Secret Leaders - podcast cover

Secret Leaders

Leaders Mediawww.secretleaders.com
Dan Murray-Serter and Chris Donnelly are two serial entrepreneurs who've built, sold, scaled & failed companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. In Secret Leaders we get inside the greatest minds and greatest moments in business, because we believe the best way to learn about business is to hear from the people who make it happen. Sponsored by Wise Business and Vanta. Contact: [email protected]
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Episodes

Wtf is Oracle and why do 97% of companies use it? Larry Ellison's $457bn gamble

Alright, WTF is Oracle and why is it worth a massive $457 billion? In this video, we dive into how Oracle became the backbone of the internet. Spoiler: 97% of companies would crumble without it. From powering your favourite apps to securing your data, Oracle is the silent force keeping the digital world running. But what even is it? Let’s break it down for you. ________________ Sign up to Wise Business banking: https://wise.com/gb/business/?utm_sou... Thanks to HP our sponsor for this episode. F...

Sep 20, 202414 min

22 Years as a Money Making Expert - How Anyone can make $10K+ a month - Daniel Priestley

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Priestley, the guy who knows how to turn ideas into money. He’s dropping his ultimate playbook on how YOU can build a successful business and hit that first $10K – no fluff, just real talk. Want to know how to make real money and crush it in the business world? This episode is packed with actionable tips, mindset hacks, and strategies that anyone can apply. Don't miss it! ________________ Sign up to Wise Business banking: https://wise.com/gb/business/?utm...

Sep 17, 20241 hr 20 min

Founders Reveal All! - Drunken Hires, Billion Dollar Clients & Partying With Royalty!

In this episode, Dan and ​⁠Chris share their rollercoaster 30+ year journey in the world of business. From wild, unexpected moments like making hires over drinks, to unforgettable experiences like meeting the Queen, and landing some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, including Bugatti. This episode is packed with jaw-dropping stories and valuable insights. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with lessons on resilience, bold decisions, and the ups and downs of building a succ...

Sep 13, 202458 min

Simon Squibb Generates BILLIONS Of Views By Investing In Strangers!

Discover how entrepreneur Simon Squibb is taking the world by storm with his unique approach to business. With billions of views on TikTok and over a million YouTube subscribers, Simon is breaking all the rules by investing in total strangers, helping them achieve their dreams. In this episode, we dive into Simon’s inspiring mission, his strategy for generating viral content, and why he believes this is the future of entrepreneurship. If you’re curious about how to create viral videos, invest in...

Sep 10, 20241 hr 16 minSeason 7Ep. 1

We want to hear from you

We’re taking a short production break while we prepare for the next season, but while we’re preparing, we want your feedback on the show and what you want us to cover. Fill out this form to let us know what you want to hear from us on the next season of Secret Leaders and check us out on YouTube Thank you for your suggestions and for listening

Jul 16, 20244 min

A Business without a company? - Timothy Armoo

What happens after that coveted exit? What does life look like for a founder who's achieved what so many others are striving for? Today, we're diving deep into that very question with Timothy Armoo, a serial entrepreneur who sold his influencer marketing company, Fanbytes, in a multi-million pound deal at the age of 27. But this isn't a story about how to build and sell a successful startup - it's about what comes next. What's truly captivating about Tim’s current chapter is his unconventional a...

Jul 02, 20241 hr 2 min

How To Exit Using Private Equity - Alexis Sikorsky

In the world of entrepreneurship, we dream about the BIG EXIT. We talk about mergers, acquisitions and IPOs… But there's one exit strategy that's often whispered about Selling to private equity. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on this mysterious world with someone who's not only been through it, but has come out the other side a fan. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://pers...

Jun 25, 20241 hr 21 min

Building Social Chain Almost Broke Me - Dom McGregor

Dominic McGregor was riding high as the co-founder of Social Chain, a social media agency that exploded from scrappy startup to global player in just a few short years. But as the company grew, so did Dom's drinking problem - until it all came crashing down. In this conversation, Dom shares the inside story of his battle with addiction, from the red flags he ignored to the moment he hit rock bottom, and the painful but transformative journey of getting sober and rebuilding his life. The life of ...

Jun 18, 20241 hr 14 min

Succession planning for Founder-CEO’s - Evgeny Shadchnev

Imagine building a company from the ground up, pouring your heart and soul into it for years, only to reach a point where you realise it's time to step aside as CEO. How do you know when it's the right time? How do you navigate that transition while setting the company up for continued success? And what comes next for you as a founder? These are the crucial questions we're diving into today with Evgeny Shadchnev, a founder who has lived through this very journey. Evgeny is an author and co-Found...

Jun 11, 20241 hr 13 min

Founding The Super-Human Olympics - Christian Angermayer

The first time Christian Angermayer took psychedelics in 2014, it changed the trajectory of his life. Nearly a decade later, he has become one of the most influential voices in the world of biotech, crypto, and anti-aging. People look to him for guidance on the next big thing, they invest in his ventures hoping to be a part of something groundbreaking, and they listen to his bold ideas about pushing the boundaries of human potential. It is not hyperbole to say that Christian Angermayer is one of...

