In this engaging episode, Stuart Middleton of Intervl, is joined by John and Paul for a deep dive into his journey from military life to entrepreneurship, emphasising the adaptation of diverse skills and values. Stuart candidly discusses building respect, nurturing empathy, and the vital importance of community engagement. With personal anecdotes, he reflects on his growth and the journey towards making a global impact, stressing the significance of passion, authenticity, and active listening. T...
Sep 27, 2023•45 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, Sarah Hughes from BEN, an organisation supporting the automotive sector, dives into her personal and professional experiences. BEN offers invaluable mental health services to industry workers. As we discuss, Sarah underscores the need for an understanding and supportive workplace. Together, we emphasise the importance of amplifying BEN’s resources and services. By the end, John Curtis and Sara Sloman express their commitment to dedicate a special broadcast for promoting BEN. The...
Sep 20, 2023•41 min•Ep. 29
In this episode we chat with Aaron Jarvis from GEOTAB. Discussions revolve around GEOTAB's ambition to be the UK's top telematics company and the broader issue of decarbonisation. Aaron sheds light on his personal journey to achieve work-life balance and the nuances of prioritising career vs. personal activities. We also discuss the complexities of being tall, and the social intricacies of hugging. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarvisaaron/ https://www.geotab.com/uk/ Watch this episode on YouTube:...
Sep 13, 2023•43 min•Ep. 28
In this episode, Lorna McAteer, a senior figure at National Grid and influential UK fleet manager, provides insights into her dynamic role, the importance of authenticity, and her perspective on governmental support. Lorna emphasises the need for consistency in strategies, discussing the challenges she faces and the joy she finds in overcoming them. Sharing a mix of personal stories and professional wisdom, including her trademark sayings, Lorna inspires listeners to take initiative. This enligh...
Sep 06, 2023•53 min•Ep. 27
In this engaging episode, David Bartlett, Head of Accident Management at The AA, dives into road safety innovations and the challenges of electric vehicles (EVs) in accident scenarios. As the industry undergoes transformation, David highlights the importance of focusing on value over cost, emphasizing cost control, cost certainty, and reducing vehicle downtime. He also shares personal anecdotes, illustrating his dedication to service and the ever-evolving landscape of accident management. Join u...
Aug 30, 2023•39 min•Ep. 26
In this EV Café Takeaway episode, David Savage of Geotab reflects on his journey since joining in January 2020, highlighting the company's data-driven and sustainable approach. David's onboarding during the pandemic reinforced the value of adaptability, a lesson from his early career. He shares the challenge of crafting an elevator pitch for Geotab's services, ultimately settling on a concise message. David's leadership style focuses on team dynamics, mentoring, and personal growth. Under his gu...
Aug 23, 2023•48 min•Ep. 25
In this EV Café Takeaway podcast, Andrew Stead of Plug Me In, a prominent figure in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, delves into his firsthand experiences with major EV infrastructure providers. Andrew shares valuable insights on the challenges and innovations driving the growth of charging networks. He emphasises the importance of his team and being people-centred in both his personal and professional life. His expertise and his self-effacing manner illuminate the path towards a more electri...
Aug 16, 2023•49 min•Ep. 24
Join us for this fun and energetic journey through Michelle’s life, career and passion for positive change. Michelle is an exceptional person who is flying the flag for sustainable Transport in the Commercial Vehicle sector. 15 years and lots of opportunities in the Prohire Group, Michelle now heads the ProGreen Brand bringing all her learning, passion and insight to bear to help businesses make the transition to Zero Emission options a reality. As a woman in this traditionally male dominated se...
Aug 09, 2023•44 min•Ep. 23
Andy Eastlake, the CEO of ZEMO, has on more than one occasion been described as an inspirational engineer. From a young age, he loved to work things out and ask how to make things better. Driving a van before he drove a car, it is no surprise that Andy started his career with Commercial Vans, nor that he has stayed in the transport sector. Listen to the journey of the man, who is responsible for the de facto test that the London Transport Buses use to lower their emissions and how he continues t...
