This week Nick talks to Duncan GarroodDuncan Garrood is CEO of Empiric Student Property, Originally trained as a scientist, he transitioned into the corporate world, spending 20 years at Unilever in various global roles across production, sales, and marketing. He played a key role in expanding business operations, including launching an ice cream division in China. Over the years, he took on leadership roles in hospitality, aviation, and leisure, overseeing transformations at companies like Punch Taverns and Ten Entertainment. His career has been defined by adaptability, embracing opportunities across different industries, and executing successful turnaround strategies and large-scale expansions. Nick and Duncan discuss strategic growth, transformation, and market positioning, particularly in the student property sector with Empiric Student Property. Duncan emphasised the importance of aligning business strategy with market demand, particularly in catering to international and postgraduate students seeking a premium, boutique accommodation experience. They explored the challenges of acquiring and optimizing property portfolios, adapting to economic shifts, and navigating investment landscapes. Duncan also highlighted the role of data-driven decision-making, customer-centric business models, and maintaining a strong brand identity, drawing parallels between his past experiences in multinational corporations and property investment. Duncan's Book Choice was:I, Robot - Isaac Asimovhttps://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/i-robot/product/HD_302753825?sku=HD_302753825Duncan's Music Choice was:Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamondhttps://open.spotify.com/track/6pnwfWyaWjQiHCKTiZLItrThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talks to George EnsorGeorge Ensor is the portfolio manager for the RGI UK Listed Smaller Companies Fund and the River UK Micro Cap Investment Trust. He joined River Global Investors in 2014 as a UK equity analyst, following his role as a private client investment manager at Smith & Williamson Investment Management. George holds a degree in Chemistry from the University of Bristol and is a CFA Charterholder. Nick and George discuss, his journey into investment management, starting with his chemistry degree and eventual move into equities, driven by the challenge of taking contrarian views in the market. He outlines his experience at Smith & Williamson, where he gained exposure to global multi-asset management, client service, and investment allocation. Transitioning to River Global (formerly River & Mercantile), he details the firm's evolution, including its listing and eventual return to a boutique-style setup. He explains the structural differences between open-ended small-cap funds and closed-ended micro-cap investment trusts, emphasising how micro-cap funds exploit liquidity premiums and offer high-conviction investments.George also discusses the challenges and opportunities within UK small-cap investing, noting cyclical market trends, liquidity constraints, and shifts in investor sentiment. He highlights how UK small caps have been underperforming large caps due to external factors like interest rates, economic cycles, and regulatory changes. He believes in the long-term growth potential of UK small caps, citing past market recoveries and potential reforms such as pension fund adjustments and British ISAs. The conversation further delves into investment strategies, including the balance between growth, quality, and recovery stocks, and explores specific holdings like Keystone Law, DF Capital, and Renold. He expresses concerns about undervaluation in the market, private equity takeovers, and the impact of passive investing on small-cap liquidity. Despite current challenges, he remains optimistic about the cyclical return of capital inflows into UK equities and the opportunities available for disciplined investors.George's book choices where: Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts - Annie Duke https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Bets-Annie-Duke/dp/0735216371/Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away - Annie Duke https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/quit-the-power-of-knowing-when-to-walk-away-annie-duke/7098911George's music choice was: The Best by Tina Turnerhttps://open.spotify.com/track/4OeFQtRyT7vsLnRTv7t8YTThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
In this bonus episode Nick talks to Jeff Chatfield. Jeff serves as the Executive Chairman of Avation PLC and played a pivotal role in its founding and development. Throughout his career, he has held management and directorial positions in various companies across sectors such as the airline industry, data distribution, electronics, investment, broadcasting, and manufacturing. He holds both a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Engineering Science from the University of Western Australia. Additionally, he is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Directors. Nick and Jeff discus the company’s recent half-year results and market position. Jeff highlights Avation’s strong financial performance, including increased revenue and reduced net debt. He also discusses the company’s aircraft leasing portfolio, noting a recent acquisition of an Etihad-operated Airbus A320. Despite these positive