerleague, to explore the remarkable transformation of one of the UK's best-known small-sided football businesses. John shares how Powerleague went from facing serious financial challenges in 2018 to building a stronger, community-focused business with a growing multi-sport offering. He explains why the turnaround started by going back to the basics - putting customers and the quality of the core product at the centre of every decision.The conversation covers Powerleague's expansion beyond football into padel, netball, cricket and darts, as well as the role of partnerships, community engagement, charity initiatives and grassroots sport in the company's growth strategy. John also discusses leadership, developing talent from within, listening to employees, creating a strong culture, and the importance of being yourself as a leader. In this episode, Mark Francis and John Gillespie discuss:1.The turnaround of Powerleague since 20182.How investing in facilities helped rebuild customer trust3.Why customer experience must remain at the heart of business4.Powerleague's move from small-sided football to multi-sport5.The rapid growth of padel in the UK6.Introducing cricket, netball and darts into Powerleague centres7.Building stronger communities through grassroots sport8.Partnerships with major brands and charities9.Supporting mental wellbeing through sport and social connection10.Developing managers and future leaders from within the business11.How John Gillespie approaches his role as CEO12.Powerleague's growth plans across the UK, Ireland and Europe13.The potential opportunity for small-sided sport in the US14.How professional and former footballers can get involved in grassroots sport15. Managing strategy while staying close to customers and frontline teams16. Why energy and relentlessness matter in leadership17. John's advice for aspiring CEOs and business leaders John's leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: be yourself, stay true to who you are, keep learning, and never lose sight of where you came from. Watch the full conversation to hear how John Gillespie and the Powerleague team turned a business in difficulty into a growing community-focused sports platform. Guest:John GillespieChief Executive Officer at Powerleague Host:Mark Francis Connect with John Gillespie on linkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gillespie-2bb57814/ #Powerleague #JohnGillespie #MarkFrancis #Leadership #BusinessLeadership #CEO #BusinessTransformation #Football #GrassrootsFootball #Padel #SportsBusiness #Community #LeadershipLessons #BusinessGrowth I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.comPreview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

  5. Aug 28

    SE01E31 CEO Leadership & Business Growth I Michael Lorimer

    In this episode, Mark Francis sits down with Michael Lorimer, Chief Executive Officer of DCS Group (UK) Ltd, to explore the leadership, values, people and growth strategy behind one of Britain's most successful distribution businesses. Michael shares how DCS Group has achieved consistent year-on-year growth for more than three decades, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, strong partnerships, data-led decision making and a clear focus on people and talent. The conversation covers Michael's leadership philosophy, the importance of character in business, developing talent from within, building trusted relationships with major global brands, and the four core values that shape DCS Group: * We lead with character* We seize the opportunity* We deliver with excellence* We win together Michael also discusses DCS Group's approach to FMCG distribution, category management, customer relationships and its investment in a new customer innovation centre designed to help brands and retailers understand opportunities for category growth. Mark and Michael also explore the challenges facing UK businesses, attracting and developing talent, creating employment opportunities for young people, entrepreneurship and the role of business in creating prosperity. If you're interested in CEO leadership, business growth, FMCG, distribution, entrepreneurship, company culture, talent development and building a successful business for the long term, this episode offers plenty of practical insights. Guest:Michael LorimerChief Executive OfficerDCS Group (UK) Ltd Host:Mark Francis Topics covered:CEO leadershipBusiness growthFMCG distributionDCS GroupLeadership and characterCompany valuesTalent developmentCategory managementCustomer relationshipsData and business insightEntrepreneurshipUK businessBusiness cultureEmployee developmentSustained business growth Connect with Michael Lorimer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lorimer-71993273/ #MichaelLorimer #DCSGroup #CEO #BusinessLeadership #BusinessGrowth #FMCG #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #CompanyCulture #TalentDevelopment I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.comPreview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

  6. Aug 21

    SE01E30 The Power of Prospection I Vicki Anstey

    What does it take to rebuild your life after adversity? In this inspiring conversation, Mark Francis sits down with Vicki Anstey, 2x World Record holder, Keynote Speaker, Human Performance Coach & Author to explore resilience, leadership, personal growth, and the courage to create a life on your own terms. A double world record holder, extreme endurance athlete, author, keynote speaker, and ambassador for Inspiring Girls, Vicki shares the defining moments that shaped her journey from corporate life to becoming one of the UK's most inspiring voices on leadership and human potential. In this episode, you'll discover: • How Vicki Anstey transformed her life through courage and resilience• The meaning of prospection and why future thinking matters• Lessons from SAS: Who Dares Wins• The realities of rowing across the Pacific Ocean• Why emotional resilience is more important than physical strength• The power of teamwork, trust, and shared values• Leadership lessons from extreme endurance challenges• Finding your voice and living with intention• The inspiration behind her bestselling book• Advice for anyone facing change, uncertainty, or self doubt Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, athlete, coach, or someone navigating life's challenges, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories that will encourage you to think bigger and lead with purpose. Guest:Vicki Anstey2x World Record holder, Keynote Speaker, Human Performance Coach & Author Connect with Vicki Anstey on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickianstey/ If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, and changemakers. I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.comPreview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

