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.
24 Episodes
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Ben Askins didn’t expect his next big chapter to come from LinkedIn posts, but it did. After selling his first business in 2021 and being locked out of new ventures during his earnout, he turned his focus to storytelling online. One post about a bad recruitment experience went viral, sparking a flood of stories from employees around the world and revealing a universal truth: bad bosses are everywhere.In this episode, Ben shares what he’s learned from more than 200,000 workplace stories, why most managers are “accidental,” and the practical lessons every leader can apply to build stronger, happier, and more productive teams. From early mistakes in leadership to the strategies that really drive culture, his journey shows how honesty, clarity, and self-awareness can transform both businesses and people.It’s a candid conversation about management done right, and the hidden cost when it’s done badly.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.
Alex Packham knows what it’s like to have everything change in a single day, and nothing changes at all. From selling ContentCal to Adobe from his spare bedroom in the middle of lockdown to waking up the next morning wondering who he was without the business, Alex’s journey blends adrenaline highs with the quieter, harder work of rebuilding identity.In this episode, he opens up about the reality of sudden wealth, the role of luck in big wins, and why mental health matters just as much as the deal itself. Alex shares the behind-the-scenes strategies that helped a small team “punch above their weight,” the lessons he’s bringing from Silicon Valley back to the UK, and how letting go of ego has reshaped his approach to life and work.It’s a candid look at ambition, adaptation, and what happens after you’ve reached the milestone you spent years chasing.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.
TS Anil’s journey through the world of banking has been anything but conventional. From boardrooms in Tokyo to the fast-moving culture of Silicon Valley, each step taught him that real change doesn't come from preserving the past, it comes from building something new.In this episode, TS reflects on his decision to leave the safety of big banks, the career-defining leap into tech at Visa, and how those experiences prepared him to lead Monzo through some of its toughest moments, including the height of the pandemic. He shares the story behind Monzo’s most innovative features, the importance of listening closely to customers, and why purpose and adaptability are the real keys to leading in uncertain times.It’s a story of bold decisions, quiet resilience, and building the kind of company you’d want to be a customer of.Partners:IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your hydration. Get 20% off with code Room20:https://highpfrmc.com/heights-hydrate-auThe Book of Money: How to feel good (or better) about your finances by Monzo publishes 4th September: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Money-better-about-finances/dp/1804948667 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gary Stevenson didn’t follow a traditional path, he challenged it at every turn. Expelled from school at 16 and later pushed out of Citibank for speaking up, Gary’s journey has been shaped by resilience, rebellion, and a refusal to stay silent.In this episode, Gary opens up about the high-stakes world of trading, the psychological toll of chasing success, and the personal battles that came with confronting corporate power. From unexpected lessons in Tokyo to quiet acts of solidarity in a cutthroat industry, his story is as much about survival as it is about awakening.It’s a powerful look at what happens when you step off the fast track, and choose to fight for something bigger than yourself.Partners:IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your hydration. Get 20% off with code Room20:https://highpfrmc.com/heights-hydrate-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
George Heaton’s journey with Represent wasn’t a straight line, it was a series of hard pivots, gut checks, and quiet rebuilds. What started as a passion project in streetwear hit a breaking point, forcing George to confront what wasn’t working and make the kind of decisions most founders avoid.In this episode, George takes us through the moment everything stalled, the warehouse bathroom where reality hit, and the bold move to rebuild the brand from scratch. He shares how returning to simple product drops reconnected Represent with its roots, and how stepping back from the business side, by bringing in a CEO, unlocked new levels of creative and commercial growth.It’s a story about letting go, doubling down, and the power of starting over, with purpose.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your hydration. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-hydrate-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paul Clement never set out to build a flashy startup, he set out to build something that mattered. Born from genuine passion and a deep connection to the community he served, his business grew not by chasing trends, but by staying grounded in purpose.In this episode, Paul talks about the power of building slowly and sustainably, why loving the process matters more than chasing quick wins, and how adapting to change doesn’t mean losing your identity. From bootstrapping with intention to making decisions based on evidence, not ego, his story is a masterclass in thoughtful entrepreneurship.It’s about staying true to your values, trusting your pace, and creating something that lasts.