Aug 02, 2023•49 min•Ep. 22
From a young age, Tore loved the process of creating new things: this love grew with him and he is now a man with a passion for cutting edge technology and the emerging EV business sector. With the partnership of his co-founder, Tore’s company Spirii was born and the company, now helps to enable EV Drivers across the globe to have a smooth transition into the EV world and ensures that consumers will happily stay there. https://www.linkedin.com/in/🌎-tore-harritshøj-b02b394/ https://spirii.com/en...
Jul 26, 2023•32 min•Ep. 21
From a young child, Steven’s inquisitive mind has led him to ask how things work. Find out how this question led him to become a problem solver and how he now plays his part in investing in something that is meaningful with a long-lasting impact. Steven also explains how the voice of the customer is key to his company, Zenobe, as they make power clean and accessible. linkedin.com/in/stevencgmeersman https://www.zenobe.com/...
Jul 19, 2023•43 min•Ep. 20
The EV Café’s very own Sam Clarke (and of course, Chief Vehicle Officer at GRIDSERVE) shares how his competitive edge helped propel him into business at a young age. The super successful entrepreneur reflects on his achievements, the cost paid to get there as well his personal journey to prioritise the sustainability agenda and the legacy he hopes to leave. https://www.linkedin.com/in/samclarke946/ https://www.gridserve.com/...
Jul 12, 2023•56 min•Ep. 19
Sara and Paul catch up with Anthony Marcou. He has been around the fleet industry for many years and has always had a passion to make a real difference for his fleet users. Here he shares the deeply personal reason why he is so driven! In his role in The AA’s DriveTech company he champions all things safety and also looks to help with the fleet transition to zero emissions transport. https://www.drivetech.co.uk https://www.theaa.com/sitecore-cd/business https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-marcou...
Jun 28, 2023•35 min•Ep. 18
We had the pleasure of getting to know this impressive young woman at the dawn of her career and to say we were impressed is an understatement – This fun personable and engaging conversation with the lovely Laura gives us a wonderful insight into the past, present and the likely future for this woman on a mission to make the world a place where she would want to bring children into! Join us and then share on the joy! Relevant links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-schleicher/ https://www.linke...
Jun 21, 2023•47 min•Ep. 17
Today we get to know Liz Allan, how she grew her love of people and where she got here passion for life from. Listen as she recounts her journey into sustainability and “continuous improvement” and as she explores her creative side, from singing in a band and right up to the present day! We even get a bit of a singalong! Life’s not all a bunch of roses though and we hear how life’s toughest events are a lesson for the future!
Jun 14, 2023•42 min•Ep. 16
EV King (Edmund V King) – find out what the V stands for, how he got the job as President of the AA, why wine plays such an important part in his life and why time on the toilet came to fruition one day in an interview with Jimmy Young. http://www.theaa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmundking/ Find out more about the EV Café: https://www.evcafe.org/...
Jun 07, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 15
Be inspired by The Electric Van Man who has come a long way since his challenging early years. It is from these early experiences and talking about these challenges that Paul now has a big focus on the importance of mental health and is passionately seeks to encourage others to find the support they need. Paul also tells how his beloved vans were involved in his first job and he also expresses his gratitude for people who have believed in him, attributing them as a key ingredient to his success....
May 31, 2023•34 min•Ep. 14
Steve reflects on the opportunity to work within the relatively new industry of Electric Vehicles particularly through the lens of insurance. We hear how the voice of the customer is key to the journey and we also learn how an EV fits into family life. Find out more: https://www.directlinegroup.com/
May 24, 2023•39 min•Ep. 13
7 years ago David had realisation that he had to get “the mask” off! Struggling with panic attacks for many years he finally “came out” and found that so many others were suffering in silence too. Cue “Breaking the Silence”! A business set up to create kinder cultures where people could share openly on the challenges with their mental health. Paul has had personal experience with David’s work and Big JC gets a live counselling session and we all agree that mental fitness is worth working on! Sup...
