Confessions of an Entrepreneur

In this episode of Confessions of an Entrepreneur, Carl sits down with North East entrepreneur, author and CEO Sophie Milliken MBE, a founder who has built, scaled and successfully exited a business, and now dedicates much of her time to helping others achieve success in their own careers and ventures.Born and raised in the North East, Sophie shares the journey that led her to leave her role as Head of Graduate Recruitment at the John Lewis Partnership and return to the region to start her first business. What began as an entrepreneurial instinct soon developed into a fast-growing company, originally built with a business partner, which Sophie later sold to a private equity-backed acquirer.Sophie reflects on what that exit meant both financially and personally, and the realisation that the acquiring company’s purpose and direction differed from her own ambitions. After stepping away from the business, she went on to launch her next venture, Moja Group, where she now works with entrepreneurs and senior leaders to help them raise their profile and become recognised authorities in their industries.The conversation also explores Sophie’s experience as a single female founder and single mother, and the determination and sacrifices required to build a successful business while creating financial independence and opportunity for her daughter.Carl and Sophie discuss the challenges women can face in business, including moments earlier in her career where gender-based barriers were placed in her path. Sophie explains how confidence, experience and self-belief have enabled her to challenge those behaviours and advocate for change.Alongside running Moja, Sophie now dedicates significant time to supporting the North East business community. She serves as a non-executive director for a number of organisations and charities, including the North East Combined Authority and the Business and Innovation Centre, and is Chair of Smart Works North East, helping women across the region access opportunities through clothing, coaching and interview support.This inspiring episode explores ambition, resilience and the importance of staying true to your values in business. Sophie shares why integrity matters above all else and why success ultimately comes from being honest with yourself, backing your instincts and helping others succeed along the way.Connect with SophieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken/Website: Sophie Milliken MBEhttps://thisismoja.comConnect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of Confessions of an Entrepreneur, Carl sits down with entrepreneur, investor and BBC The Apprentice interviewer Linda Plant - a business leader whose career spans decades of building, scaling and exiting companies across many sectors.Many will recognise Linda as Sir Alan Sugar’s trusted aide and one of the programme’s most formidable interviewers, but behind the television persona is a founder who started from humble beginnings running a market stall and went on to create a major international importing and retail business.Linda shares how those early experiences shaped her instincts in business, teaching her the importance of selling, understanding your product and believing in what you offer. From those foundations she scaled a global operation, later selling the company, buying it back and eventually taking it public; a journey that demanded resilience, focus and relentless determination.Carl and Linda discuss what truly makes a strong business plan, the traits she looks for when interviewing The Apprentice finalists, and why clarity and confidence are essential for any entrepreneur seeking investment or growth.The conversation also explores the importance of honesty and integrity in business, not overselling yourself, not pretending to be something or someone you’re not, and having the courage to back yourself fully when making decisions.Linda reflects on the power of authenticity, explaining that long-term success often comes from trusting your instincts, staying true to your values and presenting your real self to the world.This is an insightful and practical episode offering lessons from one of the UK’s most experienced entrepreneurs, covering confidence, credibility and the mindset required to build sustainable success.Connect with LindaLinkedIn: Linda Plant | LinkedInWebsite: Linda PlantConnect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of Confessions of an Entrepreneur, Carl sits down with serial entrepreneur, business coach and mentor Mike Ames, a founder who has built, scaled and exited multiple businesses worth tens of millions of pounds, and now dedicates his time to helping other entrepreneurs achieve their own value events. Mike shares his journey from launching and growing his first business through to its eventual sale, including the profound personal and professional challenge of losing his business partner and unexpectedly stepping into the CEO role. Forced to learn fast and lead through adversity, the experience shaped his leadership philosophy and approach to decision-making. Applying those lessons to his second venture, Crimson, Mike explains how relentless clarity and “focus, focus, focus” became the defining strategy behind scaling successfully. He reflects on the power of marginal gains, consistency and compounding improvement, doing the same things slightly better over time to produce dramatically different outcomes. The conversation also explores a side of entrepreneurship rarely spoken about openly: the emotional aftermath of a successful exit. Mike discusses the anticlimax of selling a business, the reality that financial success alone does not create fulfilment, and the importance of purpose beyond the balance sheet. In a candid discussion, Mike speaks honestly about work-life balance, and the sacrifices entrepreneurs sometimes only recognise in hindsight, particularly the time missed with family while building a business. Now working as a coach and advisor to founders scaling their companies, Mike emphasises the importance of having support around you - mentors, coaches, partners and peers - people who can challenge, guide and listen through both setbacks and wins. This thoughtful and honest episode offers practical and personal lessons for founders at every stage of their journey, from start-up to scale-up and beyond exit.Connect with MikeLinkedIn: (2) Mike Ames | LinkedInWebsite: https://www.flair.co.uk/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this short end-of-season episode of Confessions of a…, Carl Swansbury takes a moment to say thank you to everyone who has tuned in, listened, shared and supported the podcast over the past year. Across the 2025 season, Confessions of a… has welcomed an inspiring mix of founders, leaders and entrepreneurs, each sharing their stories with honesty, humility and insight. This wrap-up episode brings together some of the standout moments and key lessons from the year, offering a snapshot of the ideas that have resonated most with listeners. We hear from Sara Davies on the reality of work–life balance and the importance of letting go of perfection, reminding us that life and business are a constant compromise, and that’s okay. Bill Scott reflects on why culture is the thing he is most proud of, reinforcing the idea that successful businesses are ultimately built around people. Kevin Fasting shares a powerful perspective on forgiveness and empathy in leadership, speaking candidly about maturity, compassion and the belief that people can change. Nigel Mills then brings the focus back to strategy, longevity and adaptability, highlighting the need to stay one step ahead in an ever-changing business landscape. The episode also revisits Helen Trueman-Howe’s honest reflection on redundancy as a catalyst for change, showing how adversity can often be the push that leads to growth, reinvention and new opportunity. The montage closes with Gary Goldsmith’s bold reminder that not fitting in can be a superpower, leaving listeners with a strong message about authenticity, individuality and embracing what makes you different.Together, these moments capture the heart of Confessions of a… – real conversations, real experiences and practical lessons from people who have built, led and learned along the way. As the podcast looks ahead to the 2026 season, Confessions of a… will continue to explore the realities of leadership, entrepreneurship and growth, with more honest conversations, fresh perspectives and new voices from across the business community. Carl and his team are already lining up a strong slate of guests, and the aim remains the same, to create space for thoughtful reflection, practical insight and stories that resonate long after the microphones are switched off. Whether you’ve followed every episode or dipped in along the way, thank you for being part of the Confessions of a… journey. Carl looks forward to welcoming you back for the next chapter in 2026.Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of a…’, Carl meets with businessman, politician, media commentator and charity campaigner, Andy Preston, an entrepreneur who places philanthropy and community at the heart of his personal ethos.Born in Middlesbrough, Andy has become one of the North East’s entrepreneurs who’s drive and enthusiasm for life and business, has not only made him successful, but helped him be in position to make important contributions to society.An investor in a number of start-up businesses and commercial property schemes, Andy has also had a career in politics, holding the position of Deputy Mayor of Tees Valley for Business Growth and the directly elected Mayor of Middlesbrough.After a career in the RAF, Andy studied at Edinburgh University before working as an international fund manager becoming involved in several charities before founding the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation in 2011.He launched his second charity, CEO Sleepout, in 2013 to alleviate homelessness and poverty, which continues to hold successful events across the country.Andy went on to launch a charity restaurant in Middlesbrough, The Fork in the Road, providing employment opportunities for ex-offenders, recovering addicts and long-term unemployed.As someone who hates to conform, likes to rebel or being told what to do, Andy has run his life to the beat of his own drum, which has been a fundamental part of his business and life success.Andy and Carl talk frankly about the decisions Andy has made in his life and the passion for helping people and his community that has driven him to never be satisfied with his achievements and strive for greater success that helps others, and all the activities that give him happiness.This is a very fascinating and revealing episode of Confessions of an Entrepreneur, which offers some interesting life and business lessons from an entrepreneur who’s wanted to achieve as much as possible, in as little time as possible, while taking nothing for granted.Connect with AndyLinkedIn: Andy Preston | LinkedInWebsite: www.ceosleepout.co.ukConnect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of a…’, Carl discovers a unique, moving and inspiring story from entrepreneur and North East personality Anthony Hutton.Best known as the winner of TV’s Big Brother, Anthony has also had a successful career in business. From his humble beginnings in the North East, and despite not succeeding at school, he was always ambitious. With his heart set on a career as a professional footballer, which didn’t materialize he was looking for a break to set his life on a better path. That path led him to not only appearing on Channel 4’s Big Brother, but actually winning the programme, which was his clear objective from the moment he was accepted on the reality show.It gave him the platform he wanted for success. Although not knowing what success would look like, it did make him a celebrity. However, fame doesn’t always last, and in Anthony’s case it didn’t and caused him to lose pretty much everything. This was another opportunity in his life where Anthony learned from adversity while battling depression and personal trauma when cancer affected his family.He found a purpose by training to become a barber, building a business and a new