results, Avation's share price remains undervalued at 50% of net asset value (NAV), which Jeff attributes to investor unfamiliarity with the aircraft leasing sector and the company’s London Stock Exchange listing. He suggests that moving to a higher-tier market segment could help attract more investors.The conversation also touches on Avation’s debt structure and potential refinancing opportunities. Jeff explains that a $330 million bond maturing in 2026 could be refinanced as early as 2025, potentially lowering interest costs and improving cash flow. He emphasizes the importance of dividends to investors and notes strong shareholder support for past dividend payouts. Looking ahead, Avation aims to continue growing its fleet and improving shareholder value, with strategies such as increasing investor engagement and possibly integrating with a larger leasing business for better financing terms. Jeff's Book choice was:The Proof of My Innocence by Jonathan Coehttps://www.waterstones.com/book/9780241678411This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talks to Andrew JonesAndrew led Metric Property Investments Plc as co-founder and CEO from its launch in March 2010 until its successful merger with London & Stamford in January 2013, when he took the helm as Chief Executive of the newly formed LondonMetric. His extensive real estate experience includes a pivotal role at British Land, where he served as Executive Director and Head of Retail after joining through the Pillar acquisition in 2005. As a Board member at British Land, he oversaw shopping centers and retail park portfolios. Currently, Andrew brings his expertise to InstaVolt, a leading electric vehicle charging network, as a Non-Executive Director. He previously served on the Board of Unite plc for six years as a Non-Executive Director.In this episode, Nick and Andrew explore his career journey and insights into the real estate industry. Andrew shares how his early interest in investing led him to a career in commercial real estate, starting in the late 1980s during a recession. He discusses his experience working with major firms like British Land before founding LondonMetric Property in 2010. The conversation covers the evolution of retail, from high streets to retail parks, the impact of online shopping, and the importance of understanding consumer behaviour. Andrew also explains LondonMetric’s focus on resilient sectors like logistics, convenience retail, healthcare, entertainment and leisure, along with their asset management strategy, including “triple net” leases and tenant mix optimisation. Looking ahead, Andrew shares his perspective on growth opportunities through acquisitions and strategic mergers while maintaining a focus on the UK market. He highlights the challenges of high street retail compared to retail parks and discusses LondonMetric’s approach to income generation and long-term investing. Andrew's book choices where:Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burroughhttps://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/barbarians-at-the-gate-book-bryan-burrough-9780099469155The Predators' Ball by Connie Bruckhttps://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31852760243The Big Short by Michael Lewishttps://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/big-short-book-michael-lewis-9781846142574Adventures in Time: Nelson, Hero of the Seas by Dominic Sandbrookhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Time-Nelson-Hero-Seas/dp/0241552214/Andrew's podcast choices where:We Study Billionaires - The Investor’s Podcast Networkhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-study-billionaires-the-investors-podcast-network/id928933489Acquired with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthalhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/acquired/id1050462261This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talks to Steve Ruffley Steve Ruffley is a professional trader of nearly 25 years. Steve offers personalised trading risk management and mentoring packages and is a published author with The Pro Retail Trader: How to Generate Professional-level Returns as a Retail Trader. The discussion explores Steve Ruffley’s career in financial markets, detailing his journey from a university dropout to a professional trader. Initially working at PricewaterhouseCoopers, he later discovered his passion for trading in Gibraltar, where he joined a proprietary trading firm. Ruffley reflects on the challenges of professional trading, including high financial targets and the transition from floor trading to electronic platforms. After a stint in risk management, he returned to independent trading, focusing on indices and forex. He emphasises the importance of discipline, confidence, and quick decision-making in trading, distinguishing between retail and professional approaches. Steve also shares insights on market adaptability, critiques the growing influence of AI in trading, and discusses his latest book, The Pro Retail Trader, which aims to guide retail traders in advancing their skills. He expresses scepticism toward Bitcoin as a tradable asset and highlights the role of algorithmic trading. Steve's published books are:The Pro Retail Trader: How to Generate Professional-level Returns as a Retail Traderhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Pro-Retail-Trader-Generate-Professional-level/dp/1804091375The Ruff Guide to Trading: Make Money in the Marketshttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruff-Guide-Trading-Money-Markets/dp/0857194003/ Steve's film choice was: Rocky IVhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Rocky-IV-Vs-Drago/dp/B09MNTHVQZSteve's Music choices where:Battleship Chain by The Georgia Satelliteshttps://open.spotify.com/track/0dJEQ01IPN4ukqRsPrm4abThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
