They have a focus on women, disadvantaged to get into tech roles. Supports future talent pools. Can also upskill existing staff. They leverage 1% levy to gift the training or just pay £800 (5%).
Mistakes - be aware of burnout; need to step away to see things more clearly; and don't be afraid of growth.
Routine - meditate and journal daily but does not beat herself up if she misses a day. Tries to leave by 5pm.
Admires Richard Branson, Simon Sinek, Brenda Brown but also learns from friends.
Next 5yrs - clear plan for next 3yrs; broken down into 12 month plans.
Employee lessons - it took a long time to get the team where it is now. Didn't want to give up control. Grew, then shrunk, then grew to where stable after lots of training.
AI facilitates productivity gains but still need someone to review & fact check.
Books - loves the Alchemist and Start with Why.
Tips - learning to grow a team and let go of the fear. Now grows teams. Would now do that from the beginning.
£100m? - would build loads of schools to change the education system. Should support curiosity and play.
Lessons - focus on the numbers and KPIs; clarity for staff; put in the foundation so staff can support you; ask for support when you need it; build a community.
Connect with Dimple on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimplekhagram/?originalSubdomain=uk
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Started as an interpreter in English & Spanish from Arabic. Worked in tourism and later did a Masters in Languages.
Likes a routine. He prays before sunset; likes to write, review, then business, then assist staff, then nap for 30 mins.
Success - it is not just about the money but the message and mission.
Admires people like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Jess Bezos etc.
Next 5yrs - have a plan to work in 5 continents; currently in 3. Want to go to north & south America. Want to develop the most advanced technology.
Employees - it is challenging. Most clients want the work done asap. We have to do multiple checks and revisions. Our core value is quality. AI is a great tool but not new. It is better in the lest 12 months but still needs human checks.
Books - 5 O'clock Club; 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Vision - to make AI better and to have the first Islamic language AI.
Tips - develop and change; make a custom field and make the best of tech; cope with any change.
Connect with Hossam Ash-Sharqawy on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hossam-ash-sharqawy-141b1116/?originalSubdomain=uk
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Nadim grew up in Africa, Caribbean and Ireland
He is a Psychologist - so loves to understand why people do the things and how they connect to brands.
Sold a company to WPP. Bought a small island off the coast of Ireland and lived there for 12 years.
This company was launched 18 months ago and they have got traction in publishing. They use a compound AI model - they start with strategy; identify assets; then deploy to the market - no one else does this.
Lessons - under-estimated the importance of distribution; visionary v operational CEOS - it takes strength to stick to the vision.
CEO routine changed after Covid. Use to ride a motorbike to work; now a fully remote business. But still wakes at 5.30am, reads BBC news and at work by 8.30am. Corresponds with US team at 10pm.
Next 5 years - scaling the business; focus on vision; then liquidity event in 3yrs.
Books - The better angels of our nature (on enlightenment)- Steven Pinker; The Coming Wave (On AI)- Mustafa Suleyman & Michael Bhaskar.
Advice - running a business takes a lot of energy & time; choose wisely - if prone to anxiety & stress don't start a biz; make choices - are you going to iterate or innovate; where does your nature fit.
Connect with Nadim on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadim-sadek-23443210/?originalSubdomain=uk
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A creative engagement, communications and brand reputation agency.
The legacy media is mainly online but hard to access to micro and small businesses. He wants to educate the market (micro & small businesses) that they can access mainstream media as well; to tell their stories.
He feels too many business owners beat themselves up over mistakes, when they should forget about it.
Next 5 years - they want to have validated the model, growing fast, self-financed and fastest growing financial services. He has the ambition to build a business to £100m revenue.
He is proud of the quality of his management team. He has never used a Head Hunter. He does not like finish products. Only one has worked in PR before, out of 55 staff.
Pathos is developing 2 AI tools for his clients.
He tends not to read traditional business books. Currently reading The Thinking Machine by Jenson Huang - about how a video game designer conquered the market for AI hardware.
If he had £100m, he would invest it in Pathos.
