CEO Stories
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
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Top 10 CEO Stories Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best CEO Stories episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to CEO Stories for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite CEO Stories episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Raphael Sofoluke | Channelling frustration and inspiration to start the UK Black Business Show
CEO Stories
04/30/23 • 30 min
Entrepreneur and author Raphael Sofoluke founded the UK Black Business Show from a place of "frustration and inspiration".
The show has doubled in size since 2017 and has expanded into other parts of the UK - with the Birmingham edition returning to the NEC on Saturday 17 June, 2023.
In this episode of CEO Stories, Raphael talks to Henrietta Brealey about what inspired him to create a platform for Black entrepreneurs and business owners, what he learned during the transition from his previous career into a full-time entrepreneur and why the show's expansion into Birmingham was an important step.
As well as being an entrepreneur, Raphael is also a published author - having released the book 'Twice As Hard: Navigating Black Stereotypes And Creating Space For Success' with his wife Opeyemi.
He tells Henrietta about the work that went into the book, including attracting some high-profile contributors.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is a strategic media partner of the 2023 Birmingham Black Business Show - find out more and book tickets.
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06/30/24 • 50 min
Wade Lyn gave supermarket bosses food for thought by introducing them to the Jamaican patty.
The Jamaican-born entrepreneur owns Hockley-based Cleone Foods which produces Island Delight, the UK’s biggest selling Jamaican patty which is stocked on most major supermarkets.
In this episode, he talks to Henrietta about his role in spicing up the UK food market by introducing the Caribbean culinary staple to a new audience.
Wade, a former High Sheriff of the West Midlands, also reveals how his approach to business was influenced by his entrepreneurial parents and his athletics career, where he had the opportunity to observe track and field stars such as Steve Cram and Steve Ovett up close.
Key topics:
· Wade's upbringing in Jamaica
· Moving to Smethwick in the 1960s
· First job working at his parents' petrol station
· His athletics career
· Developing his entrepreneurial mindset
· How he started Cleone Foods
· His ability to "see into the future"
· The importance of mentoring during his career
· His various roles and accolades outside of business
More about Cleone Foods/Island Delight:
Website: https://www.island-delight.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleone-foods-limited/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islanddelightuk
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you.
Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally.
We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
1 Listener
Paul Thandi | How we woke a sleeping giant
CEO Stories
10/02/22 • 46 min
In the final episode of Season One, NEC Group chief executive Paul Thandi discusses his distinguished career in the leisure and entertainment industry.
Thandi tells Henrietta Brealey that joining the organisation – initially as commercial director – was like “lifting the lid on 1,000 flowers and letting them bloom”.
We hear about his role in transforming the NEC Group into one of Europe’s leading leisure and entertainment operations by shifting to a customer-centric, data-led approach, while increasing its portfolio of businesses.
Thandi describes the challenge of steering the group through several changes of ownership – and dealing with the impact of the pandemic in one of the hardest-hit industries.
He also provides an insight into what is next for the NEC Group under its ‘work, rest, live and play’ vision.
CEO Stories will return for Season Two in January 2023
Find out more about the NEC Group:
https://www.necgroup.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/thenecgroup
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nec-group
1 Listener
03/05/23 • 60 min
Ian Reid is the man who oversaw delivery of Birmingham’s golden summer.
The chief executive of the 2022 Commonwealth Games joins Henrietta Brealey to provide his perspective on leading an organisation which mushroomed from a start-up into a workforce of thousands in a short space of time - before dissolving in the aftermath of the sporting extravaganza.
Reid discusses overcoming some of the well-publicised challenges around the Games - including a shorter delivery time after Birmingham replaced Durban as the host city, the threat posed by Covid-19 and recruitment difficulties.
We also hear about his favourite Birmingham 2022 moments, what he would like to see as a legacy of the Games and what he plans to do next.
Find out more about Birmingham 2022:
https://www.birmingham2022.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Birmingham2022/
https://twitter.com/birminghamcg22
https://www.instagram.com/birminghamcg22/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/birmingham-2022-commonwealth-games/
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01/03/22 • 45 min
From market trading to hairdressing and working as a private detective, Sheila Brown has had an extremely varied career.
But, as a parent with two disabled sons, she took her most important career step in 1991 by co-founding Newlife, The Charity for Disabled Children (previously the Birth Defects Foundation) after deciding “something had to change”.
Fast-forward three decades and Cannock-headquartered Newlife employs nearly 600 staff, working across a vast commercial retail operation and the charitable side of the business which seeks to ensure disabled and terminally ill children have access to vital equipment and support.
Sheila talks to Henrietta about the charity’s extraordinary journey, surviving and adapting through the pandemic and how a people-centric approach is at the core of the organisation.
Find out more about Newlife
https://newlifecharity.co.uk/https://twitter.com/Newlifecharityhttps://www.facebook.com/newlifethecharityhttps://www.instagram.com/newlifethecharity/
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Simon Caulton | One step at a time...