support network, while also helping others who had experienced mental health issues as he had.This led to a new business, Never Throw In the Towel, to provide support and coaching for people with mental health challenges.Anthony’s open and honest conversation with Carl offers real insight into his personal and professional challenges, which makes for a fascinating listening experience, offering both inspiration and plenty of food for thought.Connect with AnthonyLinkedIn: Anthony Hutton | LinkedInWebsite: Never Throw In The Towel Project | Darlington | FacebookConnect with CarlLinkedIn: Carl Swansbury FCA | LinkedInWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of a…’ Carl sits down with Kevin Fasting to discover an entrepreneurial story that is weighted heavily by selflessness and influenced by a tragic family experience.Born and raised in Liverpool, serial entrepreneur Kevin has founded and invested in a large portfolio of businesses, also supporting a number of first-time founders in building their enterprises. His businesses include recruitment, technology and legal firms under the banner of the Kevin Edward Group.Kevin’s story is one of optimism and hard work, which has been motivated by his ‘why’ - to support and provide for the people around him.With a working-class upbringing in 1980s Liverpool, Kevin’s background has shaped his outlook, working hard to be able to give his family a better life.Thinking it might be football that would give him the route to success, Kevin found, when that didn’t materialise, a new way to achieve his ‘why’ to progress beyond his surroundings, leaving for university to gain new skills and experiences.However, during his first year at Leeds Beckett University, Kevin’s dad, who he held up as his hero, and had always suffered with his mental health, went missing. More than 20 years later he still hasn’t been found.A job in recruitment, which led to him becoming managing director of a 40-strong division within a year, was followed by setting up his own recruitment business. The original motivation was to generates funds from this business to advertise on bus stops to bring his dad home, and subsequently to help his mum and other family members retire.Kevin takes Carl on an intimate and fascinating journey through his life and career, revealing important lessons that he’s applied to his entrepreneurial journey and helped him through his personal challenges.This moving and highly insightful episode offers inspiration and insight for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs who can benefit from hearing Kevin’s experiences and motivations.Connect with KevinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinfasting/Website: https://kevinedwardgroup.com/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl sits down with global recruitment specialist Steve Rawlingson. Founder of Samuel Knight, Steve overcame a challenging childhood to become a trailblazer in the recruitment industry, carving a significant niche in the international renewable energy sector. He has embraced ADHD as a ‘superpower’ to drive him to the success he is achieving and talks frankly about how the condition impacts and influences his life, and entrepreneurial spirit. Having left school with no qualifications and little idea of the direction he wanted to take, Steve opens up about the decisions he made and the opportunities that enabled him to set up, scale and grow his international business, including securing significant investment from private equity firm, Gresham House Ventures. In this fascinating episode Steve reveals his ‘why’ and what drives him, balancing business with being a dad, and, and how despite having not gained a single GCSE, his latest achievement, which is an academic one, is one of his proudest. Carl and Steve also delve into what makes an entrepreneur and how to overcome challenges to build businesses and achieve personal and professional success. This insightful and engaging episode is a must listen for anyone that is scaling up their own business and shows how self-belief, resilience and challenging yourself can drive entrepreneurs to success. Connect with Steve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenrawlingson/ Website: https://www.samuel-knight.com/ Connect with Carl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/ This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl sits down with the North East ‘super connector’ Paul Lancaster.The man behind the hugely successful UK Start Up and Scale Up Week, held earlier this year, Paul is a highly charged entrepreneur, driven to help others succeed in business.Focussed, creative, tenacious and brave, all of Paul’s career has been focussed on starting up, scaling and developing different businesses, across a range of sectors, whilst helping other entrepreneurs do the same.Having led a top-level early career working for corporate organisations such as Sage and British Airways, alongside privately owned firms including Nigel Wright Recruitment, Paul has also been involved in a number of start-up enterprises, including his current business, Stellar Business Events.Established in 2024, alongside North East-based investor and former ‘Confessions’ guest, Neil Stephenson, the business, organises a wide range of networking and knowledge-filled events, across the North and Scotland, all designed to support and inspire entrepreneurs.During their chat, Carl delves into what inspires Paul to inspire others and what he believes successful entrepreneurs have in common. This is a truly fascinating, thought provoking and engaging podcast, highlighting the lessons Paul’s learnt when scaling many businesses, which he now shares with other likeminded entrepreneurs, along with the importance of network and strategic business development.This is a must-listen episode for any aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs, as well as those scaling their enterprise.Connect with PaulLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lordlancaster/Website: https://ukstartupweek.com/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this latest episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl chats with one of North East England’s best-known businesspeople, Bill Scott OBE DL.Often the ‘voice for business’ in the region, Bill has become a highly recognised ambassador in the North East and is a champion of entrepreneurialism and philanthropy.As the CEO of Wilton Engineering, which builds large, complicated structures for the offshore and defence industries, Bill talks about how he set out to be the pulse of the business, empowering others to help deliver success, emphasising the importance of establishing the right workplace culture, which can be the difference between a good business and a great business.Bill talks with Carl about his journey which started out with ambitions to be a chef, but was switched to engineering after a sliding doors moment on a basketball court.This took Bill down the apprenticeship route, which has had a resounding impact on his life and career, placing apprentice training at the very heart of his business, including the opening of an academy on his extensive 113-acre site on the banks of the River Tees in Middlesbrough.Bill and Carl also delve into the value of mentorship and why he commits lots of his time to mentoring companies, as well as his extensive charity roles.This is a fascinating and engaging episode, highlighting Bill’s inspiring story and his refreshing approach to business, which is a must listen for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs.Connect with BillLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-scott-obe-dl-34106922/Website: https://www.wiltonengineering.co.uk/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl sits down with enigmatic entrepreneurial charity fundraiser Sergio Petrucci MBE. Founder and CEO of North East England-based Red Sky Foundation, which each year raises millions of pounds to help people with heart defects and life threatening illnesses, Sergio also has a number of other business interests. A true life saver, who was awarded the MBE by King Charles for his significant contribution to charity, Sergio opens up about growing up in an entrepreneurial family and how that has imprinted on his life and career. Sergio gives a no-hold-barred and no-nonsense perspective on his business and life story, highlighting some of the challenges he faced, early on, when pursuing his career, how he deals with setbacks on the shadow of imposter syndrome. He talks with Carl about the importance of following your dreams rather than chasing wealth, along with his ‘why’ and his selfless drive to do great things for great people, and North East region.This thoroughly entertaining, thought provoking and sometimes emotional episode is a must listen as Carl helps listeners find out more about this inspiring, charismatic and conversational character. Connect with SergioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergio-petrucci-mbe-%E2%9D%A4%EF%B8%8F-347b034a/Website: https://redskyfoundation.com/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl chats with Nigel Mills CBE, a champion for business and entrepreneurialism in the North of England.Like Carl, Nigel began his career as a Chartered Accountant. He qualified at PriceWaterhouseCoopers before leaving to buy an independent convenience store business, which he scaled to a portfolio of 77 stores, before selling it to Tesco PLC.After selling, Nigel set up, developed and subsequently sold highly regarded The Lakes Distillery, which was acquired by English sparkling wine producer, Nytimber in a deal, which valued The Lakes Distillery at £71 million.Nigel was one of the founders of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and is a trusted advisor, Non-Executive Director, mentor and investor.Nigel talks to Carl about how he switched from a plan to be a professional golfer to become an accountant after his grandfather passed away, before landing a place at PwC. He covers the highs and lows of his business career, the importance of sport in his life, the range of investment and mentoring opportunities he is regularly offered and how he decides which ones to pursue, and invest in.This educational and thought-provoking episode highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with the experience and expertise of others, coupled with persistency when pursuing ambitious entrepreneurial endeavours.Connect with NigelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-john-mills-cbe-6a555042/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl chats with inspiring global recruitment specialist Steve Carter. Australian entrepreneur, who has been in the UK for almost 30 years, Steve rose from recruitment industry novice to a CEO position and subsequently become a board advisor helping firms in the sector from start-ups, scale-ups and those looking to internationalise their operations. An accidental recruiter and accidental ‘Aussie export’, having only originally planned to be in the UK for two years, Steve has made Britain his home and the base for his entrepreneurial endeavours. He began his career with Hays Global, as a candidate and was offered a job as a recruiter, thus beginning a journey that took him to the other side of the world, falling in love with the UK. After climbing the ladder with a number of corporate firms, Steve became CEO of Robert Half UK, before making the move to run his own business, acquiring a London-based agency, which he, and an investor, scaled, buying a plc in a ‘take private’ deal and rebranding the collective group, Morgan McKinley Recruitment. Steve talks in this podcast about the inspiration that led him to a career in recruitment, (and how she became his wife), and how he earned the focus that gave him the financial independence and drive to take his career forward.This insightful and engaging episode highlights and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurialism, when is it time to exit and what happens next. Connect with SteveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevecarter2/Website: https://www.thesatoripartnership.com/ Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of a CEO’, Carl sits down with straight-talking, networking