Brave Bold Brilliant

Jeannette Linfoot

Brave Bold Brilliant is where business leaders, entrepreneurs and their teams come to be inspired, challenged and equipped with the tools for growth and success. Here on Brave Bold Brilliant podcast, Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first-hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

  1. 8h ago

    Sir Liam Fox: Trade, Diplomacy & the Coming Water Crisis

    🎙️ About This Episode Sir Liam Fox joins Jeannette Linfoot on Brave Bold Brilliant for a conversation spanning medicine, government and global diplomacy. They explore what medicine taught him about leadership and decision-making, how he made high-stakes calls as Defence Secretary, and the lessons business leaders should take from Britain's post-Brexit trade reset. The conversation moves into the changing shape of global leadership, the growing importance of personal diplomacy in an AI-driven world, the significance of the Abraham Accords, and why Sir Liam believes water, not oil or AI, could define the geopolitics of this century. He also reflects on resilience under public scrutiny and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. 👤 About Sir Liam Fox Sir Liam Fox qualified as a medical doctor from the University of Glasgow before entering politics, serving as the Member of Parliament for North Somerset from 1992 to 2024. He held some of the UK's most senior government roles, including Secretary of State for Defence (2010–2011) and the UK's first Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade (2016–2019). He has also served as a Foreign and Commonwealth Office minister and Chairman of the Conservative Party. In 2013 he published Rising Tides, examining the challenges of globalisation, and in 2020 was the UK's nominee for Director-General of the World Trade Organisation. In 2021 he was invited by the Ambassadors of the UAE, Israel, Bahrain and Morocco to establish and chair the UK Abraham Accords group, and he now chairs the international Abraham Accords Prosperity Group. His second book, The Coming Storm: How Water Will Write the 21st Century (2024), explores water's critical role in global security, climate and human health. 🎤 About the Host: Jeannette Linfoot Jeannette Linfoot is a corporate CEO turned entrepreneur and the founder of Brave Bold Brilliant®. With over 30 years of C-suite experience, she has bought, run and sold businesses around the world and now advises and mentors leaders and entrepreneurs on scaling their businesses and careers. A passionate champion of diversity, inclusion and nurturing talent, Jeannette brings warmth, curiosity and sharp business insight to every conversation. 🎧 About the Podcast Brave Bold Brilliant is where business leaders, entrepreneurs and their teams come to be inspired, challenged and equipped with the tools for growth and success. Each episode, Jeannette talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life — from the boardrooms of major international companies to the front lines of entrepreneurship — uncovering how they unleashed their full potential to become Brave, Bold and Brilliant. 🌟 About Brave Bold Brilliant Brave Bold Brilliant® is a leadership and business growth platform founded by Jeannette Linfoot, helping business owners and senior executives take their careers and companies to the next level through coaching, mentoring and community. 🔗 Connect with Jeannette & Brave Bold Brilliant LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/ Instagram (Brand): https://www.instagram.com/brave.bold.brilliant/ All Links: https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot 🔗 Connect with Sir Liam Fox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drliamfox/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drliamfox/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/LiamFox Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/drliamfox/ 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who loves conversations about leadership, business and the future of our world. SEO Tags Sir Liam Fox, Liam Fox interview, UK Defence Secretary, International Trade Secretary UK, Abraham Accords, Brave Bold Brilliant podcast, Jeannette Linfoot, UK politics podcast, Brexit trade deals, global water crisis, The Coming Storm book, business leadership podcast, WTO Director General, UK diplomacy, medicine to politics, leadership under pressure, entrepreneurship podcast

