Claim OwnershipThe Room Where It Happened
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Step inside the moments that shaped the world’s biggest brands in The Room Where It Happened, a brand-new podcast hosted by Jake Humphrey.
Each episode sees the guest take us back inside a room and a moment that changed the course of their careers. With unprecedented insight on the pivotal decisions, unexpected turns, and behind-the-scenes moments that propelled companies to global recognition - and the lessons learned along the way from the people who were right in the middle of it all.
The Room Where It Happened is your front-row seat to the conversations that shaped history, offering a rare glimpse into the defining moments of top entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
44 Episodes
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How does someone go from tinkering with computers in a small Manchester bedroom to leading Microsoft UK’s AI revolution? For Darren Hardman, it began with curiosity, hard work, and a lesson that changed his outlook forever: success isn’t about working more hours, it’s about working with purpose.In this episode, Darren shares the defining moments that shaped his leadership journey, from early sacrifices and personal turning points to the bold initiatives driving Microsoft’s role in making the UK an AI superpower. He offers a candid look behind the scenes at what it takes to lead through rapid technological change, empower teams, and build a culture of learning and innovation.It’s a story about balance, belief, and how embracing change can transform both a career and an entire industry.---PARTNERSIFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/RWIH-IFS-ytHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/room-yt-vitals---JOIN OUR COMMUNITY👔 LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-room-where-it-happened/?viewAsMember=true📸 Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/room.where.it.happened/ 🗞️ Newsletter 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-room-where-it-happened-7315326937923485696 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's notebook, I talk about the invisible force that quietly decides the quality of every relationship, the surprising link between doing the hard things you’d rather avoid and living a longer, calmer life, and the truth about time — how we use it, and how it completely changed my view on discipline and what’s truly important.If any part of you feels stuck, stretched, or short on motivation, this episode will give you something real to work with. Press play and discover the three lessons that have already changed mine.Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7qBook Recommendation: Unlearning Masculinity by Cassandra Andrews https://amzn.eu/d/dqPXW2l Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As founder of Nails Inc., Thea Green built one of the UK’s most successful beauty brands by combining creativity with integrity, and knowing when to pivot.In this episode, Thea shares the defining moment she decided to close the last nail bar and shift fully to retail, the lessons learned from turning down early acquisition offers, and the challenge of letting go after selling the business to find new purpose. She also reflects on the power of honesty and apologising in leadership, the importance of timing, and why adaptability and empathy are the true foundations of lasting success.It’s a story about courage, evolution, and staying true to your values while navigating change at every stage of business.Partners:IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, I open my notebook to share how walking away from TV changed my life — and why ego nearly cost me purpose. I break down what’s really driving the future of podcasting, and the one thing that matters more than audience size: trust. Plus, a reminder that who you choose to walk with will define how far you go. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As founder and CEO of WHOOP, Will Ahmed turned a college dorm room idea into one of the most influential performance technology companies in the world.In this episode, Will shares the leap of faith that started it all, the early rejections that tested his resolve, and the pivotal decision to pivot WHOOP from a hardware company to a subscription model, transforming its future. He also reveals how authentic partnerships, a growth mindset, and a relentless focus on mission helped turn setbacks into breakthroughs and build a brand trusted by elite athletes and everyday users alike.It’s a story of conviction, adaptation, and the discipline required to build something meaningful from the ground up.Partners:IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week in my notebook, I’ve been thinking about time — how quickly it moves, and how much of life we spend rushing to catch up with it.In this episode, I talk about rediscovering patience, the difference between recreation and re-creation, and the reminder that anything above zero compounds.If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too fast, like you’re running out of time, or like chaos has become your normal — this one’s for you. It’s about trusting the future again, letting go of the need to control every outcome, and remembering that all will be well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As a digital pioneer across companies like Amazon, McDonald’s, and Volvo, Atif Raffiq has built a career turning legacy brands into innovation powerhouses.In this episode, Atif shares how his first month at McDonald’s led to a billion-dollar digital transformation, the culture shock of bringing a Silicon Valley mindset into a 60-year-old global icon, and the behind-the-scenes moments that reshaped how the company connects with 100 million customers a day. He also reflects on the lessons learned from leading through resistance, building systems that outlast any one leader, and why true transformation starts with people, not technology.It’s a story of cultural reinvention, courageous leadership, and how curiosity and collaboration can drive change on a global scale.Partners: IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS-ytHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/room-yt-vitals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week in my notebook, I’ve been thinking about what it really means to live well — not just to achieve, but to feel okay while doing it. Somewhere along the way, it’s easy to confuse progress with pressure, and ambition with never feeling enough.In this episode, I unpack a few lessons that stopped me in my tracks this week — about how we measure success, what we give up in the chase for it, and how to build a life that feels as good as it looks.If you’ve ever found yourself pushing for the next goal, comparing your progress, or wondering why the wins don’t always feel like wins — this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rapper, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Nala’s Baby, Krept has built his success on more than music, it’s been about discipline, ownership, and learning from failure.In this episode, Krept opens up about the make-or-break decision to turn down a major private equity deal and focus on building his brand at home before going global, the setbacks that nearly derailed product launches, and the lessons he’s learned about leadership, trust, and perseverance. He also shares how building the right team, listening to mentors, and staying authentic helped transform early struggles into sustainable success.It’s a story of resilience, purpose, and what it really takes to build something that lasts, on your own terms.JOIN OUR COMMUNITY👔 LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-room-where-it-happened/?viewAsMember=true📸 Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/room.where.it.happened/🗞️ Newsletter 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-room-where-it-happened-7315326937923485696/PARTNERSIFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS-ytHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/room-yt-vitals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week