Shows
Brilliance TalksBefore You Set Goals for Next Year, Watch ThisWhat do successful entrepreneurs wish they’d known earlier?In this Brilliance Talks Christmas Special, we’ve brought together the most powerful insights shared by CEOs and founders featured on the podcast this year.From fundraising and scaling to leadership, self-belief, and resilience, this episode is a reflection on the realities of building something meaningful.Whether you’re closing out the year or planning your next move, this episode is designed to give you clarity, perspective, and momentum going into the new year.📝 Show Notes:00:00 The future is...
2025-12-2512 min
Brilliance TalksWhy This Lawyer Bet Everything on a StartupShe left a successful career in Big Law to fix one of the most broken systems in the UK.In this episode of Brilliance Talks, Hannah Nicholson, Founder & CEO of Snapply, shares how she raised £1.5M+, rebuilt her company through a major rebrand, and is creating the Airbnb of home buying.A candid conversation about courage, fundraising winters, motherhood, and building tech with a human touch.Show Notes:02:05 Why Hannah left corporate law03:28 What Snapply does (simply explained)06:01 What’s broken in home buying
2025-12-2329 min
Brilliance TalksHow Intuition Made Her a Better CEO Than Data Ever CouldLivia Bernardini has built products and brands across Italy, Japan, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and the UK, and now leads Future Platforms, the digital product company behind experiences for BT, EE, McKinsey and more.We get into intuition (her secret edge), product strategy, innovation traps, branding mistakes, how to build a lovable MVP, and why moving countries forces you to rebuild your identity from scratch.If you lead teams, build products, or want to make better decisions, this one’s for you.Shownotes:02:14 Living abroad reshapes your values...
2025-12-1631 min
Brilliance TalksThe Real Reason Your Landing Page Isn’t ConvertingFrom Metallica to Harvard, Toni Hopponen has quietly built tools used by some of the world’s most iconic brands.He bootstrapped Flockler, scaled it through pure product-led growth, sold it, and then, instead of retiring, started from zero again.In this episode of Brilliance Talks, Toni breaks down:How he landed global brands with no sales teamThe emotional cost of selling a company after 12 yearsLessons from rebuilding in the AI eraWhy marketers should start before the productThe surprising value of early testers (200+ of them)What founders consistently get wrong about building in 2025
2025-12-0949 min
Brilliance TalksWe Built an AI That Does 3 Years of Consulting in 15 Days | Spendkey CEOAlex Grundy, co-founder and CEO of Spendkey, shares his journey from corporate procurement expert to AI SaaS founder. Learn how Spendkey automates years of consulting work into days, the mindset shifts required to move from corporate to founder, and how to build a global team with a winning culture.Key Takeaways:Turning experience into actionable AI productsScaling a startup globally while maintaining cultureUsing AI to deliver outcomes faster, cheaper, and smarterLessons on mindset, resilience, and leadershipWhether you’re a startup founder or enterprise leader, Alex’s story is full...
2025-12-0245 min
Brilliance TalksShe Built AI That Gives People Their Voice BackShe didn’t plan to change the world — but a single hackathon sparked a technology now giving people new ways to communicate.Dr. Hadeel Ayoub, the inventor behind BrightSign and Fiddley, joins us to share how she built AI-driven tools that translate hand signs into speech, and how a mission to help one person grew into global impact.In this episode, we unpack her founder story, the breakthrough moment in Seoul that changed her path forever, the emotional reactions from families, and what it takes to build assistive hardware that truly works in t...
2025-11-2559 min
Brilliance TalksBUILDING PASTA BRAND AT 40!At 40, a finance guy walking away from the London Stock Exchange so he could learn to cook pasta.Sounds wild? It’s only the beginning.Meet Chris Rensell — former financier turned co-founder of Pasta Evangelists. He built a pasta brand from a kitchen in East London, scaled it into a £30-plus million business, hit Harrods, Ocado and 50+ delivery kitchens, and then got acquired by Barilla.In this episode you’ll hear:Why quitting your “safe” job at 40 might be the smartest move you makeHow to turn a hobby into a startup e...