He never likes to give business advice to others unless they ask. He says it is just his perspective.
Connect with Omar on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-e-hamdi/?originalSubdomain=uk
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#ceointerview #businessleaders #ceo #ceotalks #businesstalks #ceosdesk #ceoadvice #podcast #podcastshow #podcasting #thetopfloor #foryoupage #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral
🧠💬 ¿Qué necesitamos para construir relaciones sanas y crecer como comunidad? En este video, Adrián Salcedo emprendedor y líder visionario, comparte reflexiones profundas sobre los pilares del desarrollo personal, las relaciones humanas y el verdadero espíritu emprendedor: comunidad, perspectiva, colaboración, trabajo en equipo, finanzas personales, inteligencia emocional y construcción a largo plazo.
A través de ejemplos de culturas unidas como la asiática o la comunidad judía, y frases poderosas como “nos enseñaron a abandonar en lugar de construir”, Adrián nos invita a reflexionar sobre lo que realmente importa cuando se trata de crecer en pareja, como personas y como sociedad.
🧠💬 What do we need to build healthy relationships and grow as a community?
In this video, Adrián Salcedo, entrepreneur and visionary leader, shares deep reflections on the pillars of personal development, human relationships, and the true entrepreneurial spirit: community, perspective, collaboration, teamwork, personal finances, emotional intelligence, and long-term building.
Through examples of united cultures like the Asian and Jewish communities, and powerful phrases like “we were taught to abandon instead of build,” Adrián invites us to reflect on what truly matters when it comes to growing as a couple, as individuals, and as a society.
“De la dislexia al éxito industrial: una historia brutalmente honesta”
En esta poderosa entrevista, Josè Antonio Cruz, CEO de Kurafo Biotek comparte cómo convirtió su historia de vida —marcada por la dislexia, la exigencia y el esfuerzo— en un motor de innovación científica y empresarial. Desde sus primeros modelos matemáticos hasta ganar dos veces el Premio Nacional de Tecnología, esta charla revela los desafíos reales de emprender en ciencia e industria.
🔹 ¿Cuál es el verdadero talento detrás de una mente brillante? 🔹 ¿Qué tan difícil es vender tecnología en México? 🔹 ¿Cómo se transforma la exigencia en legado y visión empresarial?
Escucha esta historia si estás emprendiendo… o si quieres descubrir cómo convertir tu historia personal en soluciones reales para el mundo.
👉 Suscríbete, comenta y comparte si te movió.
"From Dyslexia to Industrial Success: A Brutally Honest Story"
📝 Description: In this powerful interview, José Antonio Cruz shares how he turned his life story—marked by dyslexia, high expectations, and effort—into a driving force for scientific and business innovation. From his first mathematical models to winning the National Technology Award twice, this talk reveals the real challenges of entrepreneurship in science and industry. 🔹 What is the true talent behind a brilliant mind? 🔹 How hard is it to sell technology in Mexico? 🔹 How can high expectations transform into legacy and business vision?
Listen to this story if you're an entrepreneur… or if you want to learn how to turn your personal history into real solutions for the world. 👉 Subscribe, comment, and share if it moved you.
Rory Hackett - Founder of Liv - London, Dubai, Los Angeles
They provide integrated smart home technology - from one room to a whole home.
Learning - own up to mistakes, we are all human; be open with clients; establish a team that was reliable.
Likes listening to podcast by people like Gary Vaynerchuk.
Working on a 5yr strategy - growth expectations in the UK plus Dubai & LA, USA.
Key messages - make sure you have a good grip on finance; get to know your audience; and if new to business - go for it! Don't rush it. Get to know audience and look at legislation.
We hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like and subscribe if you'd like more content like this :)
From
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#ceointerview #businessleaders #ceo #ceotalks #businesstalks #ceosdesk #ceoadvice #podcast #podcastshow #podcasting #thetopfloor #foryoupage #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral
On his 30th Birthday Lindsay set himself a 15-20 yr plan to master recruitment and then set up his own company for businesses who will contribute to net zero by 2050.
