32. What a venture capitalist is REALLY looking for when deciding to invest in your business | Sasha Kaletsky
What should you do if you have a brilliant business idea but don’t have the funds to bring it to life? In today’s episode of All About Business, I'm joined by venture capitalist Sasha Kaletsky. Sasha is the co-founder of investment firm Creator Ventures which he started with his cousin Caspar Lee. They have injected millions of dollars into digital tech companies in six short years. In this episode, we explore how to craft the perfect pitch, how social media is shaping our economy, and how you can use simple AI tools to scale your business quickly.Sasha Kaletsky is the co-founder and Managing Partner at Creator Ventures, a firm that invests in technologies shaping the digital landscape. Before founding Creator Ventures, Sasha gained extensive experience in private equity, technology, and consulting. He started at Bridgepoint in private equity, contributed to the launch and expansion of Uber, and worked as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group.Timestamps01:58 Introduction02:31 Creator Ventures17:37 Setting up in the United States18:48 CEOs becoming creators20:35 Building companies with AI25:51 The future social landscape29:28 Uber31:12 The network effect34:04 The secret behind a 5-Star passenger rating35:09 What makes a good pitch39:18 How Sasha determines future markets41:12 Presenting to VCs42:39 Due diligence43:20 How to pitch to Sasha43:53 Working with family47:06 When due diligence fails49:15 How companies can make better use of AI54:53 Interview roundLinksSend Sasha your pitch Check out Creator VenturesFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotesThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk.
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31. MIND GYM: The work-out that will enhance your brain for ultimate productivity | Octavius Black CBE
How can you use psychology to quickly go from struggling employee to productivity machine? Today’s guest on All About Business is Octavius Black CBE, the co-founder of MindGym, a corporate learning company that merges behavioural science with leadership development to turn struggling teams into powerhouses of productivity.In this episode, we discuss the psychology behind high performance, why most leadership programmes are a waste of time, and the psychometric test that can predict your team’s future. Octavius Black CBE is the founder and executive chair of MindGym, a company that delivers corporate learning and development programmes through 90-minute training sessions known as workouts.Octavius has also co-authored several books that provide actionable insights and techniques to improve mental fitness and overall wellbeing. In recognition of his contributions to business, Octavius was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2023.Timestamps00:41 The origin story of MindGym03:50 The 90-minute learning revolution07:11 Coaching and performance improvement13:24 The importance of belonging and inclusion19:43 HR challenges and innovations27:42 Addressing workplace stress and wellbeing30:15 Five conditions for thriving at work35:39 The role of feedback in the workplace41:54 The importance of emotional self-regulation49:06 The future of AI in talent developmentLinksSign up for MindGymRead Octavius’ bookFollow Octavius Black on LinkedInFollow James Reed on LinkedIn All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotesThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
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30. How the Princess of Wales’ favourite designer would build a jewellery brand in 2025 | Kiki McDonough
How would a Jeweller who has become a favourite amongst the royal family start from scratch in 2025?In this episode of All About Business, James interviews Kiki McDonagh, a fifth-generation jeweler renowned for her work with high-profile clients including Princess Diana and the current Princess of Wales. They discuss how she transformed the perception of fine jewellery, making it more accessible and encouraging women to buy for themselves. She shares insights into her design inspiration, the evolution of her brand, and the importance of business strategies such as starting small, maintaining strict financial oversight, and building customer trust. Celebrating 40 years in the industry, Kiki outlines her future plans, including expansion into the American market. Timestamps03:26 Designing with passion and innovation05:21 Building a brand and customer relationships14:32 Navigating the luxury market20:26 The impact of social media and online sales26:36 Advice for aspiring jewellers31:53 Building trust and brand identity38:37 Challenges and opportunities in the jewellery industry49:18 Expanding into the American market53:03 Looking forward: Future plans and reflectionsLinks:Follow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed GlobalVisit Kiki McDonagh hereVisit Kiki McDonagh on InstagramThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo Media
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29. From nail art in Dalston to global beauty-tech icon | Sharmadean Reid MBE
How do you build a brand that not only speaks to a whole generation of women, but also transforms an entire industry?In this episode of All About Business, I sit down with Sharmadean Reid MBE, the trailblazing entrepreneur behind brands such as WAH Nails, Beautystack and The Stack World. We discuss her experiences navigating the fashion and tech industries, how the pandemic changed her outlook on business, and the inspiration behind her new luxury beauty brand, 39 BC. Sharmadean Reid MBE is an entrepreneur, creative consultant and advocate for women’s empowerment. Her work focuses on women’s power, equity and ownership. Sharmadean launched WAH Nails in 2009 as a place for women to hang out, form friendships and build communities while getting creative nail designs. She also founded beauty booking system, Beautystack in 2017, as well as The Stack World in 2021.In recognition of her contributions, Sharmadean received an MBE in 2015 from Queen Elizabeth II. She published her first book, New Methods for Women in 2024, and is currently working on her second book, along with a scripted TV show about female founders.Timestamps01:30 The birth of WAH Nails05:54 From nail salon to global brand10:09 The transition to tech and venture capital12:08 Building Beautystack20:10 Challenges and reflections during the pandemic26:06 The pivot to The Stack World30:38 Corporate anarchy and women's independence36:31 Introducing 39 BC49:25 Future projects and visionLinksCheck out The Stack WorldRead Sharmadean Reid’s bookSubscribe to Shamadean Reid’s newsletterFollow Sharmadean Reid on LinkedInFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at: https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotesThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
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28. Adapt or die: How can businesses improve efficiency? | Livio Manzini
In December 2020, the UK signed its first post-Brexit trade deal with Turkey, safeguarding a £18.6bn relationship. But how did Turkey become so important for UK business?In this episode of All About Business, I’m joined by Livio Manzini, Chairman and CEO of Bell Holding, a packaging and services company based in Turkey. We explore Turkey’s secret to efficient manufacturing, why trade wars are bad for everyone, and why ditching the Gregorian calendar might be good for business.Livio Manzini has been the Chairman and CEO of Bell Holding since 1993. Bell Holding owns packaging and services companies, which includes Reed Recruitment Turkey. Livio is also an Honorary Chair of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Turkey, where he fosters economic relations between countries by promoting bilateral trade, supporting SMEs, and promoting sustainability initiatives.Timestamps01:43 Who is Livio Manzini?08:15 The Gregorian calendar15:35 Bell Holding, Turkey21:15 Where the trade war is heading25:13 Why the US and Europe have failed to compete in manufacturing27:13 The four-day vs five-day work week29:26 Livio on tariffs30:38 Advice for businesses in a fractured world36:30 Where to find opportunities38:04 Generational businesses and succession planning42:41 Advice on starting a dream business43:43 The relationship between service businesses and manufacturing businesses46:45 Climate changeLinksFollow Livio Manzini on LinkedInVisit Bell Holding's websiteFollow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at https://www.reed.com/?utm_medium=AABshownotes.This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk
'James Reed: all about business' puts you at the heart of fun, dynamic, candid conversation with business leaders, philanthropists and charitable celebrities as they use their journeys to give clear, actionable advice.
Hosted by James Reed CBE, the Chairman and CEO of Reed Group, you’ll hear the highs and lows of what it means to be a true business leader to empower you to implement smarter, more meaningful strategy in your business or career.
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