I open my notebook on three lessons that hit hard;Why the people you surround yourself with are the invisible architects of your lifeHow every success story begins with being bad at somethingWhy holding steady in the messy middle is where most people give up but the real growth begins. I share what I learned from sitting down with the founders of Whoop and EasyJet (episodes coming soon), two people who built billion-dollar businesses by staying the course when it looked like they were failing. If you’ve ever doubted your circle, your progress, or your path, this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Emily Frazer’s path to becoming a leading force in live sports events was anything but traditional. Without a university degree and after jobs ranging from gymnastics coach to estate agent, she found herself at Matchroom, where a sudden promotion into event direction pushed her to grow fast and take on big responsibilities.In this episode, Emily shares candid reflections on battling imposter syndrome, the behind-the-scenes innovations that helped elevate events like the Mosconi Cup to global recognition, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, adaptability, and building loyal teams in a male-dominated industry.It’s a story of relentlessness, unexpected opportunities, and the power of turning unconventional beginnings into extraordinary impact.---JOIN OUR COMMUNITY👔 LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-room-where-it-happened/?viewAsMember=true📸 Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/room.where.it.happened/🗞️ Newsletter 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-room-where-it-happened-7315326937923485696/PARTNERSIFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS-ytHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/room-yt-vitals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week I share the lessons that have stayed with me — from Mudita, the joy of celebrating others’ success, to what I learned from Eddie Jordan about being the spark of light in the room. I open up about walking away from BT Sport and the identity shift that came with it, and reflect on Hector Bellerín’s idea of living like a candle — staying steady no matter what’s happening around you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As co-founder and former CEO of Deciem, Nicola Kilner helped build one of the most disruptive beauty companies of the last decade, but the journey was far from straightforward.In this episode, Nicola shares the career-defining advice she received from Estée Lauder’s Leonard Lauder, the bold decision to boycott Black Friday in favor of values over sales, and the unexpected rise of The Ordinary, a brand that went from retail rejection to global sensation. She also reflects on navigating the turbulence of co-founder Brandon Truaxe’s mental health crisis, stepping down to focus on family, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, authenticity, and building brands that truly last.It’s a story of persistence, purpose, and the power of putting people and principles at the center of business.Partners:IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Jake explores how failure is an instrument for success, how to reframe those who doubted you as a collaborator and why writing a "To Don't" list is just as important as a "To Do" list. He also answers a question from a listener, struggling with a new promotion at work and offers a candid exploration of times that Jake has struggled to show how they can shift their mindset around imposter syndrome - and how you can to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What will the future really look like—and how can we prepare for it? In this episode, Nick Foster, ex-Head of Design at Google X, takes us behind the scenes of moonshot projects and shares how to think rigorously about the future, from everyday life to big industries. He explains why AI is just one piece of the puzzle, and why understanding the trends, behaviors, and possibilities shaping tomorrow is more important than ever.What you’ll learn in this episode:* How to think about the future beyond hype and predictions* Why the “mundane future” matters more than flashy sci-fi ideas* The frameworks that help you make better decisions today for tomorrow* How AI and other technologies will shape industries and daily life* Simple ways to build a culture of forward-thinking in your work or businessWhether you’re a business leader, innovator, or just curious about what’s next, this conversation will help you see the future more clearly—and act on it confidently.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Jake opens his notebook to reflect on missed opportunities, ego, and the stories we tell ourselves about "what might have been." From turning down Top Gear to starting Whisper with no plan, he shares raw lessons on regret, success, and why the final 5% matters most. Plus: a powerful tribute during Suicide Awareness Month, and a reminder that life gives more than it takes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it take to guide companies through billion-dollar transformations, and then walk away in search of something new? Jeff Dodds has done just that.From leading Virgin Media through a $44 billion merger in the middle of lockdown, to stepping into the fast-paced world of motorsport, Jeff’s career is defined by bold pivots, unexpected opportunities, and the courage to admit when it’s time for change.In this episode, he shares the leadership lessons that shaped him, from the power of direct feedback and diverse teams to the art of knowing what really matters, and why the future of business will be built on curiosity, empathy, and shared wins.It’s a conversation about curiosity, courage, and creating cultures where people, and ideas, can thrive.Partners:IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Since he was a teenager, Jake has kept notebooks and diaries, now for the first time he opens them up to discuss his thoughts on business and life in real-time. He reads candid notes he's made from recent interviews, events from his life and interactions with friends, colleagues and business leaders to help unpack the moments of inspiration and thought provoking advice that happen everyday.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at:Youtube link: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS-ytAudio Link: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20:Youtube Link: https://highpfrmc.com/room-yt-vitalsAudio Link: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when a teenager takes control of her own brand? For JoJo Siwa, it meant signing a deal that wasn’t perfect, betting on herself anyway, and later realizing the power of knowing her worth.In this episode, JoJo shares how a simple bow became a global phenomenon, the challenges of rebranding from child star to seasoned entertainer, and the behind-the-scenes lessons of navigating major partnerships while staying true to herself.It’s a candid look at choices, authenticity, and learning when to take risks, and when to renegotiate the terms of your own success.Partners:IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Journalist Karen Hao has spent years exposing the realities of the world’s most powerful AI labs. Her 2019 embed at OpenAI was a turning point, what she saw behind closed doors didn’t always match the public mission, and the lack of clear answers from leadership sparked a deeper skepticism that would shape her reporting.In this episode, Karen unpacks the unexpected story of how a nonprofit AI lab evolved into a global powerhouse, the behind-the-scenes dynamics of talent, capital, and ideology that fueled its rise, and the risks of allowing unchecked tech empires to dictate the future. She also reveals the unexpected shifts, from Microsoft’s influence to the culture inside OpenAI.It’s a revealing look at power, technology, and the choices we face in building the future.Partners:IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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