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsaiHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your hydration. Get 20% off with code Room20:Audio Link: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-hydrate-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jim Chapman was part of a digital wave no one saw coming, and found himself at the center of it. What started as casual videos turned into global influence, brand deals, and a move to London that changed everything almost overnight.In this episode, Jim reflects on the chaos and charm of building a career in the early days of YouTube, the pressure to constantly evolve as the internet shifted beneath his feet, and how fatherhood forced him to rethink everything, from content schedules to what success really means. He shares the highs, the hidden challenges, and the quiet moments that taught him how to keep creating without losing himself.It’s a story about fame, flexibility, and finding clarity when the spotlight dims.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsaiHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your hydration. Get 20% off with code Room20:https://highpfrmc.com/heights-hydrate-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aron D’Souza didn’t just question the rules, he set out to rewrite them. Frustrated by the limitations of legacy institutions, he launched the Enhanced Games: a bold, controversial vision aimed at redefining the future of human performance.In this episode, Aron shares the moment he walked away from venture capital to pursue something far riskier, the power of writing down your vision before speaking it aloud, and how viral headlines paired with deep operational strategy created a movement that couldn’t be ignored.From fierce public debates to long nights and personal trade-offs, this episode is a story of conviction, controversy, and building something truly unprecedented.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsaiLearn more about Enhanced Games and follow Aron D’Souza for upcoming announcements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dan Bosomworth wasn’t chasing fame, he was chasing a feeling. One moment in his garage, fed up with complacency and craving change, sparked the creation of a product that would go on to redefine recovery for athletes, celebrities, and wellness seekers around the world.In this episode, Dan unpacks the early missteps, how challenge creates change, and the tough calls that pushed Brass Monkey toward the luxury space. From building bespoke tech to navigating near collapse, his journey is a raw look at what it takes to back yourself, build from the ground up, and create something truly original.It’s a story about discomfort, discipline, and designing a brand that stands the test of time.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nick Grey didn’t follow the traditional path, and that’s exactly what made all the difference. Long before GTECH became a household name, Nick was a designer quietly solving problems, battling self-doubt, and planning a bold leap into entrepreneurship on his own terms.In this episode, Nick reflects on the early rejection that shaped his drive, the breakthrough product that caught America’s attention, and the surprising media moment that changed everything. He also shares the lessons in patience, preparation, and trusting your vision, even when no one else sees it yet.It’s a revealing look at how quiet determination and creative courage can power a global brand from the ground up.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What sparks the leap from corporate boardrooms to building a movement? For Michelle Kennedy, it was a single conversation in a meeting room that changed everything.In this episode, Michelle shares the turning point that sparked her leap from legal counsel to founder, how early work with Bumble ignited a passion for building from scratch, and the behind-the-scenes battles of being a new mom in a male-dominated world. From brewing boardroom tensions to crafting Peanut, a platform that reshaped community for women, Michelle reveals the quiet resilience, bold risks, and everyday lessons that fueled her mission.Michelle’s story is about embracing uncertainty, leading with heart, and knowing when to take the leap, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsaiMichelle's Book It Takes A Village is Peanut's essential guide to motherhood and will be published in September with pre-orders available now https://www.waterstones.com/book/it-takes-a-village/peanut/9780241709986 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How do you take a brand from dated to defining? For Dylan Jones, it started with a clear vision, a few audacious hires, and the nerve to challenge tradition from the inside out.In this episode, Dylan reveals the calculated risks behind GQ’s reinvention, the behind-the-scenes battles that shaped its new voice, and how one outrageous idea proved he was the right person for the job.From navigating corporate pressures to redefining authenticity in media, it’s a candid look at transformation, leadership, and the power of trusting your vision when the stakes are high."IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when a supply chain expert is handed the keys to one of the world’s most iconic brands? For Jesper Brodin, it meant hitting the road, literally, to understand the heartbeat of IKEA from the ground up.In this episode, Jesper shares the behind-the-scenes decisions that helped steer IKEA through a digital revolution, a global pandemic, and a bold sustainability mission. From the lessons he learned from IKEA’s legendary founder to the surprising power of a “banana card,” it’s a story of humility, reinvention, and leading with purpose.It’s a playbook for navigating change, by listening, evolving, and never losing sight of what really matters.