2025-11-1859 min
Brilliance TalksHow a Space Scientist Built a Beauty-Tech Empire with AILena was coding neural networks before AI was cool. In this episode, she shares how she went from space research to co-founding The Good Face Project — helping beauty giants like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder build safer, faster products with AI.We talk about:Building AI before ChatGPTThe rise of “World Models”Startups, burnout & resilienceThe future of AI in businessIf you’re into founders, innovation, or the next wave of AI, this episode will open your mind — and maybe push you to start building.🗒️ Show NotesGu...
2025-11-1128 min
Brilliance TalksHe Helped TikTok Go Global… Now He’s Fixing Time ItselfIn this episode of Brilliance Talks, we sit down with Daniel Bulteel, co-founder of Ting — an AI platform that turns the messy back-and-forth of scheduling into real, meaningful meetings.Before founding Ting, Daniel helped scale TikTok, Live, Shopping, and CapCut globally at ByteDance, and led adidas’ social and creator strategy across 50+ markets. Now, he’s using AI to bring back what tech often takes away — human connection.We dive into:→ How AI can make meetings more meaningful (not just efficient)→ Lessons from building global social products like TikTok→ Why timing, context, and energy define every great relationship→ The new future of work —...
2025-10-2831 minBrilliance TalksThe CEO Who’s Making AI More HumanIn this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Tatyana Mamut, CEO and co-founder of Wayfound.ai, to uncover the truth about innovation, leadership, and the human flaws shaping the future of AI.Tatyana’s journey began as a refugee fleeing conflict in Ukraine — and led her to build and lead at some of Silicon Valley’s biggest companies. Her story is a powerful reminder that technology doesn’t fail because of code… it fails because of people.In this conversation:Why the biggest problems in AI are human problemsHow empathy drives innovation...
2025-10-2145 minBrilliance TalksHow to Build & Protect Wealth Like the Top 1% (Before It’s Too Late)hat happens when you finally make money… but don’t know how to protect it?In this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Taras Rebak — Partner at Fusion, a £1.8B wealth management group helping founders, entrepreneurs, and private investors structure, grow, and protect their wealth without giving up control.Taras shares 20+ years of hard-won lessons across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East — from managing capital to building financial systems that actually last.In this conversation:How founders can transition from operators to investorsWhy most people fail to protect their wealth af...
2025-10-1442 minBrilliance TalksHow to Build a People-First Business That Actually GrowsIn this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Natalie Ruiz, CEO of AnswerConnect, to talk about what it really takes to grow into leadership from the inside out.Natalie’s story isn’t about luck or titles, it’s about resilience, vision, and building a company where people actually thrive.In this conversation:→ How to grow from employee to CEO→ The mindset shift every leader needs→ Building a people-first culture that actually scales→ What leaders get wrong about growth and teamsIf you’re...
2025-10-0740 minBrilliance TalksWhy You Don’t Need Investors to Scale Big | Kat PattersonMost leaders talk about what’s possible. Kat Patterson makes it happen.In this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Kat Patterson, Managing Director at Art of the Possible Agency, to uncover why creativity is the most underused weapon in business—and how leaders can harness it to drive growth.🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:Why creativity is a leadership advantage (not a luxury)How to lead teams that thrive in uncertain timesThe real risk every CEO takes when they play it safeKat’s lessons from building an...
2025-09-3022 minBrilliance TalksWhy You Don’t Need Investors to Scale Big | Kat PattersonMost leaders talk about what’s possible. Kat Patterson makes it happen.In this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Kat Patterson, Managing Director at Art of the Possible Agency, to uncover why creativity is the most underused weapon in business—and how leaders can harness it to drive growth.🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:Why creativity is a leadership advantage (not a luxury)How to lead teams that thrive in uncertain timesThe real risk every CEO takes when they play it safeKat’s lessons from building an agency that turns...