Jun 04, 20241 hr 9 min

My Favourite Failure: Make Yourself Redundant - Andy Brown

Andy Brown, a seasoned leadership coach, shares his journey as a founder of a once-thriving marketing agency. He reveals how the business's rapid growth and his own ambition led him down a path of loss of focus and personal burnout. As the company took on more clients and expanded its services, Andy found himself stretched thin, trying to be involved in every aspect of the business. His belief that he was indispensable ultimately became a double-edged sword, leading to a lack of trust in his tea...

May 30, 202414 min

The Algebra of Wealth - Scott Galloway

Scott Galloway, serial entrepreneur, NYU professor, and author of "The Algebra of Wealth," shares his hard-won insights on building lasting, meaningful wealth as a founder. Scott and Dan discuss the key components of his wealth-building philosophy: focus, stoicism, time, and diversification. He dives deep into the practical strategies behind each pillar, sharing personal anecdotes and counterintuitive wisdom that challenges conventional notions of success. He argues that true wealth is about mor...

May 28, 20241 hr 28 min

My Favourite Failure: The Great Underwear Fiasco - Joel Primus

What does it take to bounce back from a business blunder that nearly costs you everything? Ask Joel Primus, the Founder who went from a mortifying moment on Dragon's Den to a multi-million dollar exit - and then found himself on the brink of bankruptcy when a global pandemic hit. Joel takes us behind the scenes of ill-fated underwear launch that left him red-faced on national television and scrambling to save his company. Through it all, Joel emerges with a newfound appreciation for the long gam...

May 23, 202420 min

Become Unstressable - Mo Gawdat and Alice Law

Discover the Secrets to Becoming "Unstressable" with Mo Gawdat and Alice Law Former Google X executive Mo Gawdat and stress management expert Alice Law share their revolutionary approach to thriving under pressure. Mo and Alice challenge the notion that stress is inevitable for success. They explore the far-reaching impacts of chronic stress, practical strategies for building resilience, and the transformative power of purpose and authenticity. Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking peak perform...

May 21, 20241 hr 28 min

My Favourite Failure: One Founder's Journey to Sobriety and Success - Jim Frawley

From hitting rock bottom to tripling his business overnight! Executive development specialist Jim reveals how admitting his shortcomings to his wife became the catalyst for transformation, leading him to quit drinking and embark on a path of self-discovery. Whether you're battling your own demons or simply seeking inspiration to reach your full potential, Jim's story offers a compelling testament to the power of vulnerability, authenticity, and the courage to change." … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% ...

May 16, 202411 min

Resident Advisor: Bootstrapping a Global Music Empire - Nick Sabine

Nick Sabine, Co-Founder of Resident Advisor (RA), shares his journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of authenticity in leadership and life. From his early inspiration in the electronic music scene to the challenges of growing a global brand, Nick candidly discusses the struggles of maintaining authenticity, navigating co-founder relationships, and leading through crisis. A life-altering divorce and a period of self-reflection, including embracing boredom and solitude, led Nick to...

May 14, 20241 hr 16 min

My Favourite Failure: How a Navy SEAL Transforms Failure into Opportunity - Alden Mills

In the face of failure, do you quit or persevere? Alden Mills, a former Navy SEAL who has navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Alden shares the invaluable lessons he learned about failure during his time in the SEALs and how he applied them to his business ventures. From the brink of bankruptcy to generating nearly $100 million in sales, Alden's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying connected to your passion and purpose. Sponsors Vanta - get ...

May 09, 202425 min

Everything you need to know about building a personal brand - Chris Donnelly

Success isn't just about having a great product or service. You know that standing out in a crowded market is tough. But what if you could cut through the noise and build a loyal following that drives real results for your business? Enter the power of personal branding. Chris Donnelly, Founder of Verb and Lottie, shares his insights on leveraging your personal brand to supercharge your entrepreneurial journey. With over 35 million content views per week, Chris has cracked the code on authentic, ...

May 07, 20241 hr 25 min

My Favourite Failure: The dangers of diversification - Emmanuel Arnaud

What happens when a successful home exchange company tries to launch a rental business? Emmanuel Arnault, CEO of Home Exchange, shares his experience of investing a million dollars in a new rental venture that ultimately failed. Emmanuel dives into the strategic mistakes they made, the challenges of balancing a flagship business with a new side project, and the important lessons he learned about leadership and resource allocation along the way. From the initial planning stages to the final decis...

May 02, 202416 min

Jake Humphrey- Is High Performance Really About Achievement?

Can you achieve high performance without losing yourself? Jake Humphrey, top sports broadcaster, believes the key to high performance is inner contentment. He shares his radical approach to happiness and achievement. From overcoming bullying to battling imposter syndrome, he's learned that true success isn't about accolades, but about being true to yourself. Through personal stories and practical tips, Jake offers a roadmap for redefining success on your own terms. Discover the mindset shifts an...