  2. 4d ago

    10 Steps to Starting a Business in 2026

    Jeannette breaks down the exact step-by-step roadmap she would use if she had to start all over again. Moving through five distinct stages—foundations, legal and financial setups, going to market, systems and pricing, and long-term sustainability—Jeannette shares candid lessons and practical strategies designed to help new founders launch with confidence and established owners scale without burning out. You'll Learn Why: Clarifying your core "why" and validating ideas with real audiences saves you from wasting years and capital on the wrong path. Mastering your baseline metrics and choosing the right legal structure early protects your profits and enables bolder growth decisions. Launching a minimum viable product to hand-picked early customers beats delaying your launch in the pursuit of perfection. Prioritising long-term consistency over short-term intensity—backed by a trusted advisory network—is the ultimate key to sustainable scaling. Whether you're a founder, CEO, small business owner, entrepreneur, startup leader or executive, these lessons will help you make smarter hiring decisions and build a stronger, more successful business. 🚀 Want to accelerate your business growth? Join Rise Academy today and gain access to expert business coaching, leadership training, proven growth frameworks, live coaching sessions, and practical strategies designed to help you build a thriving business. About Jeannette Linfoot ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development.  Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

  3. 6d ago

    Building LEGOLAND, Madame Tussauds & SEA LIFE: Mark "Fish" Fisher's Story

    Jeannette talks to Mark “Fish” Fisher to uncover his extraordinary journey from a 16-year-old bear mascot at Alton Towers to the boardroom as Chief Development Officer for Merlin Entertainments. Mark opens up about taking a business to a £6 billion IPO, the harsh realities of navigating global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and the critical importance of staying fiercely authentic in rigid corporate environments. Packed with candid insights on surviving the scrutiny of public markets, managing a workforce across 24 countries, and making agonizing welfare decisions during severe economic disruptions, this conversation provides an essential roadmap for scaling a business while keeping your team grounded. You'll Learn Why: Staying authentic is a competitive advantage; corporate facades fall apart under the intense scrutiny of public markets and analysts. Building an in-house creative team drives product quality and innovation faster than relying solely on external agencies. Maintaining transparent communication and rapid decision-making across global teams protects your company culture during sudden economic stops. Transitioning from a hands-on executive to an advisory or board role requires checking your ego and trusting the talent you've nurtured. Whether you're a founder, CEO, small business owner, entrepreneur, startup leader or executive, these lessons will help you navigate massive scale and build a resilient organization. 🚀 Want to accelerate your business growth? Join Rise Academy today and gain access to expert business coaching, leadership training, proven growth frameworks, live coaching sessions, and practical strategies designed to help you build a thriving business. ABOUT THE GUEST Mark ‘Fish’ Fisher has spent over 40 years in the hospitality industry. He was one of the founders of Merlin Entertainments, helping it grow into the world’s second largest visitor attraction operators, with a market value of over £6 billion. Fish started his career as a humble costume character at the age of 16, at Alton Towers, and eventually rose to become Merlin’s Chief Development Officer. In his time at Merlin, he was responsible for creating its global creative and project delivery engine, building both Merlin and international IP brands, across North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. Having started as a Marketeer, he has served as Managing Director for numerous Merlin Divisions, including Theme Parks, Hotels and Midway businesses. More recently he has enjoyed a portfolio career, as a Chair, Non-Executive Director, mentor and investor. He currently holds several non-executive board positions, in particular, he has been part of the Daniel Thwiates board for several years, helping them consolidate their position as one of the best family brewers in the UK. More recently he has joined the board, and invested in, The Lost Estate, the UKs premium immersive dining experience. He has also just fulfilled a lifelong ambition by investing in a small craft brewery!!!! He spends his spare time running The Fisher Charitable Trust, set up after his time at Merlin and looking after his menagerie of animals at his Wiltshire smallholding. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fish-fisher-52132914/ About Jeannette Linfoot ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development. Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant.From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

  4. Aug 28

    Quit Your Job, Become Your Own Boss

    This time, we unpack the real, unvarnished truth behind leaving corporate life to work for yourself—moving beyond the glamourised highlight reels to what making the leap actually requires.  Jeannette breaks down the crucial difference between simple workplace frustration and genuine readiness, how to design the next phase of your life with intention, and the exact financial safety nets and realistic timelines you need in place before handing in your notice. You'll Learn Why: Hating your current job is not a requirement for deciding it is time to build a business of your own. Having at least six months of living expenses in liquid cash is critical before making the leap into self-employment. Most new businesses take up to three years to become profitable, making early financial buffers non-negotiable. Designing the next phase of your life by intention matters more than chasing an impulsive exit from daily stress. Whether you're a founder, CEO, small business owner, entrepreneur, startup leader or executive, these lessons will help you make smarter hiring decisions and build a stronger, more successful business. 🚀 Want to accelerate your business growth? Join Rise Academy today and gain access to expert business coaching, leadership training, proven growth frameworks, live coaching sessions, and practical strategies designed to help you build a thriving business. About Jeannette Linfoot ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development.  Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