  7. Aug 14

    SE01E29 The Business of Football Agents Explained I Danny Carr

    What does it really take to become a successful football agent? In this episode, Mark Francis sits down with Danny Carr, Founder & Owner of DC Sports & Talent, to explore the realities of representing footballers, building careers, and supporting athletes both on and off the pitch. Drawing on a background in finance with Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch, Danny shares how he transitioned into football, why he chose to focus on women's football, and how his player first approach has helped athletes secure opportunities across the UK and internationally. In this conversation, you'll discover: • How Danny Carr built DC Sports & Talent from the ground up• The evolving role of a modern football agent• Why playing minutes matter more than money for young players• Building long term careers in women's football• The importance of trust, relationships, and player welfare• How social media and personal branding create new opportunities for athletes• Challenges facing women's football and where the game is heading• Advice for aspiring sports agents and young footballers Whether you're a football fan, aspiring agent, athlete, coach, or parent, this episode offers valuable insights into the business of sport and the future of women's football. Guest:Danny CarrFounder & OwnerDC Sports & Talent Connect with on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannycarrs/ If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. #DannyCarr #MarkFrancis #DCSportsAndTalent #FootballAgent #SportsAgent #WomensFootball #FootballCareer #PlayerDevelopment #SportsBusiness #FootballPodcast #AthleteBranding #Leadership #SportsManagement #WomenInSport #Podcast I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.comPreview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

  8. Aug 7

    SE01E28 The Confident Manager I Susannah Brade-Waring

    What does it really take to become a confident manager? In this episode, Mark Francis sits down with Susannah Brade-Waring, MD & People Development Specialist at Aspirin Business Solutions Ltd, to discuss practical leadership, building confidence, motivating teams, and why great managers are made through curiosity, not perfection. Drawing from her journey of teaching herself finance, HR, and leadership while helping grow a technology company to a successful management buyout, Susannah shares the lessons that shaped her career and inspired her upcoming book, The Confident Manager. The conversation also explores Motivational Maps, leadership styles, giving effective feedback, overcoming imposter syndrome, employee engagement, and creating workplaces where people genuinely thrive. Whether you're a new manager, business owner, team leader, or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with practical leadership advice you can apply immediately. In this episode:• How Susannah Brade-Waring became a self-made leader• The biggest mistakes new managers make• Why confidence is built, not inherited• How to motivate different personalities at work• Using Motivational Maps to improve leadership• Giving feedback without damaging relationships• The difference between leadership and management• Building high-performing, engaged teams• Lessons from running a successful family business• The story behind The Confident Manager book About the Guest: Susannah Brade-Waring is the MD & People Development Specialist at Aspirin Business Solutions Ltd. She helps leaders and managers build confidence, improve communication, develop high-performing teams, and create positive workplace cultures. She is also one of the world's senior practitioners in Motivational Maps and author of The Confident Manager. Connect with Susannah Brade-Waring:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannahbradewaring/Website: https://www.aspirinbusiness.com/ Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, management, business growth, career development, emotional intelligence, workplace culture, entrepreneurship, coaching, and personal development. #Leadership #Management #ConfidentManager #SusannahBradeWaring #MarkFrancis #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleDevelopment #BusinessLeadership #TeamManagement #EmployeeEngagement #MotivationalMaps #LeadershipSkills #ManagerTraining #BusinessGrowth #WorkplaceCulture #PersonalDevelopment I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.– Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.comPreview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

See All (35)

About

Who's Your Captain explores the leadership lessons hidden in the stories of sports' greatest captains. Hosted by Mark Francis, this podcast dives deep into what separates good leaders from legendary ones—on the field, in the locker room, and beyond. Each episode features conversations with elite athletes, coaches, and sports professionals who've experienced world-class leadership firsthand. From the mental resilience required to lead under pressure to the communication strategies that unite divided teams, Mark unpacks the principles that make exceptional captains unforgettable. Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, or navigating your own personal challenges, the insights from sports captains translate directly to everyday leadership. These aren't just sports stories—they're blueprints for building trust, inspiring performance, and leading with integrity. Mark Francis brings his passion for sports and leadership together to deliver authentic, actionable conversations that inspire listeners to step up and lead in their own lives. New episodes drop weekly, bringing you closer to understanding what it truly means to captain your own ship. Subscribe to join a community of leaders who believe the best lessons come from those who've done it at the highest level.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Francis
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mark Francis