Fireside with Founders & Leaders

The Role of AI in Tech Leadership Ft Rafe Blandford

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert McSheehy welcomes Rafe Blandford, a seasoned technology leader with a rich background in mobile strategy and product innovation.Rafe shares his journey from the telco industry to leading teams at prominent agencies, shedding light on the importance of diversity and inclusion in building effective teams. The conversation delves into the impact of technology on society, the challenges of measuring outcomes, and the evolving role of technology leaders in the age of AI and digital transformation. 

How to Master Your Money Mindset Ft Sammie Ellard-King

In this episode of Fireside with Founders & Leaders, host Rupert sits down with Sammie from Gains App to explore his remarkable journey from struggling with debt to becoming a prominent voice in financial education. Sammie shares how he transformed his passion for finance into a successful content creation and tech business, aiming to bridge the information gap in personal finance. Tune in to discover the innovative features of the Gains App and Sammie's insights on improving financial literacy and awareness.Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammieellardking/(00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast (00:24) - - Welcoming Sammie to the Podcast (01:02) - - Sammie's Journey into Finance (01:46) - - Overcoming Debt and Finding Purpose (03:32) - - Transition to Financial Education (04:48) - - The Impact of COVID on Business Ideas (05:58) - - Building a Content Creation Business (07:38) - - The Importance of Financial Awareness (09:40) - - Discussion on University Debt (10:52) - - Understanding Good vs. Bad Debt (12:56) - - Shocking Financial Realities (14:13) - - The Advice Gap in Finance (16:40) - - Introduction to the Gains App (19:10) - - Features of the Gains App (21:40) - - Gamifying Financial Management (23:49) - - Pivotal Moments in Business Evolution (27:12) - - The Challenges of Building a Tech Company (29:26) - - Transition from Content to Tech (32:20) - - The Role of Content in User Acquisition (34:50) - - Hiring for a Tech Startup (40:39) - - Building a Collaborative Team Environment (43:25) - - Meeting and Working with Co-Founders (47:11) - - Effective Marketing Strategies (50:18) - - The Importance of Storytelling in Business (52:28) - - Navigating Noise on LinkedIn (54:04) - - The Future of AI in Content Creation (58:16) - - Balancing Life and Finances (01:01:52) - - Closing Thoughts and Messages

Inside Private Equity: Transformation, Pressure, and People with Anthee Merichovitis

Summary:In this episode of "Fireside with Founders and Leaders," host Rupert speaks with Anthee Merichovitis, Chief Business Transformation & Operations Officer at a private equity-backed firm. Anthee shares her unique career journey, the challenges of private equity, and the importance of empathy in leadership. Chapters:0:09 Introduction to Fireside with Founders and Leaders0:23 Welcoming Anthee Merichovitis3:24 Anthee's Career Path9:13 Transitioning to the UK12:19 Embracing Curiosity in a New Culture15:37 The Allure of Private Equity16:50 What Makes PE Attractive?21:37 Understanding the Chief of Staff Role27:51 The Transformation Officer's Journey37:30 Navigating People through Change45:01 Advice for Career Elevationhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthee-merichovitis/

Navigating the Complexities of Product Management with Gemma McCarthy-Maidment of ESG Book

Summary:In this engaging podcast episode, Gemma McCarthy-Maidment shares her career journey from product management to leading digital transformations in B2B data sales. She discusses the complexities of digital transformation, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the challenges of balancing sustainability with business needs. Gemma also emphasizes the significance of mentorship and advocacy for women in tech, highlighting the need for frameworks that support gender equality in the workplace. The conversation concludes with insights on preparing for the future of product management in an ever-evolving technological landscape.Chapters00:00 Intro06:12 Navigating the Job Market and Career Shifts08:22 Digital Transformation Challenges13:31 Leading with Empathy in Leadership16:34 Creating an Empowering Environment19:44 Frameworks in Product Management22:50 The Personal Journey to Sustainability25:58 Balancing Sustainability and Business Needs29:31 Mentorship and Advocacy for Women in Tech33:44 Inspiring Future Generations35:33 Challenges in Supporting Women in the Workplace37:49 Navigating Maternity and Career Ambitions45:23 Aligning International Teams51:54 Preparing for the Future of Product Leadershiphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gemmamaidment/https://www.linkedin.com/company/esgbook/

Designing the Future: Insights from Joel Gill of Experience Artisan

Summary:In this episode, Rupert and Joel Gill explore the multifaceted journey of design, leadership, and the importance of community in the design industry. Joel shares his unique path from engineering to design, emphasizing the need for solid leadership and craft legacy in nurturing future designers. They discuss the significance of localization, the role of design tools, and the challenges of managing global teams. Joel concludes with his personal framework for success, emphasizing the need for continuous growth in experience, expertise, and enthusiasm.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background03:13 Journey into Design and Engineering09:08 Transitioning to Design and Career Challenges11:56 Design in Finance and Building Capabilities14:20 Establishing a CX Community at Shell17:38 Bridging the Gap in Design Education22:29 Craft Legacy and Leadership in Design27:19 The Role of AI in Design30:43 Elevating Design through Tool Access31:34 Navigating Pushback and Justifying Design Investments34:38 The Role of Design in Organizational Structure36:17 Design Maturity and Digital Ecosystems39:46 Managing Global Teams and Collaboration42:48 Creating Community and Culture in Design47:07 Career Pathways and Professional Development49:16 The Importance of Leadership in Design51:08 The Value of Experience in Design54:57 Business Design and Organizational Change57:49 Personal Frameworks for Professional Growthwww.joelgill.com/www.linkedin.com/in/joelgillfrsa/