and recruitment specialist entrepreneur Helen Trueman-Howe.Helen is the co-founder of Northeast Network, a thriving networking hub in North East England, and the founder and Managing Director of Heels & Brogues Group, which specialises in recruiting talent across manufacturing, engineering, renewables, HVAC and professional services.A reunion of secondary school friends, Helen and Carl reminisce about growing up in Sunderland and how her formative years in education had no bearing on her future success.Rather than sitting her GCSEs, Helen was working in a tampon factory and from there built a ‘streetwise’ education that actually led her to securing a place at university, setting the tone for a very interesting and varied career path that has seen her succeed in entrepreneurship.Helen talks in this podcast, as she does in life, with her heart on her sleeve, covering everything from ADHD and imposter syndrome versus self-belief, to the opportunities and challenges of self-employment and business ownership.This insightful and entertaining episode highlights how the dynamism of entrepreneurship, building networks and how you can make your own fate in life and business, can transform challenges into opportunities and turn bold ideas into lasting success.Connect with HelenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-trueman-howe-528469121Websites: https://northeastnetwork.co.uk/ & https://hbgrecruitment.com/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of a…’, Carl has a unique entrepreneur in the hot-seat; broadcaster, TedTalk speaker, author, comedian, impressionist, artist and business founder, Alfie Joey. Having spent 15 years practicing as a priest in his native North East, Alfie made the decision to take a unique path that has led to him being behind a BBC microphone, becoming a successful comedian, compering large and high-profile events, a speaking coach and even the Britain’s Got Talent stage! Alfie talks about how the microphone is the tool of his trade and helps make him the #speakeasyguy to enable people from all walks of life, particularly in business, enhance their communication skills. This highly engaging, often hilarious and consistently insightful episode highlights how creative skills can be the foundation for a business but also used by those in business to be more successful. Listeners will discover why people say ‘Alfie Joey makes you appreciate being alive’ and his infectious passion for life and for helping people. Connect with AlfieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfie-speakeasyguy-joey/Website: https://alfiejoey.com/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of Confessions of a CEO, Carl sits down with the fascinating and sometimes controversial Gary Goldsmith. A multi-millionaire from his business career in IT recruitment, Gary is known to most people as uncle to Catherine, Princess of Wales and the first evictee from the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2024. However, his story goes much deeper than that and in this detailed and frank conversation with Carl, Gary reveals the challenges and struggles of his life, that have included a police conviction and drug issues. Gary shares his personal and professional journey through the highs and lows of his life, and talks about his current business enterprise, RDLC Pirates, which he co-founded and is CEO. The RDLC is the leading global network for recruitment CEOs, MDs, founders, shareholders and directors. For the inside track on one of business’ most colourful characters who gives a very open and honest account of his life, this episode is a must-listen! Connect with GaryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garygoldsmith/Website: https://www.rdlcpirates.com/ Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode, Carl Swansbury chats with Paul Cheetham Karcz, founder and Managing Partner of Sedulo, to discuss his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to building a respected and privately owned independent accounting advisory business.Paul shares how his working-class background and early education shaped his ambition and fuelled his drive to build a successful business. He reveals why attitude beats process every time, why workplace culture isn't just a buzzword, and how a little bit of honest feedback (even when brutal) can be a game-changer for personal and professional development.As a passionate advocate for creating opportunities, Paul also highlights his foundation's mission to support underprivileged children, reinforcing that success should have a purpose beyond business.The conversation also explores identity, legacy, and the delicate balance between business and family life. Paul's shares powerful insights on self-awareness, resilience, and the importance of building trust within teams.If you're looking for motivation, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on leadership, this episode is for you.Connect with Paul:Website: https://sedulo.co.uk/team/paul-cheetham-karcz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-cheetham-karcz/Connect with Carl:Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of Confessions of a CEO, Carl chats with internationally renowned keynote speaker and author, Geoff Ramm.Geoff’s journey is one of grit, creativity, and an unwavering passion for exceptional customer experiences. From his humble beginnings in the North East of England to running a successful agency, OMG Marketing, and becoming a globally sought-after speaker, he understands the power of delivering celebrity-level service.Geoff shares why treating every customer like a VIP isn’t just a nice-to-have but the secret sauce to business success. He also opens up about the evolution of his business focus from marketing to customer experience consultancy.If you're looking for inspiration, motivation, and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen!Connect with GeoffLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/customerservicespeaker/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://www.geofframm.com/ Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