Season 4 kicks off with Nick talking to friend of the show, Dr Daniel Daniel who runs the The Crypto Investing Program. Since the U.S. election in November Bitcoin has experienced a significant bull run, with its price surging from approximately $69,000 on Election Day to over $100,000 by mid-January 2025. This upward trajectory is largely attributed to the election of President Donald Trump, who has expressed strong support for cryptocurrencies. His administration's pro-crypto stance, including plans to establish the U.S. as a "crypto capital" and the appointment of digital assets expert Paul Atkins as SEC Chair, has bolstered investor confidence. Nick and Daniel discuss the state of the cryptocurrency market in early 2025. Daniel attributes the current bull run to cyclical market patterns, the halving event, and President Trump's pro-crypto stance. He highlights Bitcoin's rise to over $100,000, predicts its peak around $150,000 during this cycle, and emphasizes its role as a store of generational wealth akin to gold. Daniel explains his preference for altcoins, which offer higher short-term returns, and shares insights into selecting promising projects using his "golden list." He also warns of the prevalence of scams in the crypto space and advises caution. The conversation touches on the potential impact of spot ETFs and the importance of timing in the volatile crypto market. Daniel's Music choices where:Music by Madonnahttps://open.spotify.com/track/2fzykVsO2Di5jnofUNX3YE Bryan Adams Summer of 69https://open.spotify.com/track/0GONea6G2XdnHWjNZd6zt3Good Feeling Song by Flo Ridahttps://open.spotify.com/track/2LEF1A8DOZ9wRYikWgVlZ8This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talks to Matt Timmins Matt was appointed to the FINTEL Board in May 2010 after joining in 2002, bringing extensive expertise in sales, marketing, and mergers and acquisitions. He has cultivated strong relationships with key distribution partners and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). With a background that includes various marketing roles at GE Capital, Misys, and DBS Financial Management, Matt combines deep industry knowledge with strategic leadership. Nick and Matt talk about Matt's career, how FINTEL grew out of SimpyBiz to becoming the UK's leading financial services platform.Matt's book choice where:Rich Dad Poor Dad: by Robert T. Kiyosaki https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey or the Audio Book ,Matt music choice's where:Urban Hymns - The Verve https://open.spotify.com/album/52AeC4gwbxDfFlLHgK1ByDOrinoco Flow (Sail Away) by Enyahttps://open.spotify.com/track/0Fyj9w0HVfjoxm9S8nGCltFix You by Coldplayhttps://open.spotify.com/track/7LVHVU3tWfcxj5aiPFEW4QThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talks to Robbie BurnsRobbie has been a journalist and writer since earning his journalism degree from Harlow College in 1981. He began his career as a reporter and editor for various local newspapers before becoming editor of ITV and Channel 4’s teletext services from 1988 to 1992. During this time, he also wrote ITV’s daily teletext soap opera, Park Avenue, for five years.Afterward, Robbie transitioned to freelance journalism, contributing to newspapers such as The Independent and The Sun, and played a role in establishing CNN’s financial news service. In 1997, he became editor of BSkyB’s teletext services, where he launched their shares and finance section and developed entertainment phone lines, including a Buffy the Vampire Slayer hotline that earned him nearly £250,000.In 2001, Robbie left full-time employment to focus on share trading and running a London café, which he later sold for double his initial investment. While at BSkyB, he began broadcasting a diary of his share trades, which gained significant popularity and was later moved to his website, nakedtrader.co.uk. The site became one of the UK’s most-read financial resources. Currently, Robbie writes a weekly column for ADVFN and conducts trading seminars featuring live market demonstrations. Since 2001, he has achieved tax-free trading gains exceeding £2.5 million, earning him a place among the UK’s few ISA millionaires. His publicly shared trades alone have generated over £1.5 million in profits, showcasing his consistent success even during challenging market periods.Nick and Robbie talk about his career path to becoming the Naked Trader and his favoured stocks. The 6th edition of the Naked Trader is available here. Robbie's Book Choice:Rich Dad Poor Dad: by Robert T. KiyosakiRobbie's music choice's where:I'm Alive by Stretch & Vernhttps://open.spotify.com/track/5F9rZa65ePNd3HZFkavre7This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