2025-09-3022 minBrilliance TalksThe Brutal Truth About IVF Nobody Talks AboutMost entrepreneurs build products.Few build revolutions.In this episode of Brilliance Talks, host Simac Konkader sits down with Dr. Lara Zibners — board-certified pediatric emergency physician, educator, entrepreneur, and author of If Your Kid Eats This Book, Everything Will Still Be Okay.After enduring seven rounds of IVF, Lara experienced firsthand the emotional and physical toll of standard fertility treatments. That journey sparked her mission to transform women’s healthcare.Today, she is the co-founder of Calla Lily Clinical Care, pioneering leak-free, dosa...
2025-09-2335 minBrilliance TalksHow to Lead Digital Transformation in Fintech & BlockchainWhat does it take to lead real digital transformation—not just talk about it?In this episode of Brilliance Talks, host Simac Konkader sits down with Scarlett Sieber, one of the most influential women in fintech, blockchain, and digital strategy.Scarlett’s career spans startups to global enterprises. She co-founded Infomous, a data visualization tech used by the Olympics, NFL, The Economist, The Guardian, USA TODAY, and more. She’s been named to countless Top 50 / Top 100 lists across finance, blockchain, and innovation — proving she’s not just following trends, she’s setting them.In this epis...
2025-09-1623 minBrilliance TalksHow to Build a Business That Actually Heals PeopleIn this episode of Brilliance Talks, host Simac Konkader sits down with Charlie Goodchild — Founder of Better, host of the Better Never Ends podcast, and a leader in physiotherapy, sports medicine, and healthcare innovation.With years of experience leading large clinical teams, working in elite sports, and helping people recover from complex injuries, Charlie shares how he transitioned from physiotherapist to entrepreneur — and why health, growth, and leadership are never-ending journeys. In this conversation, you’ll learn:How to turn clinical expertise into a successful businessWhy leadership in health...
2025-09-0927 minBrilliance TalksThe Hidden Crisis Inside Every Workplace“I made a commitment: whatever career I chose, it had to be focused on saving lives.”In this episode of Brilliance Talks, I sit down with Cal Beyer—a national leader in workplace mental health, suicide prevention, and safety.For more than 30 years, Cal has been at the forefront of reshaping how industries, especially construction, approach human connection, well-being, and leadership.We cover:Growing up around chronic pain and addiction—and what it taught him about empathyWhy judgment-free leadership is essential for thriving workplacesPractical steps leaders can take to create cultures where people f...
2025-09-0230 minBrilliance TalksHow AI Is Changing Sales Forever | Founder of LaunchedWhat if your best salesperson wasn’t human?In this episode of Brilliance Talks with Simac Konkader, we sit down with [Name], Founder & CEO of Launched, a trailblazing B2B sales and marketing platform that’s changing how companies drive growth.With £541,164.60 in pre-seed funding secured and a £3 million seed round on the horizon, Launched is already making waves by introducing Nova — a human-level AI salesperson designed to personalise outreach, nurture relationships, and help businesses achieve more with less.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:...
2025-08-2622 minBrilliance TalksFrom Journalist to CEO: Ben Nicholls’ Journey to Building a Media EmpireIn this episode of Brilliance Talks with Simac Konkader, Ben shares his journey from the newsroom to building a multi-million-pound PR and media empire. From launching Jam Press, a NAPA-accredited news agency, to scaling JamPrime into a leading PR firm trusted by high-profile entrepreneurs, Ben reveals the storytelling, strategy, and mindset behind his success.With features across national and international media, recognition as UK Business Leader of the Year, and membership in the Forbes Business Council, Ben is on a mission to amplify authentic stories and cut through the noise with “No fluff. No fa...
2025-08-1942 minBrilliance TalksHow She Built a Multi-Million Property Empire from NothingManni Chopra is a multiple award-winning property developer, investor, author, mentor, and speaker and she’s on a mission to help 1 MILLION people achieve financial abundance through property investing.In this episode of Brilliance Talks with Simac Konkader, Manni shares her journey of completing 30+ property projects, raising over £4.5 million from private investors, and winning prestigious awards like Real Developer of the Year and multiple Property Investor Awards.From transforming unloved properties into profitable developments to scaling with mixed-use projects and larger HMOs in 2025, Manni reveals the strategies, mindset, and les...