Ever wished you could get some top business tips from a real-life Dragon? Carl Swansbury sits down with TV star and business icon Sara Davies to delve into her extraordinary journey from launching her crafting business Crafters' Companion, to becoming a household name in our stores and on our screens. Sara opens up about her entrepreneurial triumphs, the challenges she faced in overcoming self-doubt, and her unwavering passion for helping others embark on their own business ventures. Her journey has even led her to the Den, where she’s inspired and invested in countless entrepreneurs. Together, Carl and Sara explore the resilience and innovation behind successful business ownership, including the secrets you'll need to fuel your own entrepreneurial aspirations. This is an episode NOT to be missed. Connect with Sara:Website: https://sara-davies.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-davies-mbe-7406854/?originalSubdomain=uk Connect with CarlWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode Carl Swansbury sits down with entrepreneur Peter Kirkham. A former professional footballer, Peter built a property portfolio before losing it all and being declared bankrupt due to the ‘credit crunch’. He bounced back to build a successful business which he sold for millions of pounds just a few years later.This is a fascinating insight into the challenges of overcoming adversity in business to become successful for the second time.

In this episode Carl sits down with serial entrepreneur and investor Jeremy Middleton. Co-founder of the multi-billion-pound Homeserve, Jeremy established a private equity business, Middleton Enterprises, supporting founder-led entrepreneurial businesses across a range of sectors including tech, hospitality and leisure. During the podcast Jeremy tells his story and offers insight into business success, and advice to start-ups, growing enterprises and the investment landscape for firms targeting growth.

