What It Takes with Olly Fawcett

Olly Fawcett
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What does it take to build something? What does building something take from you? In this podcast, we speak with the founders and owners of some of the most incredible brands and businesses to find out the truth about what it takes to build a brand from the ground up, and as founders what going through that process teaches you. Olly Fawcett is the founder of 303, a creative performance marketing agency working with premium brands. Over the last 10 years, he has spent time inside some amazing brands as they have grown and now is sharing those insights through What It Takes.

  1. 3D AGO

    From Banker to Stand-Up Comedian: The Story Behind the Success of Eshaan Akbar

    From Bollywood dance choreographer… to HSBC speechwriter… to one of the sharpest comics in the UK.Eshaan Akbar breaks down what stand-up actually teaches you: reading rooms, earning trust, surviving bad gigs, and why “bombing” is often an audience warm-up problem (his words… 😅).If you’ve ever felt like you’re starting late, pivoting careers, or trying to build confidence in rooms that weren’t made for you, this one lands.Chapters 00:00 Who is Eshaan Akbar?01:20 The pre-comedy life04:26 Why comedy started (a course, not a dream)05:51 Family, immigrant pressure, and dad’s support08:16 First open mic, March 201409:13 Mum’s sudden death + comedy becoming a lifeline14:27 Therapy 10 years later + what finally made him face it19:19 The grind years: unpaid gigs, long drives, learning every room29:24 Kings Lynn: the gig that turned ugly 41:38 How he writes: no scripts, built on-stage + reading rooms46:19 Crowd work, social media, and comedy’s new era58:32 Opening for Mickey Flanagan + the O2 arena realityFollow Eshaan: https://www.instagram.com/eshaanakbar/Follow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35

    1h 20m
  2. Tricks To Having a Consistently Creative Mind - Ben Hanlin

    04/02/2025

    Tricks To Having a Consistently Creative Mind - Ben Hanlin

    In this episode of What It Takes, we sit down with magician, TV presenter, and content creator Ben Hanlin to explore the magic behind creativity. From his journey breaking into the entertainment industry to starring in Tricked and captivating audiences worldwide, Ben shares the highs, the challenges, and the secrets that have fuelled his success. He also reveals practical tricks for unlocking creativity—whether you're a performer, entrepreneur, or just looking to bring more originality into your work. Follow Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hanlin-66508b142/ https://www.instagram.com/benhanlin/https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin?lang=en Follow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35

    1h 33m
  3. Starting a Market Leading Premium Brand from a Shed - Raissa De Hass

    03/26/2025

    Starting a Market Leading Premium Brand from a Shed - Raissa De Hass

    In this episode of What It Takes, we sit down with Raissa de Haas, the dynamic co-founder of Double Dutch Drinks, a brand that's taken the beverage industry by storm with its premium mixers. Raissa shares the incredible journey of how she and her twin sister, Joyce, started their business from scratch, turning a passion for craft cocktails into an award-winning drinks company. Raissa opens up about the challenges they faced as young entrepreneurs in a competitive market, from securing initial funding to scaling production while maintaining quality. She reveals the key moments that shaped their success, including building relationships with top-tier bartenders and creating a distinctive brand identity in a crowded space. Raissa also delves into what it truly takes to run a thriving drinks brand. From leading with innovation to staying resilient in the face of setbacks, she shares her top strategies for scaling sustainably, fostering a strong company culture, and continuing to push boundaries in the drinks industry. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or curious about the secrets behind building a globally recognised brand, this episode is filled with actionable insights on what it takes to succeed. Follow Raissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raissa-de-haas-02740a61/ https://www.instagram.com/doubledutchdrinks/?hl=en Follow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/ Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35

    1h 1m
  4. Claire Williams: What It REALLY Takes To Run Williams F1

    02/06/2025

    Claire Williams: What It REALLY Takes To Run Williams F1

    Williams F1 is a team full of history and success. They have also had their own struggles in their time as a business and as a Formula 1 team. When Claire Williams took over the team, she had some incredible success with the team in 2014/15, but as new regulations came into play, she was hit with many challenges. So what does it take to drive a Formula 1 team forward, in the hard times and the good times? Follow Claire: https://www.instagram.com/clairewilliams_official/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairewilliamsofficial/ Follow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/ Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35