  5. Aug 25

    Building Luxury Homes in Wales: Andy Green's Journey

    Jeannette talks to Andy Green, founder and Managing Director of Greens Construction, to uncover his journey from an unconventional school experience and carpentry apprentice to leading a multi-faceted construction powerhouse. Andy opens up about how leaning into his dyslexia shaped his unique approach to problem-solving, the pivotal shift from working on the tools to building a high-performing team, and the harsh realities of scaling overheads without losing sight of cash flow.  Packed with candid insights on navigating market downturns, managing client expectations, and staying grounded through tough personal and economic times, this conversation provides an essential roadmap for any ambitious business owner looking to grow with confidence and strategic clarity. You'll Learn Why: Focusing on product quality and core delivery first is far more critical than investing in branding and marketing before your service is proven. Scaling a construction business requires targeting higher-value projects to sustainably support the overhead of a dedicated management team and back-office staff. Delegating strengths and hiring complementary talent is essential when moving from an individual tradesperson to a business leader. Maintaining low overheads relative to turnover and diversifying your client base protects cash flow during severe economic disruptions. Whether you're a founder, CEO, small business owner, entrepreneur, startup leader or executive, these lessons will help you make smarter hiring decisions and build a stronger, more successful business. 🚀 Want to accelerate your business growth? Join Rise Academy today and gain access to expert business coaching, leadership training, proven growth frameworks, live coaching sessions, and practical strategies designed to help you build a thriving business. ABOUT THE GUEST “Andy Green is the Founder and Managing Director of Greens Construction Ltd, a luxury design and build company specialising in bespoke new homes, large-scale renovations, extensions, and high-end residential projects throughout South Wales.Born and bred on the Gower Peninsula, Andy is a qualified carpenter and bench joiner who founded Greens with a passion for craftsmanship, quality, and exceptional client service.From humble beginnings operating from a garage with a small team, he has grown the business into one of Wales’s leading luxury residential construction companies.Today, Andy leads a multidisciplinary team delivering a fully integrated approach to residential design and construction. Alongside award-winning construction projects, Greens also designs, manufactures, and installs bespoke luxury kitchens for clients across the UK, and provides premium bathroom design, supply and installation services, both elements working closely with architects, interior designers and private clients to create beautifully crafted living spaces.Despite the company's growth, Andy remains closely involved in every project, combining technical expertise with a collaborative, hands-on approach that has become synonymous with the Greens brand.His commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and integrity has helped establish Greens as a trusted partner for clients seeking exceptional homes and interiors, built to the very highest standards.” About Jeannette Linfoot ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development.  Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

  6. Aug 21

    The One Trait Every High-Performing Board Has (That Yours Probably Doesn't)

    Jeannette breaks down the single most crucial factor separating high-performing boards from those stuck in stagnation: cohesion built on psychological safety and candid debate. She explores the dangerous trap of artificial harmony, illustrates how real trust accelerates decision-making and accountability through real-world high-stakes examples, and outlines actionable methods—including external assessments and psychometric profiling—to build a board culture that drives tangible business results. You'll Learn Why: Artificial harmony and conflict avoidance create a "polite paralysis" that leads to watered-down strategic decisions. Real cohesion is defined by open, constructive challenge and psychological safety rather than unanimous initial agreement. Strong boardroom trust significantly accelerates decision speed and eliminates the hidden costs of re-litigating old debates. True diversity of thought—combined with structured psychometric profiling—outperforms comfortable groupthink and drives superior commercial execution. Whether you're a founder, CEO, small business owner, entrepreneur, startup leader or executive, these lessons will help you make smarter hiring decisions and build a stronger, more successful business. 🚀 Want to accelerate your business growth? Join Rise Academy today and gain access to expert business coaching, leadership training, proven growth frameworks, live coaching sessions, and practical strategies designed to help you build a thriving business. About Jeannette Linfoot ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development.  Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