2025-08-1245 minBrilliance TalksWhat No One Tells You About Running a CompanyWhat happens when clarity meets execution?In this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Bill Harper — a seasoned CEO coach and business strategist known for helping leaders cut through the noise and actually deliver results.With decades of experience guiding CEOs, Bill shares:✅ Why most leaders don’t need more time — they need more clarity✅ How to think like a coach, not just a boss✅ The biggest traps high-performers fall into✅ His framework for getting leaders to ali...
2025-08-051h 03Brilliance TalksWhy Most Acquisitions Fail (And How to Actually Win)In this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Thomas Willbye, Managing Director of Kierstone, to unpack the untold truths behind failed mergers—and how to fix them.With over a decade of experience in high-stakes Post-Merger Integration (PMI), Thomas shares powerful insights on why most M&A deals fail after the handshake, and what companies must do to protect their valuation, culture, and momentum during integration.What you'll learn:- Why most integrations go wrong—and how to avoid it- How Kierstone saves M&A deals from fall...
2025-07-2939 minBrilliance TalksHow I Turned Tragedy Into a Global Mission - Raymond Rodriguez-TorresIn this powerful episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Raymond Rodriguez-Torres — bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and Co-CEO of ALC Home Health. But this conversation goes far beyond business. Raymond shares his extraordinary journey of:- Leading global pharma and healthcare organisations- Losing his daughter, Bella, to childhood cancer- Turning grief into global impact through the Live Like Bella® Foundation- Finding meaning, leadership, and legacy in the darkest of times💡 You’ll learn:- What rea...
2025-07-2248 minBrilliance TalksDoctors Can Miss It But Your Genes Won’t - Mark RamondtWhat does it take to lead through chaos and still create meaningful impact?In this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Mark Ramondt — serial founder, global investor, and Co-Founder of MultiplAI Health — to unpack how to lead in uncertain times without losing direction or momentum.With over two decades of experience in multinational leadership and 12+ years in tech entrepreneurship, Mark shares the mindset shifts, systems, and lessons that helped him derisk growth, embrace innovation, and scale across volatile markets.In this episode:1. The truth about leading in uncertain, transformative times2. Why most businesses fail to adapt — and ho...
2025-07-1530 minBrilliance TalksHow Technology Can Restore Trust in PropertyIn this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Shahad Choudhury, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer of OpenBrix, to explore how technology — when built with purpose — can bring harmony back into broken systems.Shahad is the visionary behind tlyfe, the UK’s tenant lifecycle app designed to create transparency, trust, and ease between tenants, landlords, and agents. From his roots in international development with the World Bank and DFID to now pioneering PropTech using blockchain and AI — Shahad brings a global perspective to local problems.In this conversation:
2025-07-0135 minBrilliance TalksFrom 6 Cufflinks to a Multi-Million Pound Brand – Elliot's StoryWhat does it really take to build a business from scratch — without funding, fame, or followers?In this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Elliot Bishton, founder of Engravers Guild of London, a personalised gift brand that started with just 6 pairs of cufflinks on a kitchen table.Today? It’s a multi-million-pound e-commerce business, rooted in 4 generations of family craftsmanship.🔍 Inside this episode:→ How Elliot made the leap from corporate to founder→ What it takes to scale without los...
2025-06-2450 minBrilliance TalksHow He Became CEO of the Year twice🎙️ In this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Harmeet Ahuja, CEO of Sun Mark and two-time Thames Valley CEO of the Year, for a raw and powerful conversation on scaling with purpose, building global impact, and leading without compromise.From growing Sun Mark from £8M to over £200M in revenue, Harmeet shares the strategic decisions, mindset shifts, and leadership values that shaped his journey — and how purpose, not profit, drove the growth.🔥 Inside this episode:– Why scaling isn’t just about strategy, it’s about soul– What it really takes to win trust in global markets– The unseen discipline...
2025-06-1754 minBrilliance TalksFrom Finance to Tech: How Lee Kuyper Is Changing the GameIn this episode of Brilliance Talks, Simac Konkader sits down with Lee Kuyper, CEO of Alula Technologies, for a powerful conversation on bold leadership, digital transformation, and what it takes to scale businesses in a fast-moving world.With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of finance, tech, and innovation, Lee shares how he's leading Alula to not just adapt to change, but set the pace.🚀 Inside this episode: How to lead through complexity with purposeWhy technology alone isn’t the solution—people areLessons from scaling across insurance, health...