The company seeks top talent for companies that deliver EV charging; solar panels; green energy etc.
Learnings - took an office too early and did not take enough time to hire first staff.
Lives by routines, even on weekends. Everything is in his calendar.
Admires - Richard Branson; Stephen Bartlett; and tech giants.
Next 5 years - start stepping back from being directly involved.
Books - 7 Habits; Robin Sharma; How to make friends and influence people; Steve Peters; Atomic Habits
Final tips - educate themselves as much as possible in business; don't need to be an expert in every thing; and release equity to the right people.
We hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like and subscribe if you'd like more content like this :)
From
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#ceointerview #businessleaders #ceo #ceotalks #businesstalks #ceosdesk #ceoadvice #podcast #podcastshow #podcasting #thetopfloor #foryoupage #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral
Kate spent 15 years building the biggest tradeshow in the gambling sector.
He company provides a digital platform for people in the gambling industry, providing key insights and data on the industry.
Key learnings - try to do too much yourself; jack of all trades, master of none! It is important to delegate and under-estimated how long it takes to build a brand.
Routine - sets 3 things to do for the day and tries to switch off after 7pm
Lessons as an employer - she asks herself, can they thrive in uncertainty and adapt? It can be hard to hire as they are still in start-up phase, so no established roles.
Book recs: The hard thing about hard things; The Trend Hunter; Create the future.
Finally - be patient, success takes time; be consistent; need the right mindset, not right skills; get the right people around you; make decisions even without perfect information; and build relationships before you need them.
They provide integrated smart home technology - from one room to a whole home.
Learning - own up to mistakes, we are all human; be open with clients; establish a team that was reliable.
Likes listening to podcast by people like Gary Vaynerchuk.
Working on a 5yr strategy - growth expectations in the UK plus Dubai & LA, USA.
Key messages - make sure you have a good grip on finance; get to know your audience; and if new to business - go for it! Don't rush it. Get to know audience and look at legislation.
We hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like and subscribe if you'd like more content like this :)
From
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#ceointerview #businessleaders #ceo #ceotalks #businesstalks #ceosdesk #ceoadvice #podcast #podcastshow #podcasting #thetopfloor #foryoupage #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral
On his 30th Birthday Lindsay set himself a 15-20 yr plan to master recruitment and then set up his own company for businesses who will contribute to net zero by 2050.
The company seeks top talent for companies that deliver EV charging; solar panels; green energy etc.
Learnings - took an office too early and did not take enough time to hire first staff.
Lives by routines, even on weekends. Everything is in his calendar.
Admires - Richard Branson; Stephen Bartlett; and tech giants.
Next 5 years - start stepping back from being directly involved.
Books - 7 Habits; Robin Sharma; How to make friends and influence people; Steve Peters; Atomic Habits
Final tips - educate themselves as much as possible in business; don't need to be an expert in every thing; and release equity to the right people.
We hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like and subscribe if you'd like more content like this :)
From
The Top Floor Team
#ceointerview #businessleaders #ceo #ceotalks #businesstalks #ceosdesk #ceoadvice #podcast #podcastshow #podcasting #thetopfloor #foryoupage #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral
Kate spent 15 years building the biggest tradeshow in the gambling sector.
He company provides a digital platform for people in the gambling industry, providing key insights and data on the industry.
Key learnings - try to do too much yourself; jack of all trades, master of none! It is important to delegate and under-estimated how long it takes to build a brand.
Routine - sets 3 things to do for the day and tries to switch off after 7pm
Lessons as an employer - she asks herself, can they thrive in uncertainty and adapt? It can be hard to hire as they are still in start-up phase, so no established roles.
Book recs: The hard thing about hard things; The Trend Hunter; Create the future.
Finally - be patient, success takes time; be consistent; need the right mindset, not right skills; get the right people around you; make decisions even without perfect information; and build relationships before you need them.
We hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like and subscribe if you'd like more content like this :)
From
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#ceointerview #businessleaders #ceo #ceotalks #businesstalks #ceosdesk #ceoadvice #podcast #podcastshow #podcasting #thetopfloor #foryoupage #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral
Join us on The Top Floor Podcast with host Asari St-Hill as we explore the world of podcasting and audio innovation with Neil Cowling, founder of Fresh Air Productions. Starting his career as a BBC radio producer, Neil’s love for audio has led him to produce compelling podcasts for brands, government agencies, and non-profit organisations. In 2024 alone, Fresh Air Productions delivered an impressive 480 episodes.
Neil shares his journey from 20 years as a sole trader to building a successful business. He reflects on lessons learned, such as the importance of establishing infrastructure and support early on, and his inspiration from trailblazers like Steve Pratt of Pacific Content.
Learn Neil’s insights on how organisations can use audio to connect with clients in meaningful ways, how AI is transforming audio production, and his book recommendations: *Creativity Inc.* by Ed Catmull and *Go Luck Yourself* by Andy Nairn.
Key takeaways from Neil include the value of building goodwill, treating people well (staff, competitors, and clients), and leveraging human capital to navigate challenges. He also highlights the need to understand the slower decision-making processes of larger clients and the importance of innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.
Connect with Neil Cowling on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilscowling?originalSubdomain=uk
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In this episode of Top Floor, host Asari St-Hill sits down with Fiona Wylie, a passionate marketer and entrepreneur. From dreaming of a marketing career to launching her own business after starting a family, Fi shares how she built a company that embeds staff directly into client teams for a unique, results-driven approach.
A firm believer in KPIs and meeting deadlines, Fi is equally committed to supporting women in business—especially in health. She even conducted her own research into why so many women were leaving the industry. Inspired by icons like Coco Chanel and Anita Roddick, she’s determined to drive positive change while growing her company’s success, keeping her team happy, and investing in their development.
Beyond business, Fi is a self-proclaimed geek who loves reading. She shares her top book recommendations, including Pebbles of Perception, Get Your Sh* Together*, Agencynomics, and Alchemy. And if she had £100m? She’d invest in AI, give back to charity—especially the Hygiene Bank—and keep doing what she loves.
Her advice? Do what you love, build a strong support network, and don’t buy into the idea that there are no friends in business—her experience proves otherwise.
🔗 Tune in now for insights, inspiration, and a refreshing take on business and leadership!
#Marketing #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Leadership #Success #TopFloorPodcast
In this episode of Top Floor, host Asari St-Hill speaks with Mads Dal, Founder of The Better Home Company. From property development to serving the super-prime sector, Mads now provides high-end maintenance and development support for billionaire and royal clients—including building a house in Portugal for Cristiano Ronaldo!
Mads shares his philosophy of delivering an S-Class product—Mercedes-level quality without the Rolls-Royce price tag. He opens up about the challenges of scaling at 300% per year, learning from mistakes, and working with a coach to refine his company’s direction.
He also discusses the importance of building strong teams and offers key business insights:
🔹 Listen more than you speak
🔹 Seek advice from the right people
🔹 Never stop learning
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, growth, and delivering excellence in the luxury home market.
#LuxuryHomes #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Success #TopFloorPodcast
Discover the fascinating world of the visual arts with Chloé Nelkin from Chloé Nelkin Consulting on this episode of *The Top Floor*, hosted by Asasi St-Hill. Chloé shares her journey and expertise in public relations, events, and consulting for theatre, circus, opera, and more, with offices in London and Edinburgh.
Explore what it’s like to navigate the arts industry—a challenging environment often hindered by poor funding—and the vital role government, charities, and philanthropy play in its success. Chloé highlights the importance of both print and digital media in promoting the arts, while also giving insights into her untypical, meeting-packed days and her commitment to making her staff feel invested.
Chloé’s invaluable tips include trusting your gut, making timely decisions, being polite and honest, following up, thanking people for their time, and building strong relationships. Whether you're in the arts or business, her advice is sure to inspire.
Connect with Chloé on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chlo%C3%A9-nelkin-00170017/
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Susie Partridge - Founder of Blue Feathers - specialists in brand strategy and proposition development
She met her husband sailing. They bought a sailing boat and sailed around the world for 4 years!