May 15, 2023•59 min•Ep. 12
They say not all hero’s wear capes, Well this one wears a Hi-Vis and a Hard hat! Craig is focused on driving the installations for charge-points, for Zero tailpipe emissions vehicles, to Zero emission also. At the moment they are far from it! From lean management to innovative products from the latest commercial vehicle to electric tooling and diggers! But its not all hard hats and big holes, there is a softer side to this story, one of passion, purpose and inspiration – join us for this crackin...
May 10, 2023•48 min•Ep. 11
The normally bright and bubbly John Curtis shares from his heart on his highs and lows, battles with depression and how he makes a difference. This brilliant communicator talks about the joy of other people’s stories to life and comes to terms with bringing his own story to life too. Wherever he is, he creates a safe space for people to be the real deal rather than hiding behind smoke and mirrors. Take a few minutes to get to know the real John Curtis.
May 03, 2023•35 min•Ep. 10
The engaging, empathetic, and exciting leader of Octopus Electric Vehicles takes us on her journey, sharing how she navigates her toughest days and the important conversation that kept her in the game. A fascinating conversation with Fiona, who champions, mentors and encourages other women who aspire to greatness within the industry.
Apr 26, 2023•56 min•Ep. 9
Creativity and passion come together to create great shows. Carlo Zoccalli personifies this perfectly as we explore the mission and purpose of events and exhibitions. Find out more about ITT Hub at itthub.co.uk
Apr 19, 2023•47 min•Ep. 8
Lee talks to us about his exciting business brainchild that is set to grow into a network providing zero emission deliveries. Lee also shares some of the challenges he has faced both in his business and personal life with both courage and transparency. Fascinating conversation.
Apr 12, 2023•37 min•Ep. 7
Nicki “The Smiler” Richmond shows how you can be driven, passionate and customer focused without losing your soul. Her focus on people and the team around her shines through and demonstrates how she is able to make the difference that she has made in her career. Clearly citing the people around, her including mentors over the years as being the key to her success. Refreshing, engaging and fun, a lovely and inspiring conversation.
Apr 05, 2023•34 min•Ep. 6
Martin’s rugby career was personified in his pace and dogged determination. This brilliant sportsman, now with his own statue outside Wembley, brings his energy, passion, and personal experiences to bear, supporting Connected Kerb who are bringing charging to local communities across the country. You cannot fail to be energised and encouraged when you listen to Martin’s enthusiasm for this new chapter in his life.
Mar 29, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 5
The effervescent SAS, as we call her, has been a member for the EV Café Team right from the start. From a young girl, Sara has cared deeply for the environment and first shed tears for the planet when she learnt about the acid rain showering over the earth. From that moment on she has been a woman on a mission to bring change and make a difference. In her latest role, she is helping to make the use of charge points, in particular payment, seamless and simple! Whatever she is doing, she has peopl...
Mar 22, 2023•49 min•Ep. 4
Chris Ramsey is tackling a journey so difficult that it has never even been attempted before, all being done with his wife as co-pilot for over 17000 miles, from the North Pole to the South Pole or “Pole to Pole” as it is called. Oh yeah! And he’s doing it all in an electric vehicle! We discover Chris’ inspiration for adventure, his motivation for this mammoth journey and the dangers and challenges that he will meet along the way. We talk to Chris days before the epic journey begins and as you r...
Mar 15, 2023•55 min•Ep. 3
The leader of one of the current fastest growing companies in the UK and the current Great British Entrepreneur of the Year, Jordan Brompton, is refreshingly down to earth and humble in view of such success. A powerful advocate of women succeeding in business and with a strong commitment to the local community of Grimsby, she is a wonderful example of what being great in business is all about, one that we can all learn from. Join us for this fun and inspirational insight into the world of Myener...
Mar 08, 2023•42 min•Ep. 2
We kick off The EV Café Takeaway with the powerhouse of influence and activity that is Graeme Cooper, now Global Solutions Director for Jacobs, but probably still better known as the former Head of Future projects for National Grid here in the UK. The man that gave us confidence that the grid will cope in this EV transition. Join us as we discover what has tested him, what he is proud of and his accidental career path. Not forgetting the very things that Graeme puts his success down too.. A secr...
Mar 01, 2023•45 min•Ep. 1