Ed is the co-founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), a new university in east London that offers BASc and MASc which oriented around complex problems, not disciplines. In 2012 Ed co-founded School 21 in Stratford with Peter Hyman and Oli de Botton. In 2017 the first GCSE class achieved grades that placed them in the top 5% of the country for attainment, and the school was awarded an Outstanding Ofsted. In 2014 Ed led the launch of Voice 21 to raise the status of oracy in schools. Ed has also advised the leaders of several education institutions including Cambridge University, LSE, Teach First, Teach for All, Ark Schools and Eton College, as well as over 30 other clients in the private sector and government. Previously Ed ran a theatre production company with the screenwriter Matt Charman and was a consultant at McKinsey & Co. He has served on the boards of Ashoka UK and Big Education.Nick and Ed talk about Ed's career and how Ed's see the future of education with the LIS. Ed's book choice where: The Entrepreneurial State by Mariana Mazzucatohttps://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/entrepreneurial-state-book-mariana-mazzucato-9780141986104The Rise of the Meritocracy by Michael Younghttps://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=32040280938&dest=gbrThe Road to Somewhere: The Populist Revolt and the Future of Politics by David Goodhart https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/the-road-to-somewhere/product/HD_302420608?sku=HD_302420608 , Ed's music choice was: The Streets, Don't Mug Yourself https://open.spotify.com/track/2phF2CRhoSnpJUxxvHUf8ZThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talks to Peter CurkWith over a decade of experience across multiple sectors, Pete has held diverse roles in executive management, customer experience, marketing, and business development. Currently serving as CEO of ICONOMI, previously leading Big Bang Slovenija as Customer Experience & eCommerce Director. Peter co-founded Dia-Vit Ltd, securing Series A funding, and consulted on digital marketing and sales strategy at Deloitte Slovenia. Earlier roles include interim CMO at GoOpti and COO at Renderspace, focusing on UX design and performance marketing, along with a 10-year tenure at A1 Slovenija d.d., enriching their foundation in business development and leadership. As the CEO of ICONOMI, ICONOMI is a digital asset management platform that enables users to easily manage, invest, and diversify in the world of cryptocurrencies. Founded with the mission to democratize access to the new economy, ICONOMI offers a user-friendly interface for both beginners and experienced investors to build and manage customized crypto portfolios. Through its platform, ICONOMI provides various digital asset management services, including a selection of pre-built crypto portfolios, allowing users to invest with ease and security. By bridging traditional and digital finance, ICONOMI empowers users to access and navigate the digital asset space effectively, making crypto investing more accessible, transparent, and manageable. Nick and Peter discuss ICONOMI, Crypto ETF's, legacy coding and blockchain and the wider crypto sector. Peter's book choice was: The Origin of Wealth by Eric Beinhockerhttps://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/the-origin-of-wealth-by-eric-beinhocker/product/HD_302173723?sku=HD_302173723Peter music choice was: Songs of Joy and Devotion by Depeche Modehttps://open.spotify.com/album/6x7S6u9Cx2S0JD48nPsavEThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talks to Guy Gittins. Guy became CEO of Foxtons in September 2022, bringing with him extensive experience in the property sector and leadership roles. Prior to rejoining Foxtons, he served as CEO of Chestertons, a renowned London-based and international residential property firm. Guy's career began at Foxtons, where he worked until 2006 before taking on the role of Sales and Marketing Director for Peter de Savary. In 2010, he joined Savills and later moved to Chestertons in 2012, leading their flagship Chelsea office. In 2018, he was appointed CEO of ChestertonsNick and Guy discuss Guy's career journey and the evolution of Foxtons, from its founding by Jon Hunt to the present day. Guy's Book choice was How to Build a Car: The Autobiography of the World’s Greatest Formula 1 Designer by Adrian Newey https://www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-build-a-car/adrian-newey/9780008196806Guy's music choice was - Move your body by Marshall Jeffersonhttps://open.spotify.com/track/3OrcEhLzxv1YX597jGjEI7This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talks to Jeff Chatfield Jeff serves as the Executive Chairman of Avation PLC and played a pivotal role in its founding and development. Throughout his career, he has held management and directorial positions in various companies across sectors such as the airline industry, data distribution, electronics, investment, broadcasting, and manufacturing. He holds both a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Engineering Science from the University of Western Australia. Additionally, he is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Directors. Nick and Jeff discuss Avation PLC and the wider aircraft lessor sector. This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talks to John RobertsJohn began his career as a waiter and kitchen salesman. In 2000, he founded Appliances Online after a friend bet him £1 to start a business. His entrepreneurial journey gained momentum when, in 2014, he led AO World’s listing on the London Stock