2025-06-1246 minBrilliance TalksFrom Graduate to CEO: How David Bloxham Built a Multi-Million Recruitment BusinessDavid Bloxham is the CEO of GCS Talent and has been a key figure in the recruitment industry since 1996. From starting as a graduate recruiter to leading a successful management buyout with nGAGE in 2017, David's story is a blueprint for anyone building a career or business in tech recruitment, leadership, and talent acquisition. In this episode of the Brilliance Talks Podcast, Simac Konkader interviews David about his journey from consultant to CEO — and the key decisions that shaped his success in the staffing and recruitment industry. What you’ll learn in this epis...
2025-05-1331 min
Epic Entrepreneurs PodcastBuilding a Thriving Integrative Medical Center with Dr. Janice Simmons‑FisherIn this episode of the Epic Entrepreneurs Podcast, host Simac Konkader welcomes Dr. Janice Simmonds-Fisher, the founder of Bioregeneration Integrated Medical Center. Dr. Simmonds-Fisher shares her journey from a traditional medical background to pioneering regenerative and functional medicine. She discusses the transformative impact of business coaching on her practice, the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship, and her passion for helping patients optimize their health. She also dives into innovative medical solutions, including stem cell therapy, peptide treatments, and metabolic breath analysis. Tune in to learn how she scaled her business, overcame challenges, and built a patient-centered practice that continues...
2025-03-2731 minEpic Entrepreneurs PodcastThe Value of The Never Give Up Attitude for Business Owners from Peter WhartonIn this episode of the Epic Entrepreneurs Podcast, host Simac Konkader sits down with Peter Wharton, the Managing Director of Wharton Natural Infrastructure Limited, to explore the mindset and strategies behind lasting business success. Peter shares valuable lessons from their journey, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and strategic planning. They also discuss overcoming personal and professional challenges, the role of leadership in driving growth, and how to create a lasting impact in their industry.About Wharton National Infrastructure Limited:Wharton Natural Infrastructure Limited specializes in enhancing natural environments through innovative ecological and arboricultural solutions. Founded...
2025-01-3008 minEpic Entrepreneurs PodcastBuilding Your Companies Culture as a Leader not a Manager from Lance HillIn this episode of Epic Entrepreneurs, host Simac Konkader sits down with Lance Hill, CEO of 8Group, to uncover the three key factors that have shaped his 35-year career in business. Lance shares insights on the power of continuous learning, the importance of going above and beyond, and how building a strong reputation can drive long-term success. He also discusses the impact of leadership, the value of customer feedback, and how AI and automation are transforming industries.About Lance Hill:Lance Hill is the CEO of 8Group, a leading marketing services and printing company. With over 35...
2025-01-2309 minEpic Entrepreneurs PodcastRevolutionizing Recruiting: How Pure Staff Plans to Scale From $15mil to $100mil This Decade w/ ActionCOACHIn this episode of the Epic Entrepreneurs Podcast, host Simac Konkader, interviews David Whitehouse, founder of Pure Staff, a successful recruitment agency generating over $14 million in annual revenue. David shares his entrepreneurial journey, from starting Pure Staff 15 years ago to the challenges and triumphs along the way. He discusses key topics such as the importance of trust in building a strong team, the value of adaptability in leadership, and the transformative impact of working with a business coach. David's candid reflections on scaling his business, supporting charities, and evolving his management style provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
2024-12-1242 minEpic Entrepreneurs PodcastHow to Create the Never Give Up Attitude for You and Your Team w/ Peter WhartonIn this episode of the Epic Entrepreneurs Podcast, host Simac Konkader interviews Peter Wharton, the Managing Director of Wharton Natural Infrastructure Limited. Peter shares insights into his journey, emphasizing resilience, a "never give up" mindset, and the importance of balancing passion with forward-looking strategies. Reflecting on his challenges and achievements, Peter discusses how his personal journey with dyslexia and ADHD has shaped his approach to leadership and success. His focus on community impact, team alignment, and sustainable growth underpins his leadership style and commitment to making a positive impact in his industry.About Wharton National Infrastructure Limited:
2024-11-1425 minEpic Entrepreneurs PodcastHow to Build Company Culture Through Consistent Messaging from Lance HillIn this episode of the Epic Entrepreneurs Podcast, host Simac Konkader sits down with Lance Hill, the CEO of 8Group, to explore the keys to business success and leadership. Lance shares his top three strategies that have shaped his 35-year career, including the importance of continuous learning, building a culture of excellence, and fostering a strong reputation. He also dives into the challenges of navigating economic downturns, the impact of empathy in leadership, and the benefits of working with a business coach.About Lance Hill and 8Group:Lance Hill is the CEO of 8Group, a leading...