CEO Stories
01/03/22 • 31 min
Simon Caulton’s life changed forever when his seven-month old daughter Mia was diagnosed with infantile Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2017.
The story behind his leisure trainers brand Ones is one of strength, courage and learning how to take things ‘one step at a time’.
Simon opens up to Henrietta about how the trauma of Mia’s life-threatening illness and his personal mental health battles inspired him to launch Ones.
He reveals the people who supported and inspired him along the way and describes how the brand’s credentials are driven by his desire to “give something back”.
Find out more about Ones:
https://ones.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/ones_leisure_trainershttps://www.facebook.com/Ones-Leisure-Trainers-115378589846979/
1 Listener
02/04/24 • 34 min
Zoe Bennett’s life changed forever when her father Errol was brutally murdered in 2011.
After a long battle to achieve justice, she channelled her experiences into forging a successful career as an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author and founder of the Multicultural Business and Community Champion (MBCC) Awards.
In this episode of CEO Stories, the self-styled Motivational Queen shares her remarkable story with Henrietta Brealey – from her early roles working in market stalls and kebab shops, to overcoming traumas and setbacks to make it on her own in the world of business.
Zoe, who is managing director of her own firm Training Personified, also tells us about the recognition she received for inspiring disadvantaged individuals and shares her top tips for networking.
Key topics:
- How did Zoe take positives from something as traumatic as her father's murder?
- What inspired Zoe to start the MBCC Awards?
- How did she find the experience of starting up on her own in business?
- Why did she choose to focus on working with 'hard to reach' groups?
- What does Zoe wish people and businesses understood better about the people she supports?
- What are the highlights of her career as a motivational speaker?
- What are her top networking tips and what are the common mistakes she sees people make?
More information on Zoe Bennett and Training Personified:
https://motivationalqueen.com/
https://trainingpersonified.com/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Henrietta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB
About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:
We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.
Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.
We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.
At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.
We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
About this episode:
CEO Stories delves into some of the most challenging experiences our guests have faced, as well as their successes.
This episode contains references to violent crime and mental health challenges.
1 Listener
Welcome to CEO Stories
CEO Stories
12/23/21 • 0 min
CEO Stories is a podcast series that delves into the stories behind some of the Greater Birmingham region's leading or up-and-coming CEOs. The series is hosted by Henrietta Brealey, who in 2021 became the youngest CEO in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's 208-year history. Listen to find out what makes some of the region's finest leaders tick, who inspired them and what advice they would offer to aspiring CEOs.
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02/06/22 • 51 min
Beverly Lindsay is a self-confessed “accidental businesswoman” who has faced more than her fair share of adversity.
Since arriving in Birmingham from Jamaica as a teenager, she has encountered personal struggles, family tragedy and significant threats to her business.
But the Diamond Travel founder has shown resilience in abundance to overcome those challenges and become a prominent West Midlands business figure – while also helping to break down barriers within her own community.
As well as running a successful travel company, she has been honoured by the Queen and the Jamaican government for her community work and served as Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands.
“It’s in my DNA to fight,” says Beverly, when reflecting on an eventful life and career.
CEO Stories delves into some of the most challenging experiences our guests have faced, as well as their successes.
Part of this episode explores experiences of poor mental health and suicide.
If you are impacted by these themes, you can find resources and information on where to go for support via the mental health charity Mind at www.mind.org.uk
Find out more about Diamond Travel:
https://diamondtravel.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/DiamondTravelBirmingham/
https://twitter.com/DiamondTravelU1
https://www.instagram.com/diamond___travel/
1 Listener
09/03/23 • 41 min
Jason Wouhra has a saying about family businesses – “it’s like being in the mafia – once you’re in, you can’t get out!”
Jason is the chief executive of Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd, a ‘carve-out’ of the renowned East Ends Foods brand which was started by his father and uncles in the 1960s.
In this episode, he tells Henrietta about building on his family’s legacy by making his own mark on the business – despite initially having aspirations to be a lawyer.
It’s a career that began stacking shelves on the warehouse floor as a young boy and eventually led to him negotiating the company's sale and subsequent buy-back of the wholesale arm.
Jason also opens up about the complexities of working in a family business, the mentor who helped him find clarity regarding his career goals and what the future holds for Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd.
Find out more about Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lioncroft-wholesale-ltd/
https://www.lioncroftwholesale.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/LionCroft2023
Follow Jason Wouhra:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drwouhra/
https://twitter.com/DrWouhra
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FAQ
How many episodes does CEO Stories have?
CEO Stories currently has 36 episodes available.
What topics does CEO Stories cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on CEO Stories?
The episode title 'Jason Wouhra | Continuing the legacy of a family business' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on CEO Stories?
The average episode length on CEO Stories is 39 minutes.
How often are episodes of CEO Stories released?
Episodes of CEO Stories are typically released every 28 days, 1 hour.
When was the first episode of CEO Stories?
The first episode of CEO Stories was released on Dec 23, 2021.
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