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Before Virgin became a name known around the world, one bold decision set Richard Branson on a path that defied every expectation. In this episode, he recounts the pivotal moments, from turning a missed flight into the birth of an airline, to risking it all on artists no one else would sign.Branson shares the battles behind boardroom doors, the doubts he faced from his own team, and the personal sacrifices made to keep his vision alive. From launching record labels to reaching space, it’s a rare glimpse into the mindset that built an empire on instinct, resilience, and refusing to play by the rules.It’s a story about trusting your gut, staying the course, and building something unforgettable, one daring leap at a time.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when a beauty industry powerhouse walks away from the boardroom to build something entirely her own? For Michelle Feeney, it meant defying expectations, embracing uncertainty, and launching a purpose-led brand grounded in decades of experience.In this episode, Michelle shares the pivotal moment that sparked her leap into entrepreneurship, the challenges of starting over in her fifties, and the quiet doubts she turned into fuel. From frank kitchen-table conversations to redefining success on her own terms, she takes us behind the scenes of a career that’s blended bold vision with hard-won wisdom.It’s a conversation about bold choices, inner drive, and the power of backing yourself, especially when it’s not the easy option.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if the biggest breakthroughs in business don’t come from logic, but from noticing what others overlook?In this episode, Rory Sutherland unpacks the moment a late-night scroll through economics blogs led him to Nudge, sparking a fascination with behavioral science that would quietly transform global brands. From saving a snack brand with a single word to helping an airline generate millions through a subtle design change, Rory shares the twists, experiments, and happy accidents that redefined how companies speak to their customers.It’s a masterclass in innovation, risk, and the power of seeing things differently, straight from the man who helped transform marketing with his unconventional insights.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Before Michael Jordan became a global icon, one unlikely figure made the call that changed everything. In this episode, Sonny Vaccaro shares how a gut instinct, a relentless belief in potential, and a risky pitch inside a boardroom at Nike rewrote the rules of sports marketing.From nearly walking away after Jordan leaned toward Adidas, to the quiet resolve that kept him in the game, Sonny reveals the turning points, personal battles, and behind-the-scenes moments that led to one of the most impactful deals in sports history.It’s a revealing look at how conviction, timing, and the courage to challenge convention can leave a legacy far bigger than the game.Legends and Soles: Business, Creativity and Basketball – a Memoir of an Improbable Life by Sonny Vaccaro (with Armen Keteyian) is out now (£22.00, HarperCollins)IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it take to turn a niche idea into a global phenomenon? For Alan Barratt, it meant trusting his instincts, betting on a product his own board doubted, and risking it all on a pivot that made no logical sense, until it did.In this episode, Alan reveals the behind-the-scenes battles that shaped Grenade’s bold transition from sports supplements to protein bars, the critical moment one unexpected ally tipped the scales, and how a sold-out launch in two hours changed everything.It’s a masterclass in the power of instinct, risk-taking, and the importance of embracing failure along the way.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How does a former banker end up leading one of the fastest-growing food brands in Europe? For John Eckbert, it started with a magazine cover, a cold email, and a vision that would eventually reshape the fast-casual dining landscape in the UK and beyond.In this episode, John takes us through the unexpected journey that led him to Five Guys, from a bold proposal sent through a website form to a game-changing partnership with the Morell family. He opens up about the high-stakes moments, the behind-the-scenes decisions that almost didn’t happen, and the quiet conversations that changed everything.It’s a conversation about bold transitions, unlikely beginnings, and the power of product obsession in building something people truly love.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it take to steer one of the world’s most iconic sports properties through a high-stakes transformation? For Greg Maffei, it meant navigating tense negotiations, decoding power dynamics, and learning to read the room, sometimes quite literally.In this episode, Greg unpacks the behind-the-scenes moments that almost derailed the Formula One deal, the trust-building that kept it alive, and what he learned from working alongside legends like Bernie Ecclestone. From reading subtle negotiation cues to betting on bold strategies like Drive to Survive, it’s a deep dive into patience, perspective, and leadership under pressure.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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