Exchange, which was valued at £1.2 billion at the time. John has stated that he built AO on his personal mottos: "treat every customer like your gran" and "make your mum proud." In 2021, he was ranked 30th in the Financial Times' list of the UK’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs, and he has won multiple awards, including the This is Manchester Supernova Award and the Retail Week Retail Activist Award.Over the past year, John has become an advocate for restoring over £1 billion in lost youth infrastructure funding, reforming the Apprenticeship Levy, and exploring solutions for improving the care system for looked-after children. He has said that most of his earnings go to charity. Nick and John discuss his career path, the founding of AO.com and his philanthropy. John book choice was - Invention: A Life of Learning Through Failure, by James DysonJohn's music choice was - Don't Stop Me Now, by QueenThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talk's to Corero's CEO Carl HerbergerCarl oversees the business strategy and execution at Corero Network Security, a leading provider of DDoS protection solutions. Corero specialises in automatic detection and protection systems, offering network visibility, analytics, and reporting tools. The technology safeguards against both external and internal DDoS threats, particularly in complex edge and subscriber environments, ensuring continuous internet service availability. Corero operates from centres in Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA, and Edinburgh, UK, with its headquarters in London. The company is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. Nick and Carl discuss the technology safeguard landscape along with Corero's core business. Carl's book choice's where: Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E Franklhttps://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/viktor-e-frankl/man-s-search-for-meaning/9781844132393How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegiehttps://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/dale-carnegie/how-to-win-friends-and-influence-people/9780091906818Animal Farm by George Orwellhttps://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/george-orwell/animal-farm/9780141036137Built to Last by James Collinshttps://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/james-collins/built-to-last/9780712669689This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week, Nick talks to Christian Purcell, Co-Founder of DropPoint.Christian is the co-founder of DropPoint, a UK-based platform that helps individuals declutter by connecting them with local charitable causes seeking in-kind donations. Through its searchable directory, users can easily find grassroots projects and organizations in need of specific items, allowing them to donate unwanted goods and support their community. DropPoint aims to make the donation process simple and effective, encouraging people to give back in a meaningful way.Christian’s earlier career includes various roles such as Project Manager and Carrier Analyst at wnDirect, Customer Service Advisor and Stock Controller at Arco Ltd, and Contract Administrator at Briggs Amasco Ltd. Christian also combines his role at DropPoint with working for parcelLab as senior technical business analyst.Nick and Christian discuss the formation of DropPoint.org, how it works and what the future holds.Christian’s book choices were The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie.This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
In this week's episode Nick talks to Stewart HallStewart Hall is the CEO and co-founder of Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC), a role he has held since 2014. He is also the co-founder and Chairman of Crossroads Strategies, LLC (CRS). Stewart began his career as Legislative Director to Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) from 1992 to 1996, where he developed extensive expertise in defense policy, appropriations, financial services, and Senate procedures. In 1999, he entered the private sector by co-founding Federalist Group, LLC.Under Stewart's leadership, Federalist Group was acquired by Ogilvy Public Relations, a WPP company, in 2005. The company subsequently doubled in size over the next four years while he remained at the helm. In 2010, Stewart co-founded CRS, and in 2014, CRS was merged to create PPHC—an innovative organization that integrates multiple disciplines of the public policy sector into a single, multi-brand entity.As CEO of PPHC, Stewart has overseen the company's impressive growth, achieving a compound annual growth rate of over 30% annually through a combination of mergers, acquisitions, and organic expansion, and expanding the workforce to over 350 employees nationwide.Stewart holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and both an MA and Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia.Nick and Stewart discuss Stewarts career and what the Public Policy Holding Company does. Stewart's book of choice was the The Federalist Papers. The Federalist Papers is a collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the collective pseudonym "Publius" to promote the ratification of the Constitution of the United States. https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-textThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