In this latest episode, Carl sits down with Lucy Armstrong, one of the North’s most successful chairpersons. She supports CEOs and boards of a range of businesses across the public and private sectors, as well as not-for-profit organisations.She is also CEO of The Alchemists, a boutique consultancy focused on supporting fast-growing entrepreneurial businesses. Currently chair of a number of companies and organisations including the Port of Tyne and Everflow, Lucy has a significant amount of experience helping CEOs scale businesses.Lucy has a high level of interest and knowledge in helping CEOs to become leaders over managers and helping to create more successful sustainable and successful businesses.

In this latest episode, Carl chats with successful businessman and Non-Exec Director Mark Dixon, From the beginnings of his career with Rolls Royce through to starting his own business, which went through two private equity transactions before eventually being sold to Costain.Having then, unsuccessfully trying to retire, Mark continued his business life working as interim chair, a NED and interim CEO of several enterprises, he gives a detailed and fascinating insight into his career and what inspires him to work with boards, shareholder groups and management teams.

In this episode, Carl chats with Kevin Beales, the founder and CEO of MySalesCoach, the expert sales coach, which is offered as a subscription service.Kevin gives an insightful look into his entrepreneurial career, providing a very interesting and highly personal view on taking a business from start up to sale and the sometimes emotional stories that come with that process.

In this episode, Carl Swansbury chats with Professor Nick Bacon, Professor of Human Resource Management, Bayes Business School, City, University of London and Professor Kim Hoque, Professor of Human Resource Management, King’s Business School, King’s College London. The academics discuss how leveraged buy outs and not only how they benefit Senior Management Teams and workforces, and some of the key differences between leveraged MBOs, funded by private equity or those funded by debt. They also discuss the impact leveraged buyouts have on the workforce and the cultural changes they can bring.

In this episode Carl chats with Joanna Kingston-Davies, the co-founder of the MAPD Group, which powers the growth of local law firms nationally, through acquisition.Following more than 20 years in leadership and management roles within the legal sector in both France and the UK, she set up the MAPD Group in 2020.In her conversation with Carl, she tells a very personal and fascinating story about her life and career and how she, through the business, aims to make a positive difference for its people, clients and communities.

Andy has been an MD and CEO in a variety of businesses throughout his career, before more recently pursue a career in becoming a NED and advise to a number of high growth, predominantly privately owned businesses.He tells Carl about his transition from full time MD to NED, that many people look to try and achieve and in this episode he gives his insight into that journey and what others can learn from his experiences.

In this episode Carl sits down with Jo Whitfield, fund director at FW Capital.  Jo has built a successful business in the North East of England within FW Capital providing much needed funding to privately owned, high growth, aspirational SMEs as they make their next steps in their scale-up journeys.They discuss Jo’s career history, what drives her and her passion for helping SME’s achieve their growth ambitions.  

CEO of Shard Credit Partners, Alastair Brown has a wealth of experience is supporting the growth of SMEs. He founded the direct lending fund, which provides transformational capital to SMEs. Carl and Alistair have worked closely on a range of business transactions, including MBOs and MBIs, and helping business fund growth, but in this episode they go deep into Alastair’s background, to discover why he went from big corporate institution to setting up a small and dynamic direct lending fund. They also discuss his aspirations and ambitions as an individual as the leader of a business that is focused on achieving growth for SMEs.

Charlie Hoult is one of the North of England’s most prolific and successful entrepreneurs.  A specialist in leadership, investment finance, strategy, entrepreneurship, tech and marketing, Charlie speaks to Carl about his fascinating career and his core beliefs to create, challenge and drive, which has helped not only his businesses, but others he supports.

Ian Kinnery is the Scale Up Coach.  Since 2005, he’s been helping business leaders to grow themselves and their businesses with highly personalised coaching solutions that guarantee results.As a Scaling Up certified coach with over three decades of personal experience starting and scaling businesses, Ian has, in this episode, volumes of advice and experience to share with listeners.

In this episode Carl speaks to Michael Hall, CEO of eQS Group.  Interesting ind 10 years a Barclays before choosing to treain to become a qualified accountant, which enabled him to move into a Finance Director role at a facilities management business before more recently becoming CFO and now CEO of eQS Group, which is a leading national equality, inclusion and diversity consultancy.It’s not common for CFO’s to make the move to become CEO, so Carl gains an insight into Michael’s journey and how he managed a significant acquisition programme.

Carl chats with Gary Lumby MBE, one of the most prolific Non-Execs in the North of England.  As MD of Focus on Success Ltd he acts as a Non-Executive Chairman or Director  for several SMEs in the North East, Yorkshire and London.He also runs three other family businesses and mentors on the Goldman Sach 10000 Small Business Programme.In this episode Carl delves into Gary’s life and career to discover what drives him, how he helps SMEs and what advice he has for small business owners.

Carl sits down with Neil Stephenson, a highly experienced NED who helps tech founders unlock their potential and build great businesses as a coach, investor and advisor. Neil helped build and subsequently sell IT Services business Onyx  and has gone on to become a serial investor, NED and board advisor working with a range of businesses. He tells the story behind his entrepreneurial career….