  7. Aug 18

    Why Successful Leaders Still Sabotage Themselves | Dave Callan (Man Utd, Team Sky, INEOS)

    In this inspiring episode, former corporate CMO turned executive performance coach Dave Callan shares how stepping away from high-profile executive roles and embracing extreme endurance challenges transformed his understanding of mindset, leadership, and personal growth. Exploring the intersection where presence meets progress, Dave discusses the courage required to navigate major career pivots, the power of stripping away external titles to build values-led identities, and why embracing discomfort is essential for long-term transformation.  From running multi-stage ultramarathons in the Amazon jungle to coaching founders through high-stakes transitions, Dave breaks down practical frameworks for shifting self-limiting beliefs, conquering procrastination, and aligning your daily actions with your future self. You'll Learn Why: Procrastination is almost always a fear-driven threat response rather than a lack of motivation or simple laziness. True courage cannot exist without the presence of fear, making moments of uncertainty your greatest opportunities for growth. Anchoring your self-worth to internal core values rather than external corporate titles gives you the resilience to successfully navigate major career transitions. Viewing life and leadership through the lens of your future self provides the objective clarity needed to make empowered, forward-facing decisions today. Whether you're a founder, CEO, small business owner, entrepreneur, startup leader or executive, these lessons will help you make smarter hiring decisions and build a stronger, more successful business. 🚀 Want to accelerate your business growth? Join Rise Academy today and gain access to expert business coaching, leadership training, proven growth frameworks, live coaching sessions, and practical strategies designed to help you build a thriving business. ABOUT THE GUEST Dave Callan is a high-impact leadership and performance coach with over two decades of experience operating at the highest levels of global sport and business. Having held C-suite and executive leadership roles at Manchester United, Team Sky, INEOS and Travel Counsellors, Dave now helps senior leaders and teams unlock exceptional performance through a unique blend of lived experience, elite coaching, mentorship and commercial pragmatism. He's the founder of ONTO Coaching, an identity-level performance coaching practice for executives, founders and CEOs, and a committed endurance athlete (Ironman and ultra-distance events) who applies the same standards to himself that he asks of his clients. FOLLOW DAVE CALLAN & ONTO COACHING: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-callan-3bb94413/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave_callan_onto/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveCallanONTO Website: https://onto-coaching.com/ About Jeannette Linfoot ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development.  Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

  8. Aug 14

    Why Leadership at the Top Is the Loneliest Job in Business

    Jeannette addresses a topic few leaders speak about openly: the intense isolation and weight of carrying top-level responsibility. Drawing from over 30 years of experience running global businesses, she breaks down why executive loneliness happens, the dangerous path to physical burnout when vulnerability is suppressed, and why relying solely on internal teams for support can blur crucial boundaries. Janette offers actionable wisdom on reframing isolation as a common leadership phase rather than a personal failing, illustrating how intentional, one-to-one mentorship provides the confidential space required to navigate high-stakes decisions effectively You'll Learn Why: Executive isolation naturally increases as your peer group shrinks, often trapping leaders in silence due to ego or the urge to protect their teams. Suppressing vulnerability to project constant strength can lead to severe physical burnout, impaired judgment, and strained personal relationships. Relying too heavily on your internal team for emotional support blurs crucial organizational boundaries and dilutes role clarity. Partnering with a dedicated one-to-one mentor provides the confidential, experienced environment needed to process tough choices and sustain long-term success. Whether you're a founder, CEO, small business owner, entrepreneur, startup leader or executive, these lessons will help you make smarter hiring decisions and build a stronger, more successful business. 🚀 Want to accelerate your business growth? Join Rise Academy today and gain access to expert business coaching, leadership training, proven growth frameworks, live coaching sessions, and practical strategies designed to help you build a thriving business. About Jeannette Linfoot ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development.  Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Brave Bold Brilliant is where business leaders, entrepreneurs and their teams come to be inspired, challenged and equipped with the tools for growth and success. Here on Brave Bold Brilliant podcast, Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first-hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

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