Apr 30, 20241 hr 11 min

My Favourite Failure: How Knockoffs Killed the Leisure Suit Revolution - Jerry Rosengarten

Jerry Rosengarten is a seasoned, serial entrepreneur and designer who, somewhat unexpectedly, created a revolution in menswear when he designed the leisure suit. However, the leisure suit's success was short-lived. Jerry reveals how knockoffs and cheaper fabrics flooded the market, ultimately leading to the downfall of his business. Through his experiences, Jerry imparts valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, emphasising the importance of pivoting in the face of challenges and having a reliable "dr...

Apr 25, 20248 min

Become an expert in uncertainty (w/ Sam Conniff )

As a founder, uncertainty is the air you breathe. Sam Conniff, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and co-creator of the Uncertainty Experts, shares his invaluable insights and strategies for navigating the unknown and transforming your relationship with risk. Drawing from his experience and the Uncertainty Experts program, Conniff breaks down the mental models and techniques that can help you find stillness and comfort in the face of uncertainty—and reveals how anyone can build their uncertainty ...

Apr 23, 20241 hr 12 min

My Favourite Failure: Balancing Parenthood and Entrepreneurship - Alyson Caffrey

Alison Caffrey opens up about the perfect storm she faced as a new mom and entrepreneur. With her business reliant on her time and her husband losing his income, Alison found herself answering client emails mere hours after giving birth. She shares her emotional journey, from using alcohol to cope with stress to the realisation that her business needed a complete overhaul. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - al...

Apr 18, 202418 min

Mastering the Art of Communication ( w/ Charles Duhigg )

As a leader, your number one job is to be an effective communicator., Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Charles Duhigg shares his incredible insights and practical strategies for mastering the art and science of effective communication. Drawing from his new book, "Supercommunicators," Duhigg breaks down the techniques that set apart those rare individuals who seem to have a magic touch when it comes to conversations and connections—and reveals how anyone can tap into those same skills...

Apr 16, 20241 hr 18 min

My Favourite Failure: How to fail without getting knocked out - Tom McLeod

Tom McLeod, a serial entrepreneur, shares his wild journey of building 5 companies and surviving a dozen failures. From spy camera apps to failed iPhone tossing games, Tom's story is a masterclass in resilience and failing fast. He reveals the gut-wrenching story of his startup Omni, which despite a successful exit, fell short of his ambitious vision. Tom's key lesson? Take loads of shots, learn from failures, and avoid getting knocked out. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications ...

Apr 11, 202427 min

A Founder's guide to navigating the law (w/Daniel van Binsbergen)

There is a problem. Lawyers and Founders have misaligned incentives. Daniel van Binsbergen, lawyer turned founder, shares his perspective on tackling legal challenges in the startup world. Having Founded and exited Lexoo, a legal marketplace, DVB bridges the gap between the legal world and the entrepreneurial mindset. From prioritising legal matters and managing risk tolerance, to fostering a productive relationship with your lawyer and adapting to the fast-paced startup environment - expect act...

Apr 09, 202454 min

My Favourite Failure: Giving up my dream opera career - Caroline Dowd-Higgins

Failing Forward! An Opera Singer's Lessons in Resilience and Reinvention From the opera stage to executive coaching, Caroline Dowd Higgins exemplifies resilience and courage. She recounts her promising opera career's harsh realities, including a pivotal breakdown and questioning if the sacrifices were worth the suffering. With wisdom, Caroline shares lessons on recognising when to pivot, seeking feedback, and embracing her mantra: "The suffering is optional." … Sponsor Check out Personio - the a...

Apr 04, 202410 min

The simple path to great strategy: Alex Smith

“99% of successful businesses don’t have a strategy” Alex Smith, a renowned business strategist who argues that real strategic skill isn't about getting caught up in overwhelming complexity, but about identifying key differences that set you apart from competitors. To bring these ideas into reality, Alex and Dan break down brilliant yet straightforward strategies used by companies like Southwest Airlines, Nintendo, Grenade bars, and 5-hour Energy drinks.

Apr 02, 20241 hr 17 min

My Favourite Failure: We built something our customers said they wanted- Jessica Dante

Jess Dante, the Founder of Love and London, shares her company's cautionary tale of attempting to launch a new product based on customer demand. Despite months of hard work and a compelling marketing push, the much-anticipated launch fell flat, leaving them with a mere single booking in the first 24 hours. What went wrong? … Sponsor Check out Personio - the all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders

Mar 28, 202415 min

The secret key to increase your productivity - Ali Abdaal

What if the secret to getting more done, is having more fun? In this episode we speak with Ali Abdaal - YouTuber, doctor, author and Founder who has built a business around his own personal brand. Ali shares his approach to being more productive by simply making work feel like play. Ali explains the science behind why we're more motivated when something feels like a game rather than a chore. He provides practical tips for turning boring tasks into engaging challenges by reframing them with an el...

Mar 26, 20241 hr 10 min
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