    1h 45m
  5. 20 Years of Trial and Error to Find Success – Adam Byatt

    01/20/2025

    20 Years of Trial and Error to Find Success – Adam Byatt

    Adam has been through every challenge that chefs might have to go through, in order to find the level of success they are trying to hunt for. In this episode, Adam shares his journey of growing from Apprentice to Head Chef, to now operating 6 separate locations at the highest level. I learn't so much about sacrifice and dedication in this episode, and it was amazing to hear some of the day to day challenges that Adam overcame to get to each new stage of his career. Follow Adam: https://www.instagram.com/adambyatt/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/trinityclapham/?hl=en https://trinityrestaurant.co.uk/ Follow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/ Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35

    1h 49m
  6. How Her Condé Nast Experience Powered Lucy Cleland's Magazine Triumph

    01/13/2025

    How Her Condé Nast Experience Powered Lucy Cleland's Magazine Triumph

    Lucy started her publishing career at Conté Nast after landing her first role in their new client focussed publication department. After becoming bored of the lack of challenges Condé provided her she found her self on a ranch in America trying to write while living a peaceful life. Fast forward a few years, and just before the 2008 global economic crash, she launched a a magazine with her now husband, that is still running today, so how did she do it? Follow Lucy and Country & Town House: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-cleland/ https://www.instagram.com/countryandtownhouse/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@UCiE95hXklR6uGGDYL4ddHWw Follow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/ Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35

    1h 17m
  7. Finding Success with a Chaotic Creative Mind - Martyn Odell

    12/23/2024

    Finding Success with a Chaotic Creative Mind - Martyn Odell

    Martyn Odell has had one of the most interesting careers that we have had on the show. From being the lead in a live nudity comedy show as a 20 year old, to working inside Joe Wick's Bodycoach business, and now taking on the global issue of food waste. There isn't much that Martyn hasn't yet done! But how can someone like Martyn achieve so much, and continue to balance the scales of life, work and pure passion? We tried to find out. Follow Marytn: https://www.youtube.com/@UC2qIX8cVL5LY0ZqTz7BjMNg https://www.tiktok.com/@lagomchef https://www.instagram.com/lagomchef/ Follow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/

    1h 42m
  8. Why Many Great Chefs Fail to Master Management - Elliot Grover, Exec Chef at 45 Park Lane

    12/09/2024

    Why Many Great Chefs Fail to Master Management - Elliot Grover, Exec Chef at 45 Park Lane

    Elliott Grover joined us to share his incredible journey through the restaurant world. After leaving Cornwall at 15, he worked his way up to become Executive Chef at The Cut, Britain's best steak restaurant, while also creating the menu for The Oscars. He began at The Ivy, moved to Le Caprice during its prime, and spent eight years at London's famous seafood spot, Scott's. After running ten restaurants at The Ned and heading up Duck & Waffle, he was selected by Wolfgang Puck to lead the kitchen at 45 Park Lane and oversee the food for The Oscars.From Britain's finest kitchens, Elliott serves up amazing stories about food, leadership, and life in top restaurants. Follow Elliot & 45 Park Lane: https://www.instagram.com/elliottgrover/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliott-grover-8a175a51/ https://www.instagram.com/45parklane/?hl=en Follow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Elliot Grover 01:20 Growing Up Watching Rick Stein 03:00 16th Birthday in Le Caprice Kitchen 04:05 Career Move: Relocating to London 06:00 Inside Le Caprice 07:15 Elliot's First Day at Le Caprice 10:00 Working with Chef Lee Bull 15:16 Transition to Scott's Restaurant 17:08 Leadership in the Kitchen 19:00 Eight Years at Scott's: Lessons from a Long-Term Chef Position 24:30 Kitchen Management: How to Look After Your Culinary Team 30:00 Key Factors in Successful Kitchen Team Management 31:15 Public Misconceptions Of The Kitchen 34:05 Trust in the Kitchen 35:30 Poor Management at The Ned and Nick Jones 38:00 Food Quality at Duck and Waffle 40:02 Dealing with Pressure in the Kitchen 44:00 Landing the Dream Job: Interviewing for Wolfgang Puck's Team 47:30 Working with a World-Renowned Chef, Wolfgang 49:38 The Wolfgang Puck Philosophy 51:00 Cooking for the Stars: Elliot's Experience at the Oscars 53:00 What It Takes to Be an Exceptional Chef

    58 min
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About

What does it take to build something? What does building something take from you? In this podcast, we speak with the founders and owners of some of the most incredible brands and businesses to find out the truth about what it takes to build a brand from the ground up, and as founders what going through that process teaches you. Olly Fawcett is the founder of 303, a creative performance marketing agency working with premium brands. Over the last 10 years, he has spent time inside some amazing brands as they have grown and now is sharing those insights through What It Takes.

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