They do some of the upfront thinking for brands. Powerful propositions like "Better baskets" for Tesco - it increased the amount of better quality food that people bought.
"You must bring the passion and inspire others"
She admires - Dame Stephanie Shirley - Book: Let it Go - she pioneered home working for women
AI is already transforming her industry. It can add value like transcribing meetings, research and interview notes.
If she had £100m, she would build a marketing company to support marketers at all levels to promote companies that have a positive impact
Tips for others:
to accept you will never get everything done, you have to prioritise. You must leave some things behind
listen really hard to customers, team and competitors - listen to open your mind
Smile!
Connect with Susie on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susiepartridge/
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Shukhrat Shadibekov - CEO at Ultron.Foundation | Blockchain Leader & Developer | CEO & Founder at Cyber Bee
They provide blockchain payment facilities to organisations who take online payments
Has a BSc in Business & Information Systems from Westminster University and speaks fluent Russian
Typical day is very variable, involves a lot of travel and hopes the New Year is calmer.
He admires Elon Musk and he would like to leave a legacy to future children and grand children
Recommends these books - 40 Laws of Power; Mans search for meaning; and Think & Grow Rich
Developers are from around the world so comms is important particularly as mainly introverts
Mistakes - made many at the start. No coaches or mentors. Don't be greedy and hire cheap developers.
Tips: no regrets; stop thinking about what if, start doing & don't over think it; meet loads of people and listen to others; no regrets, just do it; and get the right people next to you. Be prepared for a crazy life - tax, legal and travel.
Connect with Shukhrat on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadibekov/
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#ceointerview #businessleaders #ceo #ceotalks #businesstalks #ceosdesk #ceoadvice #podcast #podcastshow #podcasting #thetopfloor #foryoupage #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral
In this episode of the Top Floor Podcast, Darren Kanthal chats with Dani Kimlinger, CEO of Mines & Associates, about leading with purpose in the behavioral health space. Dani discusses her approach to solving workplace challenges, from managing conflict resolution to improving mental health access for employees. She shares her personal journey of transformation through running, which began as a New Year’s resolution and grew into a passion for endurance racing, including marathons and ultramarathons. Dani’s strategies for goal setting, embracing accountability, and fostering a culture of care provide practical lessons for leaders looking to inspire their teams and communities.
Additional Resources :
Atomic Habits by James Clear https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann https://thegogiver.com/
Coaching for Leaders podcast by Dave Stachowiak https://coachingforleaders.com/
David Goggins https://davidgoggins.com/
Good to Great by Jim Collins https://www.jimcollins.com/books.html
Check out Mines & Associates’ website to learn more about Dani Kimlinger’s impactful leadership: https://minesandassociates.com/
Connect with Dani on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danikimlinger/
We hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like and subscribe if you'd like more content like this :)
From
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#ceointerview #businessleaders #ceo #ceotalks #businesstalks #ceosdesk #ceoadvice #podcast #podcastshow #podcasting #thetopfloor #foryoupage #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral
In this episode of the Top Floor Podcast, Darren Kanthal sits down with Lucas Nelson, Group President of Bud & Mary's, to discuss his journey in the cannabis industry and the legacy of his family’s business. Lucas shares how Bud & Mary’s evolved from a small family-owned operation to an innovative cannabis company with a mission to improve lives. He delves into the company’s groundbreaking research on neurodegenerative diseases, the challenges of operating in a highly regulated industry, and the importance of perseverance in the face of obstacles. This conversation offers insights into leadership, family business dynamics, and how Bud & Mary’s is paving the way for the future of cannabis.Check out Bud & Mary’s website to learn more about their groundbreaking work and mission (21+) https://www.budmary.com/
References:
Hidden Brain podcast https://hiddenbrain.org/
Freakonomics podcast https://freakonomics.com/podcasts/
Search Engine podcast [ https://www.searchengine.show/
Connect with Lucas on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-nelson-b71a82a3/
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