2024-10-3128 minEpic Entrepreneurs PodcastHow Technology and AI is Revolutionizing the Construction IndustryIn this episode, Ray Skelton takes us through his incredible journey of building Specialty Group into a leading force in the insulation industry. Learn how trust, innovation, and adaptability have been key drivers of his success. Ray shares powerful insights on how technology, including AI, is transforming construction, and the vital role of giving back to the community. Whether you're a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, Ray's story offers valuable lessons on leadership, customer satisfaction, and creating a lasting impact in both business and life.About Specialty Group:Specialty Group is a locally owned business serving...
2024-10-1730 minEpic Entrepreneurs PodcastHow Business Coaching Drives Success in the Events Industry: Insights from Melanie LangleyIn this episode, Melanie Langley reflects on her journey of building Oliver Myles into a successful boutique events company. Learn how she went through challenges, embraced innovation, and improved her business strategies to achieve long-term success. Melanie dives deep into the real-world impact of creativity, client relationships, and staying agile in a competitive market—highlighting important lessons that any entrepreneur can apply to grow and strengthen their own business.About Oliver Myles Events: Oliver Myles, founded by Melanie Langley, is a boutique events company specializing in creating bespoke experiences for a diverse range of occasions. With a...
2024-10-0324 minEpic Entrepreneurs PodcastFrom Overwork to Freedom: Candice Mason’s Tips for Systematizing Your Business with ActionCOACH | The Epic Entrepreneurs PodcastDiscover game-changing strategies to systemize your business with Candice Mason. In this episode Candice highlights the importance of proper planning for setting business strategies. She also discusses about empowering employees, and having a right coach. Furthermore, she stresses the power of building reputation for business growth.Please subscribe to this channel so you don’t miss any new episodes!About our guest Candice Mason:Candice Manson is the founder of Mother Cuppa Tea, Director of Masons Minibus & Coach Hire Ltd, and Director of Women in Bus & Coach. Along with her professional achievements, she is a d...
2024-09-1226 minEpic Entrepreneurs PodcastFRP Advisory Proven Solutions: How You Can Overcome Financial Challenges and Grow Your BusinessGet ready for an insightful episode with Paul and Glyn as they share key strategies for overcoming financial challenges and growing your business. They discuss the importance of understanding financial health, key performance indicators, and regularly reviewing financial information for business success. Paul and Glyn also highlight the need to adapt to legislative changes for business growth.Please subscribe to this channel so you don’t miss any new episodes!About our guest Paul & Glyn:FRP Advisory UK is a leading advisory firm specializing in business turnaround, restructuring, and insolvency. With a proven track re...
2024-07-1827 minEpic Entrepreneurs PodcastWestminster Wealth Management: How Business Coaches Keep Entrepreneurs Disciplined and Drive ActionJoin Martin Lockyer as he discusses the key factors that business coaches teach to instill discipline and drive action in entrepreneurs. In this episode, he highlights the importance of setting goals and establishing values in actions. Furthermore, he emphasizes the significance of learning economics for business success and mastering financial literacy through understanding cash flow and proper financial management.Please subscribe to this channel so you don’t miss any new episodes!About our guest Martin Lockyer:Martin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Westminster Wealth Management, focuses on upholding the firm's values and matching hi...
2024-07-1131 min