In this week's episode Nick talks to Americo LemosAmerico Lemos joined IQE in January 2022, bringing with him extensive experience from his previous role on the executive team at GlobalFoundries, a leading semiconductor design and manufacturing company headquartered in New York. At GlobalFoundries, he served as the Senior Vice President of Business Development for Asia Pacific and China Country President, where he focused on enhancing the company's efficiency and growth in these vital regions. Prior to this, Lemos was the Senior Vice President at Qualcomm, overseeing its data center business. His career also includes a tenure as Vice President of Platform Engineering at Intel, where he led strategic partnerships with Chinese semiconductor companies from 2009 to 2015. Additionally, he has held senior positions at Texas Instruments, Quanta Computer in Taiwan, and Skyworks. Nick and Americo discuss his career and a deep dive intto the world of compound semi conductors.Americo's book choice was: Good To Great by Jim Collinshttps://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/jim-collins/good-to-great/9780712676090This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talks to Martin Higginson, Founder & CEO Huddled Group plcMartin is a seasoned Technology, Media, and Telecoms (TMT) entrepreneur with a history of founding, selling, and listing multiple businesses. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1982 with the sale of his first business, a BMX magazine, to IPC Magazines. After three years with IPC, he established the publishing and telecoms company Megafone, which he later sold to Scottish Power plc. At Scottish Power, he became Managing Director of the Internet and Interactive division of Scottish Telecom, overseeing Demon Internet. Martin then founded Monstermob Group plc, which listed on AIM in 2003 and grew to a Top 50 AIM listed business with a market capitalisation of £192m before its sale to Zed Worldwide in 2006. He has since founded Cityblock plc, NetPlayTV plc, and Digitalbox plc, which was ranked as a FastTrack 100 Company in 2016 and 2017. Martin is now Founder and CEO of Huddled Group plc. Nick and Martin discuss his career to date,Martin's book choice was: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwellhttps://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/malcolm-gladwell/outliers/9780141036250This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week Nick talks to Dr Daniel DanielDr Daniel Daniel has over 24 years in dentistry and a deep understanding of cryptocurrency. Daniel specialises in teaching busy professionals, like dentists, how to invest in crypto confidently. His journey started at Dalhousie University, where he developed a passion for math and finance before his Dentistry Degree and founding EMC Dental, initially focused on dentistry education. Lately Daniel's interest in crypto grew, and created The Crypto Investing Program, a one-week course designed to simplify crypto investment for busy professionals, making it accessible and profitable. In this episode Nick and Daniel discuss Daniel's career path and the pivot to crypto. They delve into the Bull-Run Method, a strategy for making significant crypto returns with just 10 minutes of daily effort and discuss why the upcoming six months could be the final bull run in crypto and how to capitalize on it. Daniel's book choices where:Chasing the Scream by Johann Harihttps://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/johann-hari/chasing-the-scream/9781408857823Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwellhttps://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/malcolm-gladwell/talking-to-strangers/9780141988498This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
This week, Nick talks to Magnus Houston. Magnus has diverse career background that spans professional motorcycle racing for Suzuki GB, where he competed in a support race to the World Superbikes, and self-taught creel fishing. He has founded and managed multiple seafood companies and has experience in the alternative investment sector. Additionally, Magnus is a graduate of MIT's Sloan School of Management.With Magnus’ previous company, Fishbox, he digitized a traditional business model, creating a system with four times as many data collection points as Tesco Club Card Points. The real driver of subscription numbers was his comprehensive approach to marketing; handling every aspect of the process, from crafting the brand to creating aspirational videos, working with influencers, and managing social media posts. Nick and Magnus talk about his extraordinary career to-date, including a serious accident in his motorcycle racing career that put him in a wheelchair, to then becoming a fisherman without any prior experience.Magnus' book choices where:The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers Hardcover by Ben Horowitz https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hard-Thing-About-Things-Building/dp/0062273205The Pyramid of Lies: Lex Greensill and the Billion-Dollar Scandal Hardcover by Duncan Mavin https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pyramid-Lies-Greensill-Billion-Dollar-Scandal/dp/1529088887The World for Sale by Javier Blashttps://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/javier-blas